WPD catches first suspect with helicopter

WILMINGTON -- The WPD deployed its new helicopter for the first time Thursday night after an attempted armed robbery near New Center Drive.

A little after midnight police responded to an armed robbery off of College Road, in the parking lot of Rack'm Pub and Billiards.

Officials say two suspects robbed a woman and then assaulted a man, before running from police.

Wilmington Police say it all started in a parking lot.

Two armed suspects held up a woman near Rack'm Pub and Billiards, took her purse, opened fired on another man, then ran off. That's when authorities began their chase.

Helicopter pilot Gary Short said, "When the armed robbery came out on the radio, the pilot and the officer that was in the aircraft immediately headed that way. They were there within a minute and were able to contain the area."

The WPD's new sable helicopter, along with dogs and other patrol officers made a perimeter, after officials say they spotted the suspects running along new center drive.

"We've got flare screens here, plus, you're also looking out the window with a spotlight. You know, you're lighting up areas and then physically looking out the window."

Authorities say one of the suspects eventually took cover in some bushes in the 300 block of College Road and it wasn't long before he was nabbed.

Twenty-one-year-old Tavian Crawford is in the New Hanover County jail under an $850,000 secured bond. Crawford faces several charges, including three counts of assault with intent to kill and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The other suspect in this armed robbery remains at large.

Investigators say if you know anything about this case contact the Wilmington Police Department at 343-3600.