The Kinston Police Department would like to inform the public that 18-year-old Jai’quez Bond was taken into custody early this morning by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.
All in Crime
Kinston man arrested on Multiple Cocaine Trafficking Charges
A Kinston man was arrested Monday on multiple drug charges by the narcotics unit of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
Scammers target grieving families in new funeral home scheme, funeral director warns
Funeral-related scams are exploiting the grief and vulnerability of mourning families, according to Justin Smith, funeral director at Edwards Funeral Home. The scam, which has affected multiple North Carolina families in recent weeks, involves impostors posing as funeral directors and pressuring loved ones for last-minute payments ahead of services.
Kinston drug investigation results in arrests and seizures
On April 16, 2025, members of the Kinston Police Department’s SWAT Team and members of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team executed three simultaneous search warrants at 404, 406, and 411 North Adkin Street, Kinston, N.C. The warrants were a result of a 3-month investigation into the illegal sale of crack cocaine from various individuals who occupied the properties.
Three charged in breaking and entering at former Vernon Park Mall
The Kinston Police Department’s A Squad and C Squad have continued their investigation into this incident and have identified two additional suspects: Ricky Shadding Jr. (42, of Black Creek, NC) and Meaghan Reason (34, of Morganton, NC).
Raleigh woman arrested after vehicle pursuit and crash in Kinston
On April 11, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad attempted a traffic stop on Macon Street. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and fled, initiating a pursuit. The chase ended when the driver crashed into a fence. She then fled on foot into nearby woods, taking an 8-year-old passenger with her.
La Grange man jailed without bond after stolen gun, drugs found during probation check
A La Grange man is in jail without bond after being in possession of a stolen firearm and drugs while on probation.
Lenoir County man arrested for DWI, assault, following series of hit-and-run crashes
On April 10, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad were flagged down by a victim of a hit-and-run incident near the intersection of E. Vernon Avenue and Highway 11. The victim reported that their vehicle had been struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene. The victim was able to provide officers with a description of the suspect vehicle.
Wanted man assaults officer during arrest
On April 8, 2025, a Kinston Police Officer was conducting a foot patrol in the 100 block of North Independence Street when he observed James Edgeston (70 of Kinston). The officer was aware that Edgeston had an active Order for Arrest and attempted to take him into custody.
Kinston Police Department Monday updates
Recent updates posted on social media by the Kinston Police Department.
Case Update: La Grange Man indicted on federal charges in 2024 Jay’s Place shooting
On February 11, 2025, the Kinston Police Department's representative for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), appeared before a Federal Grand Jury and Dontrieves Hooker was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. This charge comes as a result of his involvement in the shooting incident that took place on February 3, 2024, outside of Jay’s Place Night Club.
Kinston Police arrest suspect on weapons charges
On March 31, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B and D Squads responded to the 500 block of E. Shine Street following reports of individuals walking in the area wearing masks and carrying firearms.
Lenoir County Man Sentenced for Larceny and Identity Theft; Will Be Extradited to Georgia After Prison Term
A Lenoir County man pled guilty today to larceny and identity theft charges and will spend the next few years in prison before being extradited to Georgia.
Greenville man arrested after endangering children, fleeing with loaded rifle
A Greenville man was arrested early this morning by Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies after putting his two minor children in danger by driving recklessly and by returning to the scene of a disturbance with a loaded rifle.
Update: Lonneil Cordarius Mason released from hospital, booked in Lenoir County Jail on attempted murder charges
This is an update for Lonneil Cordarius Mason, 34, who allegedly shot into three Amazon vans and then drove the wrong way on N.C. 11, causing a head-on collision that injured two women.