Kenly Police Department

08/15/2026

This Is What Community Looks Like!

This is what happens when a community comes together and showers one another with love, kindness, generosity, and compassion!

Our kids had an absolute blast during today’s Summer Splash & Back to School Bash! From the gigantic water slide, foam machine, face painting, and bounce house to the music, games, and fellowship, there was something for everyone. Most importantly…we were able to put smiles on our children’s faces by providing free backpacks and school supplies, along with free haircuts, hairdos, and nail painting.

A very special thank you goes to Crystal Stancil of Fancy Folicles, hairstylist April Pierce, barbers Sly Harris and Murdock Stancil of Doc on Call Barbershop. These incredible individuals generously donated their time and talents to our children and families. Your kindness truly made a difference!

Another wonderful act of kindness came from Devin and Shelton Brown, owners of Get It Bo Shirts, who gave away free T-shirts to both children and adults. Now that’s what giving back to your community looks like!

And the kids weren’t the only ones having fun! Our adults enjoyed bingo, music, dancing, laughter, and fellowship. It was truly heartwarming and inspirational to see the joy on everyone’s faces throughout the day.

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our partners, especially the Kenly Parks & Recreation staff, everyone who volunteered their time and talents, and every individual who helped make this event so special.

We also want to give a very special thank you to all of our generous donors and sponsors whose financial support helped make this event possible. Your generosity directly impacted the children and families in our community, and we are incredibly grateful!

Our businesses, community leaders, churches, organizations, volunteers, and residents continue to show us just how special the Friendly Kenly Community truly is. Events like today are a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with one common goal: helping others and giving back.

May we continue this journey of kindness, compassion, and service to one another.

From all of us at the Town of Kenly….THANK YOU! We love our community!

08/15/2026

Cargo Theft Investigation Leads to Arrest and Recovery of Approximately $258,000 in Stolen Copper Wire

On August 14, 2026, the Kenly Police Department received information regarding a suspected cargo theft organization operating across multiple jurisdictions. Kenly Police Department officers worked in conjunction with out-of-state agencies to investigate the information received.

During the investigation, Major A. Dixon, Detective Sgt. K. Taylor, Officer Hicks, and Officer Reed located a stolen 53-foot J.B. Hunt trailer. Officers determined that both the trailer and its contents had been reported stolen.

Officers subsequently located the driver of the vehicle at a local truck stop. After a brief struggle, the subject was taken into custody. During the arrest, officers located a handgun concealed on the driver’s person.

As the investigation continued, officers applied for and were granted a search warrant for the trailer. During the ex*****on of the search warrant, officers located approximately $258,000 worth of stolen copper wire.

Major A. Dixon arrested the driver, identified as Jarrel Lamont Nightingale, 41, of Florida.

Nightingale was charged with:

• Felony Possession of Stolen Goods/ Property
• Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle
• Carrying a Concealed Gun

Nightingale was placed under a $20,000 secured bond.
The Kenly Police Department would like to thank the Selma Police Department and Four Oaks Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.

This investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues working with partnering agencies regarding the suspected cargo theft operation.

08/15/2026

SUMMER SPLASH & BACK TO SCHOOL BASH IS TODAY!

Join us TODAY from 11 AM–3 PM! Bring the whole family….we have got lots of activities for everyone!

And did we mention FOOD VENDORS? Bring an appetite!

Don’t just see us there…beat us there!

08/14/2026

SEAT BELT VIOLATION LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF THREE CONCEALED FI****MS

Last night…Officer M. Reed and Detective Sergeant K. Taylor of the Kenly Police Department conducted a traffic stop after observing a seat belt violation.
During the course of the traffic stop, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. As result of the search, three concealed fi****ms and suspected Schedule VI controlled substances were found. Further investigation revealed that one of the fi****ms had an altered or removed serial number.
As a result of the investigation, Antonio Anaruma, 18, of Princeton, was arrested and charged with:

• Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number
• Three counts of Carrying a Concealed Gun
• Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance
• Failure to Wear Seat Belt – Driver

Ladarius Daquan Smith, 19, of Princeton, was also arrested and charged with:
• Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number
• Three counts of Carrying a Concealed Gun
• Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance
• Failure to Wear Seat Belt – Rear Seat

Both Anaruma and Smith were taken before a magistrate, and each received a $20,000 secured bond.
There were also four juveniles inside the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.

Major A. Dixon and Officer J. Snead assisted Officer M. Reed and Detective Sergeant K. Taylor during the investigation.

08/09/2026

A Day of Community, Fellowship & Fun!

What an amazing day at the Back to School Community Block Party hosted by Kenly OFWB Church!

The Kenly Police Department was honored to be there alongside so many wonderful organizations, especially our Town and County government partners. We were proud to stand together with the Kenly Fire Department, Kenly Parks & Recreation Department, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, who were all looking sharp and representing our communities with pride!

It was truly a wonderful day filled with fellowship, laughter, fun, love, and kindness. Seeing so many families, community members, and organizations come together was a great reminder of what makes our community so special.

A huge thank you to Kenly OFWB Church for bringing our community together and creating an event centered around love, kindness, and fellowship.

When we come together, we make our community stronger!!!!

