On June 20, 2024, KPD officers responded to an assault report at Wells Fargo located at 1903 W Vernon Avenue. Upon arrival, they made contact with the victim, who stated that while she was waiting in line, a bank employee named Lucretia McMurtry (55, of Kinston) began yelling at her. The verbal altercation escalated when McMurtry grabbed the victim by the neck, shook her head uncontrollably, and began strangling her.

KPD detectives investigated the incident, gathered evidence, and obtained a warrant for McMurtry on charges of Felony Assault by Strangulation and Resisting a Public Officer. The warrants were served, and McMurtry was released on an unsecured bond.