On July 16, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C Shift deputies arrested Skyler Sann, 29, at The Fuel Warehouse gas station in Kinston.
All in Crime
Jury convicts Torrence Howard in 2021 murder case
On July 11, 2025, a jury found Torrence Howard guilty of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The charges stemmed from the 2021 murder of Gabrielle Wendt, who was tragically killed in her home.
Arrest of wanted individual following anonymous community tip
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.
Traffic stop leads to methamphetamine 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.
Kinston Parks & Rec Supervisor, local pastor charged with rape and kidnapping
A Kinston man who serves as both a city employee and local pastor is in jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony charges, including rape, kidnapping, and assault with a firearm.
Update: Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
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.
Lenoir County sex offender arrested for registration violations
On Thursday, July 10th, a registered sex offender was arrested in Lenoir County for failing to report a change of address, as required by law.
Man arrested, gun and drugs seized during traffic stop
On July 12, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office B-Shift deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 258 North after spotting a vehicle with a handwritten license plate and equipment violations.
Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
The Kinston Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred near the intersection of Queen Street and Daniels Street.
Kinston Police officer resigns after DWI arrest
A Kinston police officer has resigned following a DWI arrest stemming from an off-duty incident last month.
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.