SBI investigates after cop shoots gunman during chase

FARMVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The Highway Patrol said one of its officers was forced to shoot a man during a chase after the man allegedly pointed a gun at the officer.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a trooper was conducting a speed check on I-587 at the 40 mile marker near the Wilson and Greene county line at 7:04 a.m. and saw a burgundy Kia Carnival , built in 2023, traveling east at 90 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone.

They say the trooper activated the emergency equipment and the driver did not stop and give chase until the driver turned onto US-258 toward Farmville.

According to police, the chase ended when the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and the driver ran off on foot at the intersection of US-258 at Bynum Drive.

The officer pursued the driver on foot through a residential area and into an open field.

Officers said the man stopped, turned around and pointed a handgun at the pursuer, causing the officer to fire his own weapon, hitting the suspect multiple times in the leg.

The suspect was secured, immediate aid was rendered and a female passenger surrendered without incident and was not injured.

According to authorities, the suspect was transported by Pitt County EMS to ECU Health Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries.

We’re told the officer involved was uninjured.

The suspect was identified as Kenneth Kinard, 35, of Virginia Beach.

The suspect had multiple warrants out of Virginia for contempt of court (FTA), probation violation, possession of Schedule I and II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of grand larceny.

According to police, a weapon as well as illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene. Charges are being filed against Kinard.

The police officer has been assigned administrative duty, which is standard procedure in such situations.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

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