On September 23, 2024, officers from D-Squad responded to a report of shoplifting at Harbor Freight in Kinston. The suspects had fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived.

During their investigation, police received information that the suspect vehicle was immobilized in the Sloan Street area. Officers quickly located and detained Eddie Mills, 51, of Kinston, along with two other individuals. Through their investigation, officers identified Mills as one of the shoplifting suspects.

Further inquiries led officers to identify Thomas Westcott, 28, also from Kinston, as the second suspect. He was located shortly after on the 400 block of Lewis Lane.

Both Mills and Westcott were arrested and taken to the Lenoir County Jail, facing the following charges:

Eddie Mills

Felony Aid and Abet Larceny

Thomas Westcott

Felony Larceny

Larceny from Merchant Emergency Door