Wilmington teen pleads guilty after E-bike crash injures 5-year-old at Smith Creek Park

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A 19-year-old Wilmington man has pleaded guilty to assault inflicting serious injury after investigators say he struck a 5-year-old boy while riding an e-bike at Smith Creek Park.

Camren Isaiah Creme pleaded guilty Wednesday before Judge R. Kent Harrell to the Class A1 misdemeanor.

Creme was sentenced to a 60-day suspended sentence, 18 months of supervised probation and 500 hours of community service. He had already completed 334 hours of that community service before entering his plea.

As part of the sentence, Creme must also complete an eight-hour course with Street Safe, a driver education program for young drivers. He will become a presenter on e-bike safety, sharing his experience with other young riders.

Creme must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow any recommended treatment.

The crash happened April 2, 2025, at Smith Creek Park in northern New Hanover County.

According to the district attorney’s office, signs at the park prohibit motorized vehicles. The area is heavily used by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Investigators say the 5-year-old was learning to ride his scooter on the park’s two-way circular path. He was wearing a helmet and other protective gear.

Moments before the crash, the child was walking his scooter and tried to avoid Creme’s e-bike.

Creme told law enforcement he also tried to avoid the collision, but his foot became lodged between the brake and the ground.

The e-bike was estimated to be traveling between 25 and 30 miles per hour when it struck the child, sending him approximately 20 to 30 feet from the point of impact.

The child suffered significant injuries and was transported for medical treatment.

Creme remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. He also suffered multiple fractures to his foot.

Laboratory testing later revealed THC in Creme’s blood.

District Attorney Jason W. Smith said the plea is intended to hold Creme accountable while also giving him an opportunity to educate other young riders about e-bike safety.

“My office regards this negotiated plea as a teachable moment, both for this defendant and for others who operated e-bikes in this District: Actions have consequences,” Smith said.

Smith added that while the plea agreement may not be appropriate in every case, his office and the victim’s family believed Creme could be held accountable without making him a convicted felon.