Press Conference Held in New Bern to Discuss Multiple Shooting Incidents

New Bern Police Chief Patrick Gallager and Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes

Updated Oct. 27, 2022: On October 24, 2022, at approximately 4:40 p.m., Kyseam Aljamik Williams, was arrested at 2212 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC by the United States Marshal’s Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Craven County Sheriffs Office, and the New Bern Police Department for his involvement in the Carolina A venue shots fired incident. Mr. Williams is being held on a combined $150,000.00 secured bond. Mr. Williams stands charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Felony Conspiracy, Injury to Real Property, and Discharge Fireaim in City Limits.  

Update Oct, 15, 2022: New Bern Avenue Shooting. The victims are a 16-year-old black male; a 17-year-old black male, Kaihem Hicks, 19-year-old black male, Malcolm Goodman, black male, a 31-year-old. All of New Bern. One victim was treated and released while the other three were transported to ECU Health Medical Center. Last known conditions are stable.

New Bern Police Chief Patrick L. Gallagher and Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes held a press conference today, Oct. 14, to discuss four shooting incidents that occurred within the past week.

New Bern Now’s camera malfunctioned, so the first five minutes was not recorded. Here’s the summary of the incidents:

On Oct. 8 at 4:53 p.m., New Bern police officers responded to the 600 block of First Avenue in reference to a shots fired call for service. Chief Gallagher said, “The aftermath of that incident resulted in the Mr. Jamari I. Jones, 18 years of age who succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the hospital in Greenville. That investigation is ongoing. Search warrants and other investigative efforts have taken place in pursuit of this investigation. Persons of interest have been identified.”

He continued, “Oct. 13, at approximately 8:44 p.m., New Bern officers responded to the 2100 block of New Bern Avenue. Upon arrival, we discovered that four black male victims suffered from various injuries resulting from gunshot wounds were transported to a local hospital and for their treatment…the condition of the victims will be updated at a later time. That investigation is ongoing.”

He said, “Oct. 13, at 11:14 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Washington Street, New Bern in reference to a shots fired call. There was no initial damage reported at that address. Efforts are ongoing.

Chief Gallagher described the today’s incident, “Oct. 14, at 12:10 a.m., officers responded to…Carolina Avenue Apartments at the 800 block of Carolina Avenue in reference to a shots fired call. Several apartments were damaged during the shooting. Officers patrolling the area located a suspicious vehicle and a short pursuit ensued. Officers arrested the following persons: Kyseam Williams a black male 21 years of age of New Bern, NC and two juveniles were arrested and charged with Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling for this incident. An additional black female juvenile was charged with one count of Felony Flee to Elude and one count of Conspiracy to Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling…”

Kyseam Williams
Kyseam Williams

Additional charges are pending associated with this incident. Initial investigation has revealed the Washington Street and Carolina Avenue incidents were related and not random and there is no threat to the general public associated with these incidents. This investigation remains active.

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes followed up by addressing their commitment to working closely together with the New Bern Police Department.

Justin Lundy, a reporter with WITN said, when he was on the scene today, he heard from residents that there was another shooting. Gallagher said, “That is another aspect of the investigation that I prefer not to answer at this time.”

Police Chief Gallagher summarized, the New Bern Police Department is looking for information related to the incident on First Avenue, New Bern Avenue and Washington Street. Citizens need to be vigilant. If they think an act of violence may occur. If acts of violence is occurring citizens, should take cover immediately, notify the police, and be willing to help in collecting information — who is the shooter, where is the evidence.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to utilize the New Bern Police Department’s new Tip411 system by texting the key word NBPDTIP with your tip to 847411 or call 252-633-2020.

New Bern and Craven County Officials
Sheriff Hughes, District attorney Dacey, Asst. City Manager Williams, Mayor Odham, City Manager Hughes and Chief Gallagher

By Wendy Card