15-Year-Old Shot Near Kinston Apartment, Suspect in Custody

Police responded to a burglary call and found the injured teen near an apartment building.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a shooting incident.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from a shooting incident serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in many communities.Greenville Today

A 15-year-old was shot early Sunday morning in Kinston, North Carolina. Police responded to a burglary call in the area of the St. John's Village apartments and heard multiple gunshots nearby. They took a male suspect dressed in all black into custody and found the injured teenager with a gunshot wound to the chest near an apartment building. The teen was transported to a hospital in Greenville, and an investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is an ongoing concern in many communities, and this incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes and prevent such tragedies. The police response and apprehension of a suspect also demonstrate the importance of community cooperation in addressing public safety issues.

The details

Around 12:45 a.m., Kinston police officers responded to a burglary call in the St. John's Village apartment area on Highland Avenue. While at the scene, they heard multiple gunshots and saw a male suspect dressed in all black running away. The officers took the suspect into custody. They then found a 15-year-old with a gunshot wound to the chest near an apartment building. EMS performed CPR on the teen at the scene before transporting him to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. No further details were provided about the suspect or any potential charges.

  • The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Kinston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and took the suspect into custody.

ECU Health Medical Center

The hospital in Greenville, North Carolina where the injured 15-year-old was transported for treatment.

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What’s next

The Kinston Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting and will determine if any charges will be filed against the suspect.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence involving minors in many communities. It highlights the importance of community cooperation, early intervention, and comprehensive approaches to address the root causes and prevent such incidents from occurring.