KINSTON – On May 10, 2024, at approximately 11:00 PM, members of the Kinston Police Department were patrolling the area of Jack Rountree Housing Complex when officers encountered a group of individuals loitering in the area. 

Officers made contact with the individuals in an attempt to investigate a possible trespassing issue per Kinston Housing Authority policy. During that time, officers attempted to identify one of the individuals, but he failed to comply with the officers’ request. 

Officers tried to arrest the individual and ultimately had to utilize force to affect the arrest. During the arrest, bystanders began recording the incident, and since that time, the video has been circulating on various social media outlets. 

The Kinston Police Department Administrative Staff is aware of the incident. As with all cases regarding the use of force, this case is being investigated by the department's professional standards division. 

The Kinston Police Department remains committed to transparency and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. We kindly ask for the community’s patience as we conduct this investigation. The outcome will be made public once completed.

Videos posted below are from Facebook. Viewer discretion is advised. 

The video below was posted on Facebook by the following user: Christy Chaney: WARNING…..this is the video of the assault by 2 officers at Kinston Police Department after all they did to him there was no charge or crime committed he was simply visiting his moms residence standing smoking a cigarette just getting off work

The video below was posted on Facebook by the following user: Kia Lewis: My heart is broken to see the A Government Of Official right from our very own city attack someone Chile like that. Then you wonder why the streets aren’t getting any better. I don’t own the video but I surely shared because I want all us to be aware of how they’re treating us!!! This young man did not appear to be combative and the holds that their train to place us in appeared to be successful. But look at this look how they’re abusing us. My heart is broken!!!