Man dies after medical emergency during Wilmington traffic stop

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police are investigating after a man died following a medical emergency during a traffic stop Wednesday night.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle around 10:20 p.m. in the 2200 block of Wrightsville Avenue after noticing an expired registration.

Police said officers found suspected cocaine inside the vehicle during the investigation.

At some point during the traffic stop, the man experienced a medical emergency, according to WPD.

Emergency medical personnel responded and provided treatment for approximately 45 minutes, but the man died despite lifesaving efforts.

Police have not released the man’s identity pending notification of his family.

WPD did not provide additional information about what caused the medical emergency or the man’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing.