On Friday, February 27, a Duplin County woman was arrested following an investigation into the theft of multiple firearms from a Lenoir County residence.
All in Crime
Broken arm, older injury found in 2-year-old; KPD arrests parents on felony charges
On January 30, 2026, the Department of Social Services filed a report with the Kinston Police Department regarding a 2-year-old child who sustained a broken arm and was taken for medical treatment. During the medical evaluation, staff also discovered evidence of an older fracture.
Man Arrested After Threats to Dispatchers
On February 28, 2026, KPD’s A-Squad responded to a residence in the 800 block of West Washington Avenue in reference to a 911 call involving 43-year-old Justin Church. Officers had responded to the residence multiple times throughout the day.
KPD Arrests Suspect in Sanderson Farms Assault Investigation
On February 17, 2026, the Kinston Police Department received a report from UNC Lenoir Health Care regarding a victim being treated for serious injuries stemming from an assault that occurred at Sanderson Farms. The investigation revealed the victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck in the face with a pistol.
Kinston woman charged after reported stabbing during dispute, police say
On February 27, 2026, at approximately 8:10 a.m., KPD's C-Squad officers responded to a reported disturbance involving a possible stabbing at a residence.
Man arrested on child human trafficking charges in Jones County investigation
Kaleb Mashke was arrested Feb. 25, 2026, in a joint investigation involving the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
KPD: Update: Murder Investigation – Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
Today, the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office delivered closing arguments in the murder trial of Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters. Following deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict, finding Peters guilty of First-Degree Murder in the death of Demario Washington.
Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Arrest and Assault Charges
On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:48 AM, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad conducted a traffic stop on South East Street near East King Street for motor vehicle violations. The driver was identified as 71-year-old Curtis Strayhorn of Greensboro, North Carolina. The passenger was identified as 25-year-old Genesis Jones of Lenoir County.
Trenton man charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
(TRENTON, NC) In February, 2026 members of the Jones County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an investigation related to a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). During the investigation, Joshua David Cochran was identified as a suspect.
Arrest made in stolen vehicle investigation
On February 15, 2026, at approximately 8:46 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to a residence in the 600 block of East Lenoir Avenue in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who reported that 41-year-old Zebroan Artis had taken her keys and stolen her vehicle.
Lenoir County Woman Charged with Embezzlement
On February 17, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of suspected embezzlement involving Hope Restorations.
Lenoir County man arrested on drug and DWI charges following traffic stop
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 8:12 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the 1800 block of East New Bern Road following a report of a wrong-way driver.
Greensboro couple arrested after officers respond to unresponsive driver
On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were dispatched to a restaurant drive-through on the 900 block of West Vernon Avenue following a report of a subject slumped over in a vehicle.
Wanted Lenoir County man arrested after fleeing traffic stop
On February 13, 2026, at approximately 4:31 p.m., detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s VCAT Unit observed a white Dodge Charger traveling south on Old Snow Hill Road.
Kinston man arrested after stolen vehicle
On February 14, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were notified of a stolen vehicle in the area of Vernon Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Lenoir County Woman Charged Following Impaired Driving Crash and Drug Investigation
On Monday, February 9, 2026, the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of US 258 North and Paul’s Path Road involving property damage.
VCAT Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm Charges for Brother and Sister
On February 10, 2026, at approximately 12:44 p.m., Kinston Police Department VCAT detectives observed 23-year-old Brafranco Bryant operating a vehicle on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Detectives were aware that Bryant did not possess a valid North Carolina driver license.
Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest on Drug and Assault Charges
On February 11, 2026, at approximately 1:47 a.m., KPD’s C-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop at East Gordon Street and Vance Street for motor vehicle violations.
Man Arrested After Assaulting Officer While Fire Crews Investigated Gas Odor
On February 10, 2026, KPD’s A-Squad officers were dispatched to the area of Orion Street and King Street to assist the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue. Fire personnel were investigating a reported gas odor and requested assistance due to a belligerent individual on scene.
Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Crash Under Investigation
On February 10, 2026, at approximately 11:59 p.m., KPD’s C-Squad officers were dispatched to the intersection of North Queen Street and Park Avenue in reference to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash.