Wilmington police conclude review of October use-of-force incident on Maides Avenue
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department says an officer’s use of force during an October detention on Maides Avenue was lawful and consistent with department policy following an internal review.
The incident happened Oct. 22 in the 500 block of Maides Avenue during a directed patrol prompted by community complaints about suspected drug activity and reports of firearms being displayed toward residents, homes and a food delivery driver.
According to WPD, officers initially left the area for about 15 minutes after detecting the smell of burning marijuana and observing people gathered outside. When they returned, officers said they saw the same conditions.
Police said officers detained a driver after observing him attempting to conceal marijuana. He was charged with possession of marijuana.
During the investigation, officers also encountered two men in a nearby vehicle. One man, who police said was a suspect in a firearm-related crime reported 10 days earlier, left the vehicle and went into a nearby residence despite officers’ commands to stop.
Police said another man came out of the residence and confronted officers, refusing repeated commands to step back and return inside.
An officer pushed the man to the ground and handcuffed him, according to the department. WPD said no weapons or strikes were used during the encounter. The man was charged with resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer.
The incident was recorded on officers’ body cameras and by bystanders.
WPD said its administrative review included body camera footage, videos posted online, interviews with people involved and potential witnesses, and a neighborhood canvass. The department also presented the incident and surrounding circumstances to the District Attorney’s Office.
The review identified minor policy violations that are being addressed through internal disciplinary and retraining procedures. However, WPD determined the physical force used during the detention was lawful and consistent with department policy and training.
