Police chase ends in arrest after crash in downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A routine traffic stop turned into a police chase over the weekend in downtown Wilmington, ending in a crash and the arrest of a Fayetteville man.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, an officer and deputy initiated a stop on a Mercury Grand Marquis with a fake license plate. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy noticed a gun under the driver’s leg. When confronted, the driver fled the scene.

Minutes later, officers were alerted to a crash at the intersection of 2nd and Orange Streets. The suspect’s vehicle had struck three parked cars and was abandoned.

A search of the area led to the arrest of 27-year-old Joshua Taylor of Fayetteville. He is facing multiple charges, including possession of a stolen gun, hit-and-run, and resisting arrest.

Taylor is currently in custody pending further legal proceedings.