Wilmington, NC Police Department
The Wilmington Police Department is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment.
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
We are excited to see you in just a few short weeks!!
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News Release
Wilmington Police Department
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
JUVENILE FACING FIREARM CHARGES FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP
Tuesday, July 23rd around 11:50 p.m. WPD officers observed a white pickup truck driving at a high rate of speed and in a careless manner in the 1400 block of Ann Street. Units caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Both the driver and passenger possessed a firearm on their person. An additional search also resulted in the discovery of another firearm in a backpack. The driver, 24-year-old Ricardo Thomas Jr., was cited for Careless and Reckless Operation and Driving While License Revoked. The juvenile was charged with two counts of Carrying a Concealed Weapon-Gun and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
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![Photos from Wilmington, NC Police Department's post](https://img3.findglocal.com/554/548/866148565545489.jpg)
HEROES FAMILY FUN NIGHT OUT ⚾️
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the recent Sharks vs. Marlins baseball game! Chief Williams had the chance to throw out the first pitch and we had several units on display for families to get an up-close look at!
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News Release
Wilmington Police Department
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
MAN CHARGED WITH LARCENY AFTER BREAKING INTO TRAILER
Tuesday, July 23rd just after 12:20 a.m. WPD units were dispatched to a breaking and entering call. It was reported that the victim was sleeping in a trailer when he heard someone breaking into an adjacent trailer. He ran over and slammed the door, locking it from the outside with the suspect still inside. When officers arrived they took the suspect, 51-year-old Thomas Gupton of Hampstead, into custody. Power tools that Gupton had removed were also located. He has been charged with Felony Breaking or Entering and Larceny. Gupton was taken to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and is currently being held without bond.
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KITS4KIDS
First Responders from Wilmington Police Department Receive Kits4Kids
On July 17th, Wilmington Police Department First Responders gathered to assemble Kits4Kids. Thanks to the generous donation of Samet Corporation, officers worked together to support the community by equipping themselves with special kits for kids. These kits help officers make children feel more comfortable and at ease during difficult times, which is crucial for building trust and rapport with the community.
The Kits4Kids program is essential for providing children with the support and resources they need to thrive, even during times of stress and trauma. The First Responder Kits4Kids, meticulously crafted to equip First Responders with a powerful arsenal of tools, are not just objects but immediate sources of relief. As soon as First Responders arrive at a service call where children are present, they can deploy these kits, instantly making a positive difference in the lives of these children. This immediate impact is a testament to the effectiveness of the program and the shared commitment to the well-being of our community's children.
"As President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, I am proud to support the Kits 4 Kids initiative. These kits have the potential to lessen children's traumatic experiences during encounters with law enforcement, redirecting the focus of the moment toward a positive exchange. We at NOBLE are committed to working with organizations that better our communities, and we believe these kits will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve." Rodney Braynt, NOBLE President.
Each Kit4Kids is a unique collection of activities meticulously chosen to cater to a wide range of interests and needs. It features a Playtime Disposable Play Pad, offering over 25 engaging activities and providing a clean and safe surface for children to play on. The Kit4Kids also includes a set of vibrant crayons to spark creativity, a Rubik's cube for mental stimulation, a First Responder miniature vehicle to foster comfort around emergency personnel, and Play-Doh for sensory play. With such diverse tools, First Responders can confidently engage children in various ways, ensuring their comfort and distraction during emergencies.
Additionally, the kit features a positive affirmation stress ball, which can help children relax and feel more at ease during stressful situations. Noise-canceling earplugs are also included to help protect children's ears from loud noises and provide comfort. Overall, the First Responder Kits4Kits are an invaluable resource for First Responders who frequently encounter children during emergency calls. By providing a distraction and source of comfort for children, these kits4kids can help mitigate the trauma and stress resulting from emergency situations.
Kevin Gatlin and James Fisher-Davis, the founders of First Responder Kits4Kids, are the dads behind the creation of these kits. They designed the First Responder Kits4Kids to be utilized as a distraction kit that would aid first responders when interacting with children. The two combined their strengths to develop the kits, which have been featured on various media outlets.
Here at the WPD, we want to say THANK YOU to Kits4Kids, Samet Corporation, Central Church, and Band of Honor for this generous donation!
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News Release
Wilmington Police Department
Monday, July 22, 2024
WPD WORKING TO IDENTIFY ROBBERY SUSPECT
On Sunday, July 21st around 5 p.m. WPD units responded to Bottega at 723 N. 4th Street in reference to a business robbery. The suspect is described as a black male in his 30’s with a buzz cut, stocky/heavy set, wearing a gray shirt and jeans. The man took money from the cash register and also stole a cell phone. He fled the scene on foot and may be armed.
Anyone with information is asked to please call the WPD at (910) 343-3600 or use Tip 411.
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The lights at Eastwood and Wrightsville Ave.
will be down until further repair on Monday due to a vehicle collision. Please approach with caution.
Reminder:
Flashing red: you need stop
Flashing yellow: you need to slow and proceed with caution, particularly when traffic is heavy.
![](https://img5.findglocal.com/251/136/863156452511367.jpg)
We hope to see you there this weekend!
