20-year-old man accused of stealing fire truck, crashing into police vehicle in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A 20-year-old man is facing multiple charges after court records say he stole a fire truck early Sunday morning and later crashed it into a Wilmington police vehicle.

According to court documents, Michael Fanning allegedly stole the fire truck early Sunday and drove it along Market Street at speeds more than 15 mph over the speed limit.

The warrant states Fanning then crashed the fire truck into the front of a Wilmington Police Department vehicle while an officer was inside. The warrant says that Fanning also punched the officer in the face following the crash.

Court records further allege Fanning attempted to bribe another officer with $15,000 in exchange for being released.

Fanning is charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle, felony assault with a deadly weapon on a governmental officer, felony bribery charges, and several misdemeanors.

According to records, Fanning is from Texas and is a U.S. Marine recruit.

He was given a $50,000 bond and is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, May 18th.