On Thursday, May 23, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., members of the Kinston Police Department searched the area of Mitchell Wooten Apartments after being alerted to a subject with outstanding warrants.  During that time, an officer with the Kinston Police Department located the suspect, Demetrius Williams, 36, of Goldsboro, operating his vehicle near the intersection of Raleigh St. and E. Vernon Ave. A subsequent vehicle stop was conducted. The officer attempted to have Williams step from the vehicle to place him into custody for the warrant. While doing so, Williams began reaching toward the vehicle's glove box. The officer continued to instruct Williams to exit the vehicle, and Williams lunged towards the glove box area; the officer discharged a single shot into the vehicle, missing Williams. As the officer attempted to retreat to cover, Williams sped off, leading officers on a short vehicle pursuit, before being apprehended.

During the course of the investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, and officers located a firearm in the glove box along with marijuana and cocaine. Williams has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine and Marijuana, Carrying a Concealed Gun, Felony Flee to Elude, Driving While Impaired, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was placed in the Lenoir County Jail without bond. 

The NC SBI was called to assist with the officer-involved shooting, and the department is conducting its own internal investigation.