WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The Wilmington Police Department announced various details on its work to fight juvenile gun crime charges on July 9.
“Since January 1, 2024 the WPD has seized more than 60 guns from juvenile suspects and offenders. During the month of June alone, 12 firearms were seized from children. The agency wants to remind the community that possession of a firearm by a minor is a criminal offense. We are urging parents or guardians to please keep weapons secure, locked up, and away from children. We also want to encourage the community to remain vigilant when leaving your vehicle, ensuring that your vehicle doors are always locked,” a WPD announcement states.
On June 30, the WPD says units were patrolling near 400 Mercer Avenue on a ShotSpotter alert when a sedan driving down Covil Avenue nearly hit a patrol vehicle. According to police, officers tired to catch up but it turned into a driveway and behind a house, so officers activated their lights and stopped the vehicle.
“Following an initial search, officers located a gun in the waistband of the front seat passenger and a loaded AK pistol in their backpack. Two juveniles on the scene were released to their family and the driver was given a citation for reckless driving. The one juvenile passenger who was in possession of the two firearms was transported to the police station where officers contacted the Office of Juvenile Justice,” the announcement continues.
Then on Monday, July 1, units responded to an apartment complex after a report of people pulling on car door handles in the Birchwood Park Apartments parking lot.
“Two subjects were quickly located in the 3800 block of Princess Place Drive matching the suspect description. During the investigation, the first juvenile suspect was found to be in possession of a concealed stolen handgun. Multiple baggies of marijuana packaged for sale along with drug paraphernalia were also located. The suspect was transported to the WPD where OJJ was contacted and notified of the felony firearm and narcotics charges,” the announcement states.
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