NAACP seeks answers on arrest, KPD investigates alleged police brutality

A video has been posted on social media involving the Kinston Police Department. The 18 second video shows what appears to be a KPD officer using force to detain an individual. The video was posted on Monday, April 12.

The KPD released a statement on Facebook.

“The Kinston Police Department is aware of a partial video from earlier this evening involving officers while responding to a call for service located at 111. W. Vernon Avenue. We are currently investigating the incident that occurred in the video. The Kinston Police Department is conducting a thorough review of all evidence related to the incident.”

According to the Lenoir County Chapter of the NAACP, the individual seen in the video was treated by EMS and Band Aids were applied to his arms before he was taken to the hospital and later discharged. One member of the city council posted a response to the incident. 

Kinston City Council member Kristal Suggs said on Facebook, “I’m beyond disappointed with what I’ve seen. I’m awaiting answers now. Unfortunately, I’m not well and can’t go to City Hall tonight, but the Mayor and Council can go to City Hall to await answers.”

The NAACP met with the Kinston Police Department and the city manager.

“The NAACP shared that we understood the need for a complete investigation and we requested that ALL videos and law enforcement body cam be included as we hope that every officer involved in the incident had their body cam turned on,” said Barbara Sutton, the president of Kinston-Lenoir County NAACP on Facebook. 

Mayor Don Hardy said, “There will be a thorough investigation and a statement will be released later today.”

Neuse Neuse will continue to investigate and update as more information is known.