Kinston Cop Punches Teen Caught On Video
The Kinston Police Department is catching major heat after a viral video showed one of their officers aggressively arresting a teenager, punching him—all while bystanders watched in horror.
The North Carolina Beat has confirmed that a use-of-force investigation is now underway, after Facebook user Kayyy Wealthy uploaded the shocking video Sunday afternoon. In her post, she wrote:
“I seen 12 just following him literally through the entire Richard Green. He waited until he got in the street, walked up on him and just put him in handcuffs, slammed him, and started punching this kid ALL BECAUSE HE HAD A SKI MASK ON!”
The officer in question has been identified as Corporal Andrew Beck.
The young man arrested is Cameron Williams, 18, of Kinston, who has since bonded out. According to police, Williams was taken into custody following a reported breaking and entering that was unrelated to him. He was charged with communicating threats and resisting a public officer.
But the video is what has the city talking.
In the footage, Corporal Beck is seen on top of Williams, yelling “Stop fighting me!” while Williams is clearly not and heard saying “I’m not fighting you!” Seconds later, the officer yells “Let go of me!” and then punches the teen twice.
The scene turns even more disturbing when Williams begins to violently shake on the ground. A woman in the background screams, “He’s having a seizure!”
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
Police later said medics were called to the scene, but claimed that Williams refused treatment when they arrived.
Kinston PD released a formal statement, saying:
“As with any incident of this nature, we have initiated a thorough review to ensure that all actions taken were in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and the law. This review includes a comprehensive examination of all available evidence, including officer reports, witness statements, and body-worn camera footage.”
Kinston Mayor Don Hardy took to Facebook on Monday trying to ease tensions, but his post did little to calm the community:
“I want to directly address the concerns surrounding the recent video circulating on social media involving one of our Kinston Police Department officers and the use of force during an arrest,” Hardy wrote.
“I want to assure the people of Kinston that we remain committed to justice, due process, and ensuring that our officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism.”
READ HIS FULL POST:
But the public ain’t buying it.
We also found a repost from September 12, 2024, where Mayor Hardy reshared a Kinston Police Department post originally published on September 11, 2024, congratulating then-Officer Beck on being named the department’s Officer of the Month for July 2024.
Many residents are demanding immediate accountability and public release of the officer’s bodycam footage, saying this ain’t the first time KPD has been caught on camera doing the most.
The alleged breaking and entering call is reportedly still under investigation.
