What started as a midweek warrant service at Carver Courts Apartments turned into a full SWAT scene on Wednesday afternoon, as Kinston police say they moved in on a fentanyl investigation and arrested 33-year-old Dashawn Dail.
According to investigators, officers served a search warrant at the complex and found Dail allegedly trying to destroy evidence inside the residence. The operation stemmed from a probe by the department's Violent Crime Action Team and brought in the department’s SWAT unit for backup. Dail now faces a slate of charges that include selling and delivering fentanyl, along with possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and marijuana. Authorities say he is being held in the Lenoir County Jail without bond.
Police: Suspect Tried To Destroy Evidence
In a post on the Kinston Police Department Facebook page, VCAT detectives said they obtained a warrant and served it at Carver Courts around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, with the SWAT team assisting on scene.
Police say Dail “attempted to destroy evidence” inside the residence and refused officers' commands before he was taken into custody. The department added that the investigation into the possession and sale of fentanyl remains active.
Warrants List Charges And Alleged Officer Injury
Warrants reviewed by WITN state that Dail assaulted an officer during the arrest, allegedly leaving bruising, swelling and cuts on the officer’s hands.
According to that reporting, Dail’s charges include selling and delivering fentanyl, possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony assault on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting, obstructing and delaying, and possession of drug paraphernalia. WITN reports Dail is being held in the Lenoir County Jail without bond pending further court proceedings.
Part Of A Broader Local Crackdown
Less than two weeks before Dail’s arrest, VCAT detectives carried out a separate operation that police say pulled roughly 62 grams of fentanyl off the street, along with methamphetamine, marijuana, pills and two handguns, and resulted in multiple trafficking charges. Neuse News documented that April 21 sweep, highlighting what local officers describe as a sustained push to disrupt opioid distribution in Kinston.
All of the allegations in this latest case remain unproven, and Dail is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court. Kinston police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the department.
