Wilmington Police say they nabbed a felon with gun

Time: 1:08 a.m. – Monday morning

Location: 2100 block Creecy Avenue

Offense(s): Weapon Possession by Felon and numerous other offenses – ARREST

A WPD officer initiated a traffic stop on a black SUV for a stop sign violation. The officer approached the driver’s side door and saw the driver’s face before the man sped away. The officer soon found the SUV in the 1900 block Carolina Avenue where it had struck a parked car. The driver had fled. The officer set up perimeter while K-9 responded. As the K-9 team ran the track, officers found a handgun, later confirmed as stolen, next to a fenced-in backyard in the 1900 block Ann Street.

Nearby they found the suspect, Jamel Rayshawn Leonard, d.o.b. 1-14-1982, of Wilmington. Leonard was charged with Possession of a stolen firearm, Weapon possession by a felon, Speeding to elude arrest, Driving during revocation, Reckless driving, Hit and run, and Resist / obstruct a public officer. He is in custody at the New Hanover County detention facility under $20,000 secured bond. Photo attached.

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