Police car photo courtesy of KPD Facebook Page. Headshot of Chief Tim Dilday / Neuse News.

A message from your Chief:

The Kinston Police Department has responded to four shooting scenes in the month of October, all of which occurred within the past two weeks. An arrest has been made in one of these cases and suspects have been developed in each of the others. Additional arrests are forthcoming. While today’s shooting investigation is in the preliminary stages, I can tell you that at least one suspect has been identified.

All indications are that the suspect or suspects in the shooting and the victim, along with others, participated in a prearranged meeting in the parking lot of 4151 W. Vernon Avenue. This was not a “drive-by” shooting. The details of what happened during the meeting are still under investigation and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

The Kinston Police Department has and will continue to make the prevention of violent crime and the apprehension of violent offenders our highest priority. While we maintain partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement, we recognize the sense of urgency within the agency and the community and have recently reached out to strengthen these relationships. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina has pledged to assist with prosecutions of federal statutes concerning violent crime and firearms offenses and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting us with investigations.

To the community, we hear you loud and clear. We realize that these violent crimes are terrorizing our neighborhoods, our business districts, but most of all, our children. While the men and women of the Kinston Police Department will continue to fight every hour of every day to serve our community, to safeguard lives and property, and to preserve order, we need your help.

If you have chosen to own firearms, be responsible and do not leave firearms unsecured in vehicles or buildings where criminals or individuals without authorization can gain access. If you see something, say something- we encourage anyone with information about these or other crimes, no matter how insignificant the information may seem, to call our tips line, 252-939-4020, or Crime Stoppers, 523-4444.

Additionally, if you are tired of the violence and are willing to take a stand and make a difference in your community as a Kinston Police Officer, please contact us at joinus@ci.kinston.nc.us to discuss upcoming employment opportunities. Help us help you keep Kinston strong.

Tim Dilday, Chief of Police