On October 7, 2026, at approximately 10:02 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a residence on the 1500 block of Charlotte Avenue regarding a reported gunshot wound.
All in Crime
Suicide Suspected in Death at Greene Correctional Institution
Maury, N.C. — Jesse Espinoza (#1432031) died Monday at Greene Correctional Institution in an apparent suicide.
Two taken into custody after Jones County shooting leaves one hospitalized
Two people were taken into custody after a shooting in Jones County left a man hospitalized with an arm wound, according to Sheriff Matthew Wineman.
Kinston mother charged after child found on Highway 70 twice in one day
On October 5, 2026, at approximately 3:10 a.m., Kinston Police Department D-Squad officers responded to the 4700 block of Highway 70 West after a truck driver located a 6-year-old child walking in the area.
Official update from Sheriff Jackie Rogers: Lenoir County Deputies Shot While Responding to Call
The two deputies injured in the shooting are Captain Jovanni Villagra and Sergeant Cole Davis. Both deputies sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. I am thankful to report that both deputies are in stable condition.
Lenoir County Sheriff Office: Statement on today’s events on Jonestown Road.
Today, October 2, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office responded to a call on Jonestown Road. When deputies arrived, one deputy was shot. Deputies took cover and called for backup. A second deputy was shot while deputies were trying to get the individual to come out of the home.
Impaired Driver Arrested Following Pursuit on U.S. 70
Impaired Driver Arrested Following Pursuit on U.S. 70. A CRT deputy located the vehicle traveling approximately 20 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone and observed the driver repeatedly fail to maintain lane control. While attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound on U.S. 70.
Kinston Police Department: Case Update
On September 28, 2026, detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force continued their investigation into Khalil Dail regarding the distribution of marijuana.
Multi-Agency Patrol Leads to 116 Charges, Five Arrests in Lenoir County
On the evening of Friday, September 25, 2026, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reduction Team hosted a GHSP Saturation Patrol with partnering agencies across eastern North Carolina. During this event 43 law enforcement officers from twelve agencies, including Deputies, Officers, and Troopers, focused on dangerous driving and motor vehicle violations throughout Lenoir County. During the five-hour operation, 116 charges were issued with 67 warnings given.
Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
On September 18th, 2026 Virgil Todd Chase, 45, of Lenoir County was arrested for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under North Carolina law.
Drug Task Force Investigation Leads to Cocaine Trafficking Arrest
Detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into 43-year-old Jesse Williams for his alleged involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine from a residence on the 500 block of Fields Street.
Lenoir County Sex Offender Arrested for Registration Violations
Michael Antonio Weston was arrested on September 23, 2026, for failing to comply with North Carolina sex offender registration requirements.
Two Arrested, Firearms Recovered Following Foot Pursuit
On September 22, 2026, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Kinston Police Department C-Squad officers responded to a disturbance near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Fields Street.
Drug Task Force Investigation Leads to Search Warrant and Arrest
The Kinston-Lenoir Drug Task Force identified a pattern of organized criminal activity involving a residence in the 300 block of Lenoir Street in La Grange. As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest
On September 19, 2026, KPD’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on E. New Bern Road. The vehicle was being operated by 59-year-old Loyd Whitley.
LCSO: Federal Judge Sentences Lenoir County Man to Over 10 Years in Meth Distribution Case
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kenji Chiba Jerkins, 31, to over 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute large quantities of meth in Lenoir County. Jerkins pled guilty to these crimes on June 18, 2026.
KPD/LCSO Narcotics Task Force assists with compliance checks
Detectives with the Kinston-Lenoir Narcotics Task Force recently assisted the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Probation and Parole, with compliance checks at multiple residences throughout the City of Kinston and Lenoir County.
Lenoir County deputies arrest suspect after vehicle theft, armed standoff
On September 11, 2026, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office regarding a suspect who had stolen a vehicle and fled the scene with a small child. Deputies immediately responded to an address in La Grange, where the suspect, Austin Riggs, a resident of Lenoir County, had barricaded himself inside a residence.
Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm, Drug Charges at Kinston AutoZone
Last night, (September 8, 2026) we received several inquiries regarding a large police presence at AutoZone, located at 4021 W. Vernon Avenue.
Lenoir County Deputies Recover Stolen Vehicle, Arrest Driver
On August 27, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Burncoat Road in reference to a stolen motor vehicle.