A Kinston police officer has resigned following a DWI arrest stemming from an off-duty incident last month.
All in Crime
Investigation leads to arrest following attempted robbery and shooting
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.
Statement Regarding Video Depicting Use of Force
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.
Embezzlement Investigation Leads to Arrest
In March of this year, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Lenoir County Shrine Club, Sudan Motor Patrol. It was reported to the Sheriff’s Office that Shrine Club funds were possibly being misappropriated.
Traffic stop on US 70 leads to meth, marijuana, and firearm seizure
On July 7, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a black GMC Terrain for speeding 84 MPH in a 55 MPH zone on US 70 East near Eason Road.
Lenoir County man arrested with stolen moped and narcotics
On July 7, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad observed a moped that had been previously reported stolen turn into the parking lot of the Circle K located at 2305 North Herritage Street.
Traffic stop leads to discovery of marijuana grow in Jones County
At approximately 12:00 a.m., while JCSO Deputies were conducting a checking station, they noticed a vehicle attempting to evade the checking station. Deputies responded to investigate and located the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, narcotics were found in plain view inside the vehicle. The driver fled on foot, prompting a search of the area with the assistance of K-9 units from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office. Despite efforts, Deputies were unable to locate the suspect.
Kinston companies, healthcare professionals charged in $14.6 billion national fraud takedown
Two Kinston-based healthcare companies and several individuals have been named in a sweeping federal crackdown on health care fraud, which U.S. officials say is the largest in Department of Justice history.
GHSP Operation & Stolen Vehicle Arrest
On June 28, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office led a Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) proactive enforcement operation across the county. The effort included 31 officers from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Kinston Police Department, Grifton Police Department, and Pink Hill Police Department.
Larceny Complaint Leads to Arrest of 22-Year-Old Lenoir County Man
On June 15, 2025, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen motorcycle at a residence in the 2200 block of Tulls Mill Road in Lenoir County.
Traffic stop leads to drug arrest
On June 26, 2025, Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 70 West near Albert Suggs Road. During the course of the stop, Detectives observed illegal items in plain view, prompting a search of the vehicle.
Lenoir Woman Sentenced in Inmate Overdose Death Case
Lenoir County Woman Convicted in Death by Distribution Case Following Inmate Overdose Receives a Minimum of 15 Years in Prison.
Traffic stop leads to fentanyl trafficking arrests
On June 25, 2025, at approximately 1:42 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) conducted a traffic stop for multiple violations on the 4000 block of Highway 70 West.
Lenoir County man sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison following jury conviction
On June 25, 2025, a Lenoir County man was sentenced to a minimum of 148 months and a maximum of 198 months in prison after being found guilty by a jury earlier this month.
Arrest made following workplace altercation at Smithfield Packing
On June 24, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad responded to a report of a fight at Smithfield Packing.
Kinston teen charged in robbery and firearm Incident involving juvenile
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.
Six charged after stray bullet strikes Lenoir County man
On June 21, 2025 around 1729 hours deputies responded to the 3300 block of Fountain Hill Dr. in Lenoir County for the report of a gunshot wound. Once on scene deputies found Tucker Williams (22) suffering from a wound to his head. Mr Williams was working in the yard and was blowing off his driveway when he was struck by the stray projectile.
Kinston woman arrested and charged with drug violations
A Kinston woman has been arrested by the Lenoir County Sheriff Office and charged with several drug violations.
Pedestrian struck by vehicle on King Street extension
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.
Kinston man sentenced to up to 28 years for 2023 murder of Jaliek Pridgen
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.