On January 6, 2024, Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad officers received information regarding a stolen motor vehicle from Pitt County. Officers quickly located the vehicle on the 400 block of E King Street and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, Francisco Morales, 18, of Kinston, was taken into custody after confirmation that the vehicle was indeed stolen. In addition to the stolen vehicle charge, Morales was served with an unrelated warrant for Larceny of a Motor Vehicle out of Nash County.

Morales is currently being held at the Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond.