Wilmington fire captains charged with felonies

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A pair of Wilmington Fire Department captains have been charged with felonies, according to a city spokeswoman.

In a news release this afternoon, city spokeswoman Malissa Talbert said Wilmington Police charged Capt. David Kidd felony larceny and obtaining property by false pretense. The city says Kidd is currently on medical leave and serves at the headquarters fire station on Market Street. He has been employed with the city since 1995.

A Wilmington Police spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for more information.

Talbert says the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office charged Capt. Kenny Altman with two charges of felony larceny and obtaining property by false pretense. According to the city, Altman resigned from the fire department on Aug. 10. He had worked for the city since 2000 and most recently served at Station #6 on Carolina Beach Road.

According to an arrest warrant from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Altman obtained $4,200 for a boat motor which he never installed and did not return the money.

“This is an unfortunate situation that we take very seriously,” Wilmington Fire Chief Buddy Martinette said in a statement. “Certainly the department will cooperate fully with law enforcement officials to gather more information and complete this investigation as soon as possible.”