Three charged in breaking and entering at former Vernon Park Mall
**Case Update**
The Kinston Police Department’s A Squad and C Squad have continued their investigation into this incident and have identified two additional suspects: Ricky Shadding Jr. (42, of Black Creek, NC) and Meaghan Reason (34, of Morganton, NC).
Warrants were obtained for both individuals on charges of Breaking and Entering and Larceny.
Shadding and Reason have since been taken into custody and are currently being held at the Lenoir County Jail under secured bonds.
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Breaking and Entering Suspect Found in Ductwork at Old Vernon Park Mall
On April 11, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad and Investigations Division responded to a reported breaking and entering at 834 Hardee Road—the location of the former Vernon Park Mall.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough search of the building but were unable to locate any suspects at the time.
Shortly afterward, KPD was notified by a Caswell Police Officer who had received a call about a person reportedly trapped in the ductwork of the same building. Officers from Kinston Police Department, along with personnel from Kinston Fire Department, responded to the scene and located Michael Sturkey, 45, of Black Creek, NC, approximately 25 feet in the air, lying on the ductwork.
After approximately 25 minutes of negotiation, Sturkey voluntarily descended a ladder and was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently transported to UNC Lenoir for medical treatment unrelated to the incident.
Sturkey has been charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
At the time of this release, Sturkey has not yet been formally processed for the criminal charges
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