Kinston police report drug arrests, burglary and assault investigation

September 24, 2026

10:44 a.m. – D-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop involving 40-year-old Aaron Arzate of Raleigh. During the stop, K9 Kilo assisted officers and located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Arzate was arrested and placed in the Lenoir County Jail.

September 25, 2026

8:21 p.m. – C-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop involving 37-year-old Theressa Hawkins of Cove City. During the stop, officers located Adderall pills, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Hawkins was arrested and placed in the Lenoir County Jail.

September 26, 2026

12:01 a.m. – C-Squad officers and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to a drug complaint at a residence in the 900 block of Macon Street. The investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Joe Williams, who initially provided officers with a false identity.

Williams was placed in the Lenoir County Jail on the following charges:

- Identity Theft

- Possession With Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Williams was also served with an unrelated Order for Arrest.

5:56 a.m. – Officers responded to a reported burglary at a residence on the 1000 block of W. Highland Avenue. Officers made contact with the victim, who had been assaulted.

The investigation determined that Tishema President entered the victim’s residence, damaged property inside the home, and assaulted the victim with a liquor bottle. The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to ECU Health for treatment.

Officers obtained warrants for President for First-Degree Burglary and Assault With a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. President was taken into custody later that day.

President and the victim knew each other prior to the incident.