Arrest made in Kinston bank robbery

On morning of January 4, 2021, officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a robbery that took place at The First Flight Federal Credit Union located at 2405 North Herritage Street, Kinston.

During the course of the investigation, officers determined Joseph Cecil Gardner Jr. was a suspect and was driving a silver, 2014 Buick SUV. Warrants were obtained on Joseph Cecil Gardner Jr. for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Mr. Gardner, 42 years old, resides on Central Avenue in Snow Hill, NC. The suspect and vehicle were entered that same day into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) for law enforcement officers to be on the lookout.

Today, a Trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol located the vehicle in Harnett County and conducted a vehicle stop. The driver, Joseph Cecil Gardner Jr. ran from the vehicle but was quickly taken into custody. Mr. Gardner is currently being processed and his bond is pending. Officers with the Kinston Police Department, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Greene County Sheriff's Office, SBI and FBI are working jointing continuing with this investigation.

The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will investigate such cases with no compromise for crime, and continue to seek assistance from the community we proudly serve. If anyone has any further information about this incident, please call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.