![Wilmington Police Department assemble First Responder Kits4Kids - WWAYTV3](https://img4.findglocal.com/918/475/863089279184751.jpg)
https://www.wwaytv3.com/wilmington-police-department-assemble-first-responder-kits4kids/
Wilmington Police Department assemble First Responder Kits4Kids - WWAYTV3 WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department taking steps to help ease emotional trauma for children they encounter at crime scenes. The department made what is called Kits4Kids. The kits contain things like Rubik’s Cubes, crayons and miniature vehicles. In addition to helping childr...
![Wilmington Police Department assembles Kits4Kids](https://img5.findglocal.com/585/163/863087075851638.jpg)
https://www.wect.com/2024/07/17/wilmington-police-department-assembles-kits4kids/
Wilmington Police Department assembles Kits4Kids Officers are working to ensure kids can be kids, no matter what they are going through.
![Photos from Wilmington, NC Police Department's post](https://img5.findglocal.com/251/902/863079872519025.jpg)
NCPEA
We had a great time this week hosting the North Carolina Police Executives Association annual conference at the Wilmington Convention Center! Police executives from around the state came together to learn valuable information that they will be able to take back to their agencies. This is a key event that allows departments to build partnerships that enhance public safety efforts.
UPDATE: After officers secured the person in question and checked the immediate area out it was discovered that the person in question was not armed with a gun. The original 911 caller believed the cell phone looked like a gun as they drove by and described the actions of the person as "pointing a gun at cars driving by". The person that was in custody has been released.
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PUBLIC ADVISORY: South College Rd. in the 600 block was briefly shut down a few moments ago for a report about a person with a gun pointing it at vehicles. WPD officers responded to the area quickly and now have the person in question in custody. The area is safe and the roadway back open. We will share more details once they become available later today.
PRESS RELEASE AND JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE: U.S. ATTORNEY MICHAEL EASLEY
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, along with federal and local law enforcement, provided an update regarding ongoing and coordinated efforts to address violent crime in Wilmington and surrounding areas. The Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) is a collaboration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the Wilmington Police Department (WPD), the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF). A primary objective of the VCAP is to investigate and prosecute individuals contributing significantly to crime in the city of Wilmington and surrounding areas.
As part of this effort, law enforcement most recently led a coordinated apprehension operation in June to identify and arrest defendants who were wanted for various outstanding charges, including violent offenses and drug offenses. According to court documents, the following nine individuals, all from the Wilmington area, were arrested on federal charges as part of the recent enforcement effort:
-Steven Ray Berg III, 29, distribution of co***ne.
-Kevon Lamante Bracey, 26, possession with intent to distribute co***ne and co***ne base (crack), possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm by a felon.
-Treyquan Deonte Corbett, 25, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of he**in, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
-Robert James Dick, 24, possession of firearm by a felon, possession of a machine gun.
-Kevin Emmanuel Freeman, 29, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and he**in, distribution of fentanyl, and aiding and abetting.
-Rashawn Herbert Hines, 29, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and he**in, distribution of fentanyl, and aiding and abetting.
-Tyke’eke Monte Hines, 25, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of he**in.
-William Rashiem Lane, 35, possession of firearm by a felon.
-Andre Session, 29, federal supervised release violation.
Since the beginning of last year, a team of prosecutors, analysts, and investigators have collaborated to identify, charge, and arrest, individuals contributing to violent crime in Wilmington and surrounding areas, leading to 37 federal indictments and 41 guns seized, including five fully-automatic machine guns and six privately made fi****ms commonly known as “Ghost Guns.” In addition, over 40 grams of fentanyl have been seized – enough for 20,000 potentially fatal doses. In the cases that have already been resolved, defendants collectively face over 1,700 months in custody.
“We are working around the clock to identify and prosecute anyone driving gun violence and narcotics trafficking in the Wilmington area,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our VCAP partnership makes public safety in Southeastern North Carolina a top priority and brings federal resources to the fight. In the heat of summer, when violence tends to spike, we want the public to know that we’re working relentlessly to keep violent crime on the decline. This partnership has already taken dozens of guns off the streets, including five fully-automatic machine guns. Any felon caught with a gun this summer faces the very real threat of federal prosecution. This team is laser focused on driving down gun violence and drug trafficking in this region.”
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that our officers and detectives have put into assisting with this joint operation. Illegal narcotics in the hands of criminals is a dangerous problem that we will continue to combat on the front lines. I am thankful for the strong partnerships we have with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Our department will diligently work to pursue and prosecute those responsible for illegal activities to foster a safer environment for our citizens to live and work,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams.
“Our federal and state partnerships are demonstrating exceptional effectiveness in catching criminals who know no jurisdictional lines,” said New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon. “Our collaborative effort enhances public safety across the state. By leveraging the unique strengths and resources of both federal and state agencies, we are able to streamline operations, share critical information, and execute coordinated strategies that lead to successful apprehensions.”
