A convicted felon was arrested by Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies Tuesday after he was found hiding in an outbuilding with a firearm.
All in Crime
KPD investigating two early morning break-Ins; suspect sought
On April 25, 2025, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Kinston Police Department officers responded to a breaking and entering at the Greater Kinston Credit Union. Officers arrived to find a damaged door and discovered that a male suspect had entered the building and ransacked the area. At this time, no items have been reported stolen from the bank.
Lenoir County inmates charged in new narcotics trafficking case
Two Lenoir County men already behind bars were issued warrants for their arrest as the result of a narcotics investigation by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic’s Unit.
Shoplifting suspect arrested following brief pursuit
On April 29, 2025, at approximately 6:10 PM, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a reported shoplifting incident at 701 N McLewean Street (Big Blue). Upon arrival, officers were informed that the suspect had fled the scene and were provided a description.
Lenoir county man arrested for stealing copper from air conditioning units
A Lenoir County man was arrested earlier today by investigators with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office for breaking into a Deep Run residence in March and stealing copper from an air conditioning unit.
Trespassing call leads to assault on officers
On April 26, 2025, at approximately 7:13 p.m., officers from the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad responded to a 911 call regarding a trespassing incident at an apartment in the Simon Bright community. The caller reported that an individual was trespassing and "causing problems," and provided officers with the subject’s name and clothing description.
Breaking and entering response leads to firearm arrest
On April 25, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to a report of a possible breaking and entering in the 700 block of Marilyn Drive. Upon arrival, officers observed 24-year-old Jakeithan Gowans placing a window screen back onto a window.
Woman arrested for providing marijuana to children
On April 23, 2025, the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crimes Apprehension Team (VCAT), in collaboration with officers from KPD’s B-Squad, arrested Stephanie Stallings (46) following an investigation into allegations that she provided marijuana to two young children, ages 5 and 6.
Suspect in Highland Avenue assault and shooting incident apprehended
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.
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.