Town of Wrightsville Beach granted extension in former police chief’s lawsuit

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Wrightsville Beach has been granted additional time to respond to a lawsuit filed by former Police Chief David Squires, who alleges he was wrongfully terminated after raising concerns about parking enforcement practices and resisting political pressure from town leaders.

According to court records, the town has until Aug. 15 to file its response to the complaint.

Squires filed the lawsuit in New Hanover County Superior Court on June 5, alleging he was fired in July 2024 after objecting to what he believed were unlawful parking fines and refusing to take actions he considered improper.

The lawsuit claims Wrightsville Beach’s parking enforcement system issued fines ranging from $150 to $300, despite a North Carolina law that Squires alleges limits those fines to $50. It also alleges Squires faced pressure from town officials after raising concerns about the fines and other police matters involving private business interests.

Squires further alleges he was urged to discipline officers and handle certain investigations differently despite a lack of evidence of misconduct. He claims he was terminated shortly after refusing to do so.

The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, emotional distress and other losses and requests a jury trial.

The Town of Wrightsville Beach has not yet filed a formal response to the allegations. The extension gives the town until Aug. 15 to answer the complaint.

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.