RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating an incident where an officer attempted to stop a suspect, a high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect was shot and killed after the officer pointed a gun at the officer. There is.
Shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday, State Highway Patrol troopers were conducting a speed enforcement operation on Interstate 587 at the 40-mile mark near the Wilson and Greene county line, officials said. The officer observed a burgundy-colored 2023 Kia Carnival traveling eastbound on Interstate 587 at a high rate of speed, exceeding 90 mph in a 110 mph zone.
Officers activated emergency equipment, but when the driver did not stop, a pursuit began. Officials said the pursuit continued east on Interstate 587 until the driver exited onto Route 258 (Farmville exit), then headed south on Route 258 into Farmville. The pursuit ended when the vehicle came to a sudden stop and the driver fled on foot at his US-258 intersection at Bynum Drive.
Officers pursued the driver on foot through a residential area and into a field. The suspect stopped, turned and pointed a gun at the officer. The officer then opened fire, striking the suspect in the leg multiple times, officials said.
The suspect, identified as Kenneth Charles Kinnard, 35, of Lookout Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was secured and medical assistance immediately provided. A female passenger on board also turned herself in and was not injured.
The suspect was transported by Pitt County Emergency Medical Center to ECU Health Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries. The police officer was not injured.
Officials said Kinard had multiple warrants out of Virginia for his arrest, including:
- Contempt of Court (FTA) for Probation Violation
- Possession of Schedule I and II drugs;
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- 3 counts of grand larceny, a felony;
Guns, drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene. Charges were expected to be filed against Kinard. Charges against Mr. Kinnard are expected to be filed in the future.
The officer was placed on active administrative duty and an investigation by the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation is underway, officials announced Saturday evening.
