Kinston Police Department arrests update
On February 21, 2025, Kinston Police Department (KPD) officers responded to a breaking and entering at Safeway Market, located at 700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Following an investigation, KPD detectives identified 23-year-old Andre Jones Jr as the suspect.
Warrants have been issued for Jones' arrest on charges of Breaking and Entering, Larceny After Breaking and Entering, and Felony Conspiracy.
KPD is actively seeking information on Jones’ whereabouts. If you have any information that could assist in this case, please contact:
Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line: 252-939-4020
Lenoir County Crime Stoppers: 252-523-4444
Tip411 App (Anonymous Tips) – Available on Apple and Android devices
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Two Arrested for DWI & Child Abuse Following Disturbance Call
On March 23, 2025, at approximately 7:24 p.m., KPD’s D-Squad officers responded to a disturbance call. While speaking with one of the individuals involved, a passing vehicle was identified as being connected to the incident. Officers conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, William Brown (32) of La Grange, along with passenger Hailey Cummings (24) of Kinston and four juvenile passengers, ranging in age from 8 months to 6 years old.
Officers detected impairment in both Brown and Cummings. A DWI investigation confirmed that Brown was driving under the influence, leading to his arrest for DWI and four counts of Child Abuse. Officers also served him with multiple outstanding Orders for Arrest.
Cummings was also arrested and charged with four counts of Child Abuse, along with multiple outstanding Orders for Arrest.
KPD would like to thank the Department of Social Services for their swift response and assistance with this incident.
DWI Arrest Following Crash on Hwy 11
On March 23, 2025, at around 7:09 a.m., KPD’s B-Squad responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 11 and E. Highland Avenue. While investigating, officers determined that one of the drivers, Kelvin Purdie Jr., was impaired.
Further investigation confirmed that Purdie caused the crash while under the influence. He was arrested without incident for Driving While Impaired (DWI).
Arrest Made Following Indecent Exposure Report
On March 21, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., KPD’s D-Squad officers responded to a report of a male exposing himself to passing drivers on E. Vernon Avenue near McLewean Street.
Upon arrival, officers attempted to identify the suspect, but he fled on foot. A perimeter was established, and KPD’s K9 Kilo tracked the suspect to a crawl space beneath a residence on the 100 block of Capitola Avenue. Officers located and identified him as Tobijah McNeil (31) of Fayetteville, NC.
McNeil had five active Orders for Arrest from Cumberland County, which were served upon his capture. He was also charged with Resisting a Public Officer. Due to the caller’s declining to cooperate with the investigation, no additional charges related to indecent exposure were filed.
McNeil remains in custody at the Lenoir County Jail.
Arrest Made: Wanted Subject Taken into Custody
On March 19, 2025, KPD officers responded to Independence Street for a report of a wanted subject, Devante Bruton (25, of Kinston). Officers located Bruton behind a residence, where he attempted to evade arrest. He then entered a grocery store on the 500 block of East Street.
As officers made contact, Bruton attempted to flee and pushed an officer in his attempt. However, he was quickly taken into custody without further incident.
Bruton was served with two Orders for Arrest and additionally charged with:
Resist, Obstruct, Delay
Assault on a Government Official
He was booked into the Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond
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