Police are investigating a viral video showing NC officers using force against suspects

KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) – Officials in an eastern North Carolina city are investigating a police officer’s use of force during an arrest that was captured in a now-viral social media video.

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy and Kinston police confirmed on Facebook that an investigation was underway after video appeared to show what Hardy described as additional force used during an arrest.

“I have seen the video footage in question released in connection with an arrest at the Jack Roundtree Apartments Complex,” Hardy said in a Facebook post early Saturday. “I spoke to the police chief and the city manager.

“This incident is currently under review to include all body-worn cameras and cameras in the area. Once all of the footage is collected and the investigation is complete and we have been briefed by the police chief, I and the City Council will review the totality of the circumstances, namely the nature of the call, the proper charges and the level of force used to make the arrest in this particular incident cause. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding this incident in advance, please contact the Chief of Police with any questions or statements you would like to make. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW!!”

Kinston police also posted on their Facebook page that the investigation is ongoing.

“The Kinston Police Department is aware of a video being shared on social media relating to an arrest in which force was used. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.”

On Saturday morning, Kinston Police issued a press release about the situation and what led to the video.

They said they responded to the Jack Rountree Housing Complex around 11 p.m. Friday after they were patrolling the area and saw a group of people loitering in the area.

“Officers made contact with the individuals to investigate a possible case of trespassing in accordance with Kinston Housing Authority policy. During this time, officers attempted to identify one of the people, but he did not comply with officers’ requests.

“Officers attempted to detain the individual and ultimately had to use force to effect the arrest. During the arrest, passers-by began recording the incident and the video has since been circulating on various social media platforms.

“The administrative staff at the Kinston Police Department is aware of the incident. As with all cases involving the use of force, this case is being investigated by the Department’s Professional Standards Division.

“The Kinston Police Department remains committed to transparency and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. We ask for the community’s patience as we conduct this investigation. The result will be published as soon as it is completed.”

A similar incident involving the Kinston Police Department occurred in April 2021. Two officers were placed on leave pending an investigation into an incident in which the officers were seen in a viral video punching a suspect during an arrest.

Kinston police and an independent Fayetteville council said in a press conference on May 7, 2021 that the force used against a suspect during an arrest, captured in a viral video on April 12, was “lawful” and ” “required”.