2023 Year in Review: Looking back on noteworthy crime incidents in New Hanover County
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As 2024 begins, WWAY takes a look back at the top crime stories from 2023.
The first quarter of 2023 saw a car crashing through Wilmington International Airport. Around 7 pm on March 9th, a car breached the airport’s fence line and drove onto the tarmac. Deputies from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office pursued the vehicle, which eventually crashed through the front entrance of ILM. The driver, identified as Tray Anthony Dvorak, now faces various charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and trespassing on airport property.
On July 8th, Wilmington police responded to an active shooter situation at Independence Mall. Following an investigation, it was determined that one shot had been fired inside the mall near the food court. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the suspect in the shooting is still at large.
In August, a two-day crime spree unfolded in New Hanover County. A man, later identified as William Gilmore, fired shots into a home, injuring a woman in a drive-by shooting on August 17th. The following day, Gilmore attacked a woman in Wrightsville Beach, trapping her in a room, zip-tying her, and assaulting her. After leaving the beach, Gilmore was located on Market Street. A car and foot chase ensued, leading to Gilmore being shot and killed by officers.
In a different coastal area of the county, a fatal shooting occurred in October. Christopher Fenty was sitting in his car at Fort Fisher Historical Site just before 9 am on October 9th when, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Adrian Maurice Hall Junior approached Fenty and fired multiple shots. Hall is now facing various charges, including first-degree murder.
Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams is expected to present the crime statistics for 2023 at a city council meeting in January.
