Two men arrested after Wilmington traffic stop leads to drug and stolen firearm investigation

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Two people were arrested after a traffic stop in Wilmington led to the recovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, a stolen vehicle and a stolen firearm, according to the Wilmington Police Department.

The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Ari Newsome and 28-year-old Quaneik Allen.

Police said the incident happened Sunday, July 5, around 2:50 p.m., when an officer conducting proactive patrol near North 30th Street and Market Street observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, police said the driver fled. The vehicle was later found abandoned near North 26th Street and Willow Street.

Officers set up a perimeter and used a Wilmington Police Department K9 team to assist with tracking. Police said two people were located nearby and both fled on foot before being taken into custody following a brief pursuit.

During the investigation, officers recovered approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine, along with fentanyl and marijuana. Police also said a search of the stolen vehicle led to the discovery of a handgun near the driver’s seat. The firearm had been reported stolen.

Newsome was charged with:

• Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
• Felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Resist, delay, obstruct a public officer
• Parole violation

Allen was charged with:

• Three counts of trafficking methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Resist, delay, obstruct a public officer

Both suspects were taken to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Police said Allen was given a $75,000 secured bond, while Newsome was held without bond.