On January 7, 2025, prior to 3:00 pm, officers from the Kinston Police Department were dispatched to a residence on the 600 block of Terminal Street in reference to a disturbance. As a result of the investigation, a suspect was arrested. The suspect was in the process of being escorted for placement in a patrol vehicle when several individuals at the scene began to argue with the arresting officer. During an already chaotic situation, A dog escaped one of the individual's vehicles and lunged several times at the officer, biting him one time on the left thigh. In order to protect himself from getting bit by the dog again, the officer shot the dog one time, killing the dog.

The officer involved in the incident sustained minor injuries to his leg. Chief of Police, Keith Goyette, stated, "This is a tragic incident for everyone involved. Our officers are trained to handle a variety of situations, but the safety of our officers and the public is always our top priority. We are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all protocols were followed.”

The Kinston Police Department is committed to transparency and accountability. An internal review of the incident is underway. The Kinston Police Department extends its condolences to the dog's owner and acknowledges the emotional impact of such incidents. The department remains dedicated to serving and protecting the community while upholding the highest standards of conduct.