On April 21, 2026, members of the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) observed a vehicle involved in a suspected drug transaction in the 200 block of East Grainger Avenue.
All in Crime
Two Arrested in Larceny Investigation Involving Stolen Vehicle and Trailer
On March 19, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to 3150 Kelly Road in Kinston in reference to the felony larceny of an enclosed trailer. On April 7, 2026, deputies were again dispatched to the same location in reference to the larceny of a motor vehicle.
Lenoir County Woman Arrested Following Fraud Investigation
In November of 2025, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a fraud complaint. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that April Drake, 50, of Kinston, entered into a rent-to-own agreement for a property she did not own.
Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On April 13, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Thomas Lockhart III, 35, of Kinston, North Carolina, for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina State Law.
Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Arrest
On April 11, 2026, C-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on East Washington Avenue. The stop resulted in the arrest of the passenger, 43-year-old Brian Sawkiw of Pikeville, NC.
Kinston man charged with Death by Distribution following overdose investigation
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a residence in the 2400 block of Carey Road in reference to a reported fentanyl overdose. Upon arrival, officers located 28-year-old Andrea Grant unresponsive inside the residence. Emergency personnel began life-saving efforts, and Grant was airlifted to ECU Health, where she was placed on life support.
Kinston police investigate three separate weekend shootings
Kinston police are investigating three separate shootings reported between Saturday morning and early Sunday, with three people injured in incidents on Sloan Street, in St. John Village and on Georgetown Road. Authorities said all three cases remain under active investigation.
KPD Identifies Suspect in Carver Courts Shooting
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department’s C-Squad responded to the Carver Courts area in reference to a report of shots fired.
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office conducts active shooter training for school resource officers during spring break
During spring break, School Resource Officers (SROs) with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office participated in specialized active shooter response training to enhance preparedness and ensure the continued safety of students and staff across Lenoir County Schools.
LCSO: Lenoir County man arrested in connection to 2025 arson and attempted murder investigation
On May 5, 2025, detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office General Investigations Division obtained warrants for Charles Edward Sutton, 52, of Lenoir County, following an investigation into an early morning structure fire at 116 West King Street in La Grange.
Drug Arrests Made During License Checkpoint Operation
On April 4, 2026, at approximately midnight, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C-Shift conducted a driver’s license checkpoint in the area of the 500 block of NC Highway 903 South.
Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On March 31, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Elijiah Lamar Cannon for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina State Law.
Raleigh man arrested on traffic stop, charged with drug trafficking and weapons violation
On March 31, 2026, at approximately 10:30 PM, KPD’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on Highway 70 West involving 51-year-old Belal Allan of Raleigh. During the stop, Allan advised officers that he was transporting illegal THC products.
Arrest Made Following Intentional Vehicle Assault
On March 29, 2026, deputies with LCSO A Shift and D Shift responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Highway 70 and King Street.
Veteran Column: G.I. Joes
Two weeks ago, the Kinston Young Marines visited the GI Joe's Military Living History Museum to tour American military history and celebrate important milestones. During the visit, eight Young Marines graduated from recruit training and were promoted to the rank of Young Marine Private, while two advanced from Private to Private First Class. The unit also recognized YM PVT Pileggi, S for earning her Community Service Ribbon and YM PVT Pileggi, L for earning her Musician Ribbon.
Wanted Subject Arrested Without Incident
On March 30, 2026, members of the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad received information that 36-year-old Megan Carter of Deep Run was in the area of East New Bern Road.
KPD: Notable arrests
Kinston Police Department Notable Arrest March 28–30, 2026
Update: Man Arrested for Felony Assault on Disabled Resident
Following an investigation, deputies determined that Austin Stanley Owens, who was acting as a caretaker at the time, used unreasonable force and had the ability to disengage from the situation. Owens was taken into custody and charged with Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability.
LCSO: Arrest Made Following Suspicious Vehicle Call
On March 29, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office A Shift responded to the area of Bank School Road in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
KPD: Traffic Stop Leads to DWI and Drug Charges
On March 27, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to maintain lane control.