Man identified after dying during Wilmington traffic stop; SBI investigating

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a 45-year-old man died during a traffic stop in Wilmington Wednesday night.

The Wilmington Police Department identified the man Thursday as Christopher Howard.

According to WPD, 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.

WPD said it is believed Howard consumed cocaine before experiencing a medical emergency. Police have not said whether cocaine has been confirmed as the cause of the medical emergency or his death.

Emergency medical personnel responded and performed lifesaving measures for more than 40 minutes, but Howard died at the scene.

WPD said the SBI was notified Wednesday night following the incident and is investigating.

Additional information about the circumstances surrounding Howard’s death has not been released.