08/06/2026

SLASH INTO SUMMER & GET READY FOR SCHOOLS!

The Town of Kenly’s Annual Summer Splash & Back-to-School Bash is happening Saturday, August 15, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 410 South College Avenue, and this year’s event is bigger and better than ever!

Bring the entire family for a day packed with fun, including a 27-foot water slide, game trailer, Gelly ball battles, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, bingo, music, delicious food trucks, and free school supplies for kids.

New this year…we are excited to offer free basic haircuts, hairstyles and manicures for children to help them look and feel their best as they head back to school.

There’s something for everyone, and we can’t wait to see our community come together for a day of fun, laughter, and fellowship.

Don’t just see us there…beat us there!

07/31/2026

Kenly Bike Rodeo = Fun, Foot chase, Smiles & 4 New Bikes!

Our Bicycle Safety Rodeo was a blast! A huge thank you to Kenly Parks & Recreation, the Kenly Fire Department, the Kenly Police Department, and Safe Kids of Johnston County for partnering together to make this event such a success. The afternoon was filled with bicycle safety, laughter, and plenty of fun.

Before the course began, one of Kenly Fire Department’s finest showed off some impressive bicycle skills, and Officer Valadez gathered the kids for a very serious safety briefing. His orders were simple: wear your helmet, follow the rules, have fun, and don’t earn a “You’ve Been Grinched” ticket.

The “You’ve Been Grinched” ticket quickly became one of the biggest hits of the day. Instead of a real citation, kids who forgot the rules…like being grumpy, not having fun, or forgetting a safety rule…received a humorous Grinch ticket as a fun reminder to stay safe and keep smiling.

Little Jacob dressed in the red shirt. however, had other plans. Upon Officer Reed attempting to give him a ticket…he took off running and left his bicycle behind. Officer Reed gave chase while Officer Valadez placed Jacob’s bicycle into the Kenly Police Impound Lot. After a little laughter and a promise to follow the rules, Jacob was reunited with his bike and completed the rest of the course without another citation.

The day ended on a high note as four lucky kids received brand new bicycles.

Thank you to all the parents, partners and children who joined us for a fantastic afternoon. We had an incredible time and look forward to doing it again next year!

07/29/2026

Bring the kids out tomorrow for our Free Bicycle Safety Rodeo from 6pm to 8pm. It’s an evening of fun, learning, and bike safety. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

📅CHANGE OF PLANS!!! ⛈️

Due to the weather forecast for tomorrow, our FREE Bicycle Safety Rodeo has been re-scheduled for Thursday, July 30th, 6pm-8pm.

🚓Kenly Police Department👮‍♂️
🛝Kenly Parks and Recreation⚽🥎🏀
🚒Kenly Fire Department🧑‍🚒
All three are coming together to host a FREE Bicycle Safety Rodeo Thursday, July 30, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!

🎁 Register by Wednesday, July 29th to receive a FREE bicycle helmet at the event!

Every participant will also enjoy:
🚲 A fun Bicycle Safety Course
🔧 Free Bicycle Safety Inspection
⛑️ Professional Helmet Fitting
🎟️ Entry into our raffle for a chance to win one of several FREE bicycles!

This is a great opportunity for kids to build confidence, learn safe riding skills, and have a fun evening with family and friends.
📍 Kenly Parks and Recreation
410 S. College Avenue Kenly, NC

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or visit www.kenlyparksandrec.net.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and neighbors!

🚴

07/25/2026

Congratulations, Detective Taylor!

Please join us in congratulating Detective Kamarei Taylor on earning his Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Department of Justice.

This distinguished certification recognizes an officer’s law enforcement experience, formal education, and specialized training, reflecting Detective Taylor’s dedication to professional growth and excellence in serving our community.

At the Kenly Police Department, we are committed to continually growing morally, educationally, and professionally…so we can provide the highest level of service to those we proudly protect.

Congratulations, Detective Taylor! We are proud to have you as part of the KPD family.

Kenly Proud & Kenly Strong. At KPD…We love our Community!!!

07/22/2026

Schedule Update / Bicycle Safety Rodeo

Please see information listed below:

📅CHANGE OF PLANS!!! ⛈️

Due to the weather forecast for tomorrow, our FREE Bicycle Safety Rodeo has been re-scheduled for Thursday, July 30th, 6pm-8pm.

🚓Kenly Police Department👮‍♂️
🛝Kenly Parks and Recreation⚽🥎🏀
🚒Kenly Fire Department🧑‍🚒
All three are coming together to host a FREE Bicycle Safety Rodeo Thursday, July 30, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!

🎁 Register by Wednesday, July 29th to receive a FREE bicycle helmet at the event!

Every participant will also enjoy:
🚲 A fun Bicycle Safety Course
🔧 Free Bicycle Safety Inspection
⛑️ Professional Helmet Fitting
🎟️ Entry into our raffle for a chance to win one of several FREE bicycles!

This is a great opportunity for kids to build confidence, learn safe riding skills, and have a fun evening with family and friends.
📍 Kenly Parks and Recreation
410 S. College Avenue Kenly, NC

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or visit www.kenlyparksandrec.net.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and neighbors!

🚴