On 05/28/2023 Officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to the area of Jack Rountree regarding an EMS paramedic that had been shot. The paramedic was taken to Vidant Medical Center via ground unit and escorted by KPD and LCSO. Investigations and crime lab responded to the scene and began investigating the incident. Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol also responded to the incident to assist with securing the crime scene. The paramedic, whose identity is being withheld at this time, was shot in the upper torso and arm area. As of Monday morning, the paramedic is in stable condition. 

 Additional Update:

 On July 3rd, 2023, members of the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Criminal Action Team with assistance from the NC SBI arrested Rahzion Blount (22) and Dashawn Artis (25) both of Kinston in connection with the Attempted Murder of the Lenoir County EMS worker that occurred on May 28th, 2023 at Jack Rountree Apartments. Both suspects were charged with Accessory After the Fact and placed in the Lenoir County Jail.  A subsequent search warrant was executed on the 800 block of Dixon St. and both suspects were additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for the Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Obtaining Property by False Pretense, and Interfering with Electric Meters.