Winston-Salem Man Apprehended in Goldsboro Following Armed Robbery and Stolen Vehicle Investigation

Goldsboro police arrested Kevin Debose for a handgun robbery at a tobacco shop. Charges include kidnapping and motor vehicle theft. Full details here.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WITN.

Late Night Armed Confrontation at North Berkeley Boulevard The Goldsboro Police Department responded to an emergency call late Thursday evening regarding a violent encounter at 1 Stop Tobacco. Officers arrived at the 200 block of North Berkeley Boulevard around 9:53 p.m. following reports that a suspect had entered the establishment brandishing a handgun. Witnesses described a high-tension scene where the individual used the weapon to secure various items of property before fleeing the premises on foot, momentarily evading the initial patrol units.

Multi-Jurisdictional Suspect Faces Expansive Charge Sheet The investigation into the robbery quickly led authorities to 30-year-old Kevin Debose, a resident of Winston-Salem. Following his apprehension, Goldsboro detectives filed a comprehensive list of charges that reflect the severity of the incident. In addition to robbery with a dangerous weapon, Debose has been charged with second-degree kidnapping—a charge often associated with restricting the movement of employees or customers during a heist—and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Stolen Vehicle Linked to Criminal Activity Further examination of the circumstances surrounding Debose's arrival in Goldsboro revealed additional criminal elements. Police successfully linked the suspect to a stolen motor vehicle, leading to an extra felony charge. Investigators are currently working to determine if the vehicle was stolen specifically for the purpose of the tobacco shop robbery or if it was part of a broader string of automotive thefts in the Winston-Salem area.

Judicial Hold and Pending Court Appearances Following his processing, Debose was transported to the local detention center. Due to the violent nature of the charges and his status as a previously convicted felon, judicial officials have mandated that he receive no bond. He will remain in custody pending his first appearance in Wayne County court, where the state is expected to present the preliminary evidence gathered from the tobacco shop's surveillance systems and witness statements.

Public Safety and Local Business Security The arrest comes at a time of increased vigilance for local retail establishments in Goldsboro. Law enforcement has been emphasizing the importance of high-quality surveillance and rapid reporting to assist in the capture of armed suspects. While the property stolen fro...