“These arrests demonstrate the strong partnership between state and federal authorities and are yet another step towards making Wilmington a safer community,” said New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David. “My office appreciates the collaboration with the law enforcement and prosecutorial partners and will continue to seek maximum sentences in any venue for individuals who are committing offenses involving fi****ms and fentanyl.”
“The United States Marshals Service, through its long standing federal, state, and local partnerships ensures that violent fugitives are continuously pursued, discretely located, and safely arrested,” said U.S. Marshal Glenn McNeill for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The Wilmington VCAP is yet another example of those efforts.”
“The FBI is committed to identifying, arresting, and working with our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office to prosecute violent criminal street gang members and drug traffickers. It doesn't matter whether it's gang violence in a major metropolitan area or fentanyl sales in a rural neighborhood, neither has a place in our communities. The FBI's Safe Streets Task Force works every day to rid our communities of these destructive illegal activities," said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
“Collaboration is an important part of any plan aimed at addressing violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “ATF is proud to be a part of the Violent Crime Action Plan and we remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to protect our communities.”
An indictment/criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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MISSING
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LOCATED
THIEVES OF THE WEEK
It's FRIDAY and another brand new edition of Thieves of the Week is here for you! Help us lock these criminals up. Watch the entire episode here:
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Wilmington Police Department
News Release
Friday, July 12, 2024
FOUR JUVENILES APPREHENDED FOLLOWING DISPUTE, FIREARM SEIZED
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 just after midnight WPD units were dispatched to a dispute at a park between Hollins Road and Pershing Court. When officers arrived they located two stolen vehicles and individuals in the area of the park. Three male juvenile suspects fled on foot and after a brief foot pursuit were apprehended. A fourth juvenile suspect also fled and was located on Carolina Beach Road. After being taken into custody he was found to be in possession of a firearm.
The first three juveniles were charged with Trespassing and Resist/Delay/Obstruct. The fourth suspect has been charged with Trespassing, RDO, Carrying a Concealed Gun, and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor. The investigation into the possession of the stolen vehicles at the scene is still ongoing.
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![Photos from Wilmington, NC Police Department's post](https://img3.findglocal.com/288/533/859416732885339.jpg)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
WPD SGT. Ron Evans recently spoke to members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School. During his message, he talked with the children and adults on how to make a difference in their homes and communities!
![Jury Convicts Wilmington Career Offender Who Ditched Loaded G***k in the Bushes After Evading Law Enforcement](https://img3.findglocal.com/291/025/859167592910253.jpg)
“As is evident with this case, this man was a dangerous threat to public safety. Our agency will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who decide to possess and distribute illegal narcotics within our city limits. Additionally, we will ensure that felons are held accountable for their actions when they decide to possess weapons illegally. The work our officers and detectives have put into this case is yet another example of our continued commitment to combatting drugs and gun violence in the City of Wilmington,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams.
Jury Convicts Wilmington Career Offender Who Ditched Loaded G***k in the Bushes After Evading Law Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
![Wilmington police share details on recent juvenile firearm cases](https://img3.findglocal.com/291/089/859161162910896.jpg)
https://www.wect.com/video/2024/07/10/wilmington-police-share-details-recent-juvenile-firearm-cases/
Wilmington police share details on recent juvenile firearm cases The Wilmington Police Department announced various details on its work to fight juvenile gun crime charges on July 9.
![EXCLUSIVE: Wilmington Police Chief talks about decision to move away from helicopters and toward drones](https://img5.findglocal.com/957/758/859160959577583.jpg)
EXCLUSIVE: Wilmington Police Chief talks about decision to move away from helicopters and toward drones It’s no secret technology is a driving force in just about everything we do from computers to phones and now drones.
![Ask a Journalist: Questions about Cape Fear Regional Special Teams and SWAT](https://img3.findglocal.com/624/469/859156496244696.jpg)
Ask a Journalist: Questions about Cape Fear Regional Special Teams and SWAT Q: What is the Cape Fear Regional Special Teams? Who’s involved, what do they do, who’s in charge — and how do they relate to SWAT?A: Cape Fear Regional Special Teams is a regional collaboration between a host of law enforcement agencies, led by the Wilmington Police Department. They’re disp...
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If your business would like to join us for National Night Out as a vendor please check out our website or use the form attached! We look forward to seeing you there next month!
https://us.openforms.com/Form/0ad490b3-dc6f-44dc-9c4f-92d5e3b38833
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UPDATE: The intersection is back open
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Avoid the intersection of Kerr avenue and Wilshire blvd. The traffic lights are out. The outage appears to be from some nearby malfunctioning electrical equipment.
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News Release
Wilmington Police Department
Thursday, December 7, 2023
WPD INVESTIGATING SHOOTING
On December 7th, 2023 shortly after 10 p.m. officers from the Wilmington Police Department responded to a shooting that took place in the parking lot of 5229 Market Street. Upon arrival, officers located two males who were deceased.
At this time, the individual who fired the shots is in custody. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
This is an ongoing investigation and additional details will be released as they become available. Anyone with information is asked to call the WPD at (910) 343-3609 or by using the Tip 411 app.
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615 Bess Street
Wilmington, NC
28401
5126 Lionfish Drive
Wilmington, 28403
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