A Kinston man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including charges for arson and breaking and entering.

At 7:10 this morning, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Speedway convenience store at 1660 Hwy 11/55 in Kinston for a disturbance call.  

Before deputies arrived, the suspect allegedly had an argument with someone in the parking lot and damaged a vehicle. The clerks inside the store saw this and called 911. They also locked the doors to the store to prevent the suspect from coming into the store.  

The suspect used a blunt instrument to break the glass and entered the store; the clerks inside hid in a secure room. While he was inside, he stole items and set different things on fire, attempting to damage the store and cause injuries to the persons inside. 

LCSO deputies arrived on the scene and were able to take the suspect into custody. He was identified as Eric Kyle Kelly, 35, of Kinston. After arresting the suspect, LCSO deputies put out the fires with a fire extinguisher. 

The LCSO and the Lenoir County Fire Marshal have charged Kelly with the following:

• Felony first degree arson

• Felony breaking and entering with intent to injure

• Felony larceny after breaking and entering

• Felony possession of stolen property 

• Misdemeanor injury to personal property

• Misdemeanor injury to real property

• Misdemeanor communicating threats

Kelly was placed in the Lenoir County Detention Center under a $145,000 secured bond.

“We are very thankful to our deputies for their quick response and training that allowed them to take the suspect into custody quickly,” Sheriff Ronnie Ingram said. “Their training also allowed them to get the fire under control to get the employees out of the building before something terrible occurred.

“We are not sure why this person committed these crimes, but he will have to answer for his actions.”

The volunteer fire departments at Sandy Bottom, Southwood and Deep Run responded to the incident, as well due to the fires being set.