WITN is investigating the resignation of Vanceboro Police Chief Jared Keys in Craven County.
Vanceboro Mayor Chad Braxton confirmed that Keys has stepped down due to personnel matters but did not provide further details. Officials have not disclosed specific reasons behind the resignation, and efforts are ongoing to obtain more information.
Jared Keys had been serving as police chief for approximately two and a half years. He was sworn into the position in August 2022 after previously working with the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. Despite his resignation, his photograph remains on the Vanceboro Police Department’s website.
On February 5, the Vanceboro Police Department announced that they were searching for a new police chief, as well as a school resource officer or criminal patrol officer. This announcement comes at a time when residents have expressed concerns about a recent increase in local business break-ins over the past weekend and the last several weeks.
In the interim, Dustin Winnings has been appointed as the acting police chief while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
