The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident connected to a video that was recently shared on the Word of Mouth Kinston Facebook page.
All in Crime
Vehicle Crash Leads to DWI Arrest
While conducting proactive patrols, officers with KPD's A-Squad located a vehicle that had collided with a light pole at Greenbriar Road and W Vernon Avenue. Officers made contact with the driver, identified as 41-year-old Martha Guardiola, and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Deep Run Woman Arrested for DWI After Falling Asleep in McDonald’s Drive-Thru
On June 13, 2026, at approximately 2:22 a.m., officers with KPD’s D-Squad responded to McDonald’s, located at 4194 W. Vernon Avenue, after receiving a report of a person asleep in the drive-thru.
Six Arrested Following Multiple Burglaries in Mitchell Wooten
Officers with the Kinston Police Department's A-Squad responded to Mitchell Wooten Apartments in reference to an active breaking and entering. With assistance from the KPD Crime Lab and Investigations Division, officers quickly identified, detained, and ultimately arrested several individuals involved in the incident.
Two Kinston residents charged following social media identification request
On June 10, 2026, the Kinston Police Department requested the public's assistance in identifying a subject involved in a larceny at Handy Mart. Following the release of the photo, officers received numerous tips from community members and responded to additional reports involving the same subject committing larcenies at two other businesses.
Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On June 5, 2026, Joshua Preece, 45, of Lenoir County, was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina law.
Suspicious Person Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest
On June 6, 2026, at approximately 5:52 p.m., deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office D Shift responded to a report of a suspicious person in the area of Hugo Church Road and Hugo Road.
KPD: Mother Charged After Child Found Unattended
On June 7, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department's A-Squad responded to a residence in the 900 block of Savannah Lane in reference to a reported missing 5-year-old child.
Mother Charged Following Child Abuse Investigation
On May 28, 2026, the Kinston Police Department's Investigations Division received information from the Department of Social Services regarding suspected child abuse involving a 12-year-old child.
KPD: Continued investigation leads to additional arrest
On 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, members of the Kinston Police Department’s Investigations Division responded to Sam’s Mini Mart in reference to a shooting involving 12-year-old that ultimately left the child paralyzed.
LCSO: Arrest Made Following Intentional Vehicle Assault
On June 5, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office A Shift responded to the area of Shep Road in reference to an active disturbance.
LCSO: Lenoir County Woman Sentenced to Prison on Trafficking Charge
A Lenoir County woman has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirms use of Flock license plate reader cameras
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras along key roadways and travel corridors throughout the county, according to information provided by Capt. Christy M. Smith.
LCSO: Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On June 1, 2026, Michael Raymond Boucher, 40, of Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina law.
Kinston drug investigation leads to two arrests on crack cocaine charges
On May 30, 2026, at approximately 11:10 AM, the Kinston Police Department's Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT), with assistance from D-Squad officers, concluded an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine in Kinston.
Kinston traffic stop leads to marijuana, firearms charges
On May 29, 2026, at approximately 8:16 PM, KPD's B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 North for a motor vehicle violation.
Kinston Police Department: Social media threats lead to terrorism arrest
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Kinston Police Department received information regarding social media videos allegedly posted by 43-year-old Justin Church of Kinston that contained threats directed toward law enforcement and judicial officials within Lenoir County.
Craven County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On May 21, 2026, Jamal Jakes Barnes was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina State Law.
Pastor Jason McKnight: The Statue of Liberty and the Silhouette of the Cross
On July 4th, 2015, some 239 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I personally took the oath of naturalization. I was born and raised in Canada, I’d moved to the US in 1999 for grad school.
Kinston Police Department: Weekend recap
Kinston police reported four weekend arrests following traffic stops that led to drug, firearm and impaired driving charges.