A routine Saturday stop for food in Kinston turned into a police bust after officers found a driver unconscious in a restaurant drive‑thru on the 900 block of West Vernon Avenue. When Kinston officers arrived, they found 63‑year‑old Cynthia Todd of Greensboro slumped over in the driver’s seat, with 39‑year‑old Jeffrey Shields and a 7‑year‑old child inside the vehicle. Both adults were taken into custody, the child was released to a parent, and authorities notified the Department of Social Services.
Police account
According to a post from the Kinston Police Department, A‑Squad officers arrived around 4:23 p.m. and spotted an open container in plain view inside the vehicle. That kicked off an investigation that police say turned up oxycodone pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The department’s post lists charges against Todd that include possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and exposing children to controlled substances. Officers say both adults were arrested without incident.
Warrants and custody
Local reporting by WITN notes that warrants also mentioned Vicodin in the vehicle. WYFF4 reports that Shields was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for federal probation violations, was served with a federal warrant and was placed in the Lenoir County Jail without bond. Both adults were booked into county custody while investigators continue their work, and the child was turned over to a parent.
Child‑welfare follow‑up
Because a juvenile was present, officers say they notified the Department of Social Services and will conduct follow‑up with DSS, in line with the police department’s post. Officials have not released additional information about the child’s condition.
What happens next
Todd faces the state charges listed by police, while Shields remains in custody on the federal warrant. Both are expected to appear in court in Lenoir County. Local prosecutors and DSS are set to handle the next steps as investigators wrap up the case, according to local coverage and the department’s account.
