North Carolina Teenagers Charged When Video Reveals Black Teen Chased, Punched and Placed in Chokehold

North Carolina investigators filed charges against nine teenagers after video footage allegedly captured a Black teenager being chased and later placed in a chokehold. Images from the encounter spread rapidly online and triggered an investigation by local authorities.

Word of Mouth Kinston, a community Facebook group, became one of the first places where the recording gained widespread attention. Community reaction intensified as residents shared clips and discussed what appeared to unfold on camera.

Ashton Clark, 18, appears near the beginning of the footage standing shirtless and flexing toward the camera. Moments later, another teenager is seen holding an object and identifying it as a weapon after being questioned by the person recording.

Video from the encounter shows the confrontation escalating within seconds. According to the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, nine teenagers were ultimately charged in connection with the incident, including Clark and Landon Harris.

Camera record allegedly shows a girl hitting the Black teenager before he attempts to run from the scene. Several individuals then pursue him after he attempts to flee.

Clark is later seen allegedly restraining the teenager in a chokehold while others remain nearby. Images from that portion of the video fueled outrage online and intensified calls for accountability.

Word of Mouth Kinston remained active as residents exchanged observations about the encounter. Ashton Clark and Landon Harris became frequent subjects of discussion as screenshots circulated through local Facebook pages. Kinston residents revisited the material repeatedly while attempting to identify everyone shown in the footage.

Exact charges facing each defendant remain undisclosed. Detectives have not revealed what sparked the encounter or disclosed the victim's condition.

Sheriff Jackie Rogers said the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing video connected to the case. Additional details could emerge as prosecutors evaluate the allegations and court proceedings move forward.