Suspect drove through Wilmington cemetery while fleeing drug operation

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two men are facing drug and firearm charges following a three-month narcotics trafficking investigation that led to searches in Wilmington and Pender County, according to the Wilmington Police Department.

Patrick Davis, 42, and Johnny Robinson, 20, were arrested Tuesday, Sept. 22, following a multi-agency operation.

WPD says the Cape Fear Regional SWAT Team and Pender County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at two separate locations.

During the search in Wilmington, police say Robinson fled from officers in a vehicle and drove through Greenlawn Memorial Park before crashing into a tree. His vehicle became disabled, and officers took him into custody.

Davis was taken into custody without incident, according to police.

Detectives seized more than 380 grams of cocaine, more than 500 grams of marijuana, eight firearms and more than $9,500, WPD said. Investigators also seized what police described as a machine gun conversion device for a rifle, commonly known as a “switch.”

Davis is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by manufacturing, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is being held in the New Hanover County Detention Center under a $1.064 million bond.

Robinson is charged with trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by manufacturing, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, maintaining a dwelling, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, failure to heed lights and siren and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is being held in the New Hanover County Detention Center under a $520,000 bond.

Wilmington Police say the Pender County Sheriff’s Office and FBI assisted with the operation.