Raleigh Woman Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Kinston with Child in Vehicle
KINSTON, NC — A routine traffic stop turned into a dangerous pursuit Friday evening when a Raleigh woman allegedly fled police with a child in her vehicle, ultimately crashing before being taken into custody.
According to the Kinston Police Department, officers from the C-Squad attempted to pull over a vehicle on Macon Street on April 11. The driver, later identified as 50-year-old Jeannette Darden, refused to stop—initiating a high-speed chase through city streets.
The pursuit ended when Darden crashed the vehicle into a fence. She then attempted to flee on foot while carrying an 8-year-old child with her. Officers quickly apprehended her. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and later released into the custody of a parent.
Charges Filed
Darden, a Raleigh resident, is now facing a lengthy list of charges, including:
- Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
- Felony Possession of Cocaine
- Two counts of Felony Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Resisting Arrest
- Misdemeanor Child Abuse
- Open Container Violation
- Driving While License Revoked
- Driving While Impaired
- Multiple Traffic Violations
Authorities said she was also served with an outstanding warrant related to a probation violation from another county.
Darden is currently being held in the Lenoir County Jail.
Public Reaction
Authorities have not released further information about the child’s relation to the suspect. The incident has raised renewed concerns about high-speed chases involving children, especially when drugs or impaired driving are involved.
Photo: Kinston Police Department