Violent crime is on the rise in North Carolina — up 18% since 2018. Voter concern about crime is also rising. It played a key role in the 2020 elections. It will probably do so again in 2022.
All in Crime
Lenoir County Sheriff's Office warns of text messaging scam reaching local residents
A text message is going around and has reached some of our residents in the area. This text is advising you have a package that is on hold with a website link. When you open the link, it appears to be a US Postal service web page.
Greene County Sheriff's Office requests public's assistance in identifying an armed robbery suspect
The Greene County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in identifying an armed robbery suspect. On 09-01-2022 around 1:55 am a male subject wearing a white tank top and tan pants entered the Speedway store located on Hwy 258 North in Snow Hill.
Lenoir County Sheriff Office: Drug arrest in southern Lenoir County
On August 13, 2022, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Narcotics and Criminal Investigations Units executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Hill on Jessie T. Bryan Road. This search warrant was part of an ongoing drug and criminal violation case. They were assisted in the investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
NCDOT, SHP Stress Move Over Law
The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. But drivers aren’t always adhering to the law, and that can cause life-altering situations.
Greene County Sheriff's Office requests public assistance
The Greene County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public in reference to two breaking and entering investigations in the Shine Area.
KPD: Early morning crash ends in fatality
On Tuesday August 9, 2022, at 6:12 am, officers with the Kinston Police Department along with EMS and Kinston Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a Commercial Truck and motorcycle on 200 block of HWY 58 S. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced dead on scene. Officers are still conducting their investigation into the incident and charges are pending.
Lenoir County Sheriff's Office: Suspect arrested in La Grange murder
On August 5, at approximately 4:30 pm, Lenoir County Deputies responded to the 400 block of South Wooten Street in La Grange in reference to a shooting incident.
KPD responds to report of stolen motor vehicle, juveniles arrested
Over the past several weeks the Kinston Police Department has seen an increase in automotive thefts occurring in the city. On Saturday, July 30, 2022, at approximately 11 p.m. Kinston Police Officers responded to the report of a stolen motor vehicle in the area of Highway 70 East.
Kristy Bock: When to think, when to pray, when to plan, when to do
2022 feels like it’s the year of violence for the small southern city I live in. As the world argues about inflation and gas prices, residents of the city of Kinston are being shot. The profound grief felt by residents of the city is a call unanswered by their leaders. I’m sure the weight of these deaths is heavy on their collective minds as they lead the city in prayer.
Jones County release courthouse dress code
Jones County NC posted the following on their Facebook page: Administrative order: The undersigned Senior Resident Superior court Judge and Chief District Court Judge of the Fourth Judicial District have determined that the following attire and items are prohibited in the Jones County Courthouse.
From targeted violence to random shootings, Kinston has a crime problem
Kinston has experienced a surge of violent crime in the past seven months. While most of those were said to be targeted attacks, the shootings early Monday morning were not. Ervin Waters Jr., a resident of Greenville, has been charged with shooting at a 71-year-old’s car on July 25, 2022 at 4:20 am on Monday. He then allegedly shot and killed 28-year-old John Palmer on Airport Road at 4:45 am. At 5:45 the same morning, Waters is said to have shot and killed a 17-year-old.
New Update: Arrests made in recent shooting
On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Investigators with the Kinston Police Department arrested Calvin Suggs for his involvement in the Homicide of a 17 year old Kinston resident and the Attempted Murder of a 71 year old Kinston resident on July 25th, 2022. Suggs has been charged with Aid and Abet to Murder and Aid and Abet to Attempted Murder and placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a $2,000,000.00 bond.
Update: Arrests made in recent shooting
Ervin Lee Waters Jr. (DOB: 8/10/1997) has been charged and arrested for the 1st Degree Murder regarding the incident on the 1500 Block of Hyman Avenue and Attempted 1st Degree Murder for the incident near the intersection of Adkin Street and E. Bright Street. Samuel Tiveon Roberts (DOB: 6/2/1990) has been charged and arrested in connection to the above listed incidents for Aid/Abet 1st Degree Murder and Aid/Abet Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
KPD: Three shootings, two fatalities Monday morning
On Monday, July 25th, 2022, at approximately 4:20 am, Kinston Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting that had occurred near the intersection of Adkin Street and E. Bright Street. On the same date at approximately 4:40 am, Kinston Police Officers were called to a report of an individual that had been shot on the 100 block of Airport Rd. A short time later at approximately 5:45 am, officers were called to the 1500 block of Hyman Ave. Kinston, N.C. in reference to a deceased individual near the roadway.
Greene County Sheriff's office and SBI investigating two shootings
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office along with the NC State Bureau of Investigation are currently investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred near the Greene/Lenoir County Line.
Snow Hill Police Department: Stolen vehicle recovered by traffic stop
On 07/18/2022 at 1:30am Officer Harper observed a vehicle in the area of Greenridge Road committing a traffic violation. Harper followed the vehicle, noticed suspicious activity and initiated a traffic stop. During the investigation, Harper developed probable cause to search the vehicle and detained the driver.
KPD: CASE UPDATE: Arrest made in Adkin Street shooting
During the course of this investigation, Joe Earl Wilson, 49, of Kinston, was identified as a possible suspect. On Wednesday, July 6, 2022,
KPD: Two arrested in cases of drug distribution
On Thursday, July 14, 2022 officers with the Kinston Police Department with the assistance of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant and arrest warrant at 3421 Falling Creek Kinston, NC. Officers located Joseph Wilson, 36 of Kinston, NC at the residence who was wanted for narcotics distribution.
Snow Hill Police Department: Stabbing leads to arrest
On 07/10/2022 Snow Hill Police Department, assisted by Greene County Sheriff's Office, responded to a private residence on West Greene Street to investigate a reported assault. Chief Smith arrived on scene and discovered a stabbing victim who was treated promptly by Greene County EMS, and was subsequently transported to Vidant Medical Center.