All tagged kinston police department
Wilmington, NC – On July 14, 2025 the North Carolina Police Executives Association (NCPEA) selected the Kinston Police Department as its Law Enforcement Agency of the Year for its innovative Cold Case Unit, established in 2024. The KPD Cold Case Unit was inspired by the successful closure of a nearly 40-year-old homicide case.
Following an internal review conducted by the Kinston Police Department Administration and the department's Internal Affairs Division, the following information is being released to provide transparency and support the actions taken by responding officers during a recent critical incident.
In light of this weekend’s events, we want to ensure that families in our community know about this important program designed to help protect individuals who may be at greater risk of wandering or going missing, such as those living with autism, dementia, or other cognitive challenges.
2:20PM Update: At approximately 1:33 PM, divers from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office located the body of Jaylen Green. Chief Keith Goyette shared the following statement: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Jaylen Green. On behalf of the entire department, I want to express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the search and ask the community to continue offering their support to the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Early Sunday at approximately 3:15 a.m., Kinston officers responded to a domestic-related call on the 1300 block of Manchester Road where a male suspect armed with a firearm threatened a female resident. When the suspect produced the weapon upon officers’ arrival, they discharged their service weapons, fatally wounding him. The SBI and KPD’s internal affairs division are now conducting independent and internal investigations, and both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
On July 16, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad responded to an anonymous tip regarding a wanted individual in the Mitchell Wooten area. Upon arrival, officers located and safely took Eddie Mills into custody without incident. Mills was wanted on 11 active Orders for Arrest.
On July 16, 2025, at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad conducted a traffic stop on McDaniels Street involving 31-year-old Jyair Smith. During the stop, K9 Kio performed an exterior sniff around the vehicle and alerted his handler to the presence of narcotics.
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 9:32 p.m., the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of a 12-year-old male who was shot while at Sam’s Mini Mart (1419 N. Queen Street). The victim was at the store with his mother at the time of the incident.
Yesterday, I witnessed a handful of adults berate the city council and call for the reallocation of police funds because an officer allegedly abused his power and was caught on video doing so. The police department gave a canned “we are investigating the issue” statement, and the mayor co-signed their message by way of copy and paste.
The Kinston Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred near the intersection of Queen Street and Daniels Street.
A Kinston police officer has resigned following a DWI arrest stemming from an off-duty incident last month.
On July 30, 2025, Kinston Police officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 1300 block of McAdoo Street. Upon arrival, officers located Jamell Howard, 37, of Kinston, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Howard was transported to ECU Health for treatment while detectives initiated an investigation.
The Kinston Police Department (KPD) is aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an incident involving one of our officers and the use of force. We understand that this video has generated significant public interest and concern.
The Kinston Police Department has welcomed a new member to the force — a therapy puppy donated by a local family, part of a growing wellness initiative designed to support officer and staff mental health.
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 3:34 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on East New Bern Road for a lighting equipment violation. During the stop, officers observed indicators of possible narcotics activity, which led to a probable cause search of the vehicle.
On June 20, 2025, at approximately 4:19 p.m., officers from the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the intersection of Bynum Boulevard and Colgate Drive in reference to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle and possible gunshots.
The Kinston Police Department has unveiled a new digital tool aimed at enhancing transparency and helping residents stay informed about crime in their neighborhoods.
On June 18, 2025, at 8:59 PM, officers with the Kinston Police Department's D-Squad responded to the Nature Center on King Street Extension following a report of an individual walking in the roadway.
On June 2nd, 2025, Donteon Foye entered into a plea agreement and pled guilty to one count of Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of Jaliek Pridgen, which occurred on October 19, 2023. As part of the plea agreement, Foye also pled guilty to two counts of Malicious Conduct by a Prisoner.
On June 8, 2025, Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a report of a toddler in the roadway near 130 S. Queen Street. Officers quickly located and secured a 2-year-old child and contacted Lenoir County DSS for assistance.
