CRIME & SAFETY
Man charged with first degree murder in Supply shooting
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - One man is in custody following a shooting that killed 30-year-old Coty Allen Gales. 50-year-old James Riley Spivey is accused of shooting Gales at 8:49 p.m. on Friday, December 8. It happened on Vacation Street in Supply. Spivey is charged with first degree murder.
Weekly Safety Report: Oak Island, NC - Home Fire and Chief Resignation
Two incidents occurred in Oak Island, North Carolina this week. The first incident involved a structure fire that destroyed a home on NE 37th Street. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes, minimizing damage to surrounding homes. The second incident involved Pete Grendze stepping down as the chief of Oak Island Water Rescue. Grendze made the decision for personal growth and new opportunities.
Victims identified in fatal shooting outside Wilmington hotel
Two people are dead after a shooting in the parking lot of MainStay Suites hotel in Wilmington, according to a news release from the Wilmington Police Department. Shortly after 10 p.m. on Dec. 7, officers from the police department arrived on scene at 5229 Market St., the release said. They located two deceased...
Southport police app release a smart move
As the Southport Police Department sees it, releasing a custom smartphone application last month was a smart move. Chief Todd Coring said he was told Southport’s was the first police department in North Carolina to use the free mobile app, which made a soft launch on Nov. 14. Created by ThePoliceApp.com, the app helps the police department connect with people by providing information quickly and efficiently with just a few clicks.
Weekly Safety Report: ATV Crash and House Fire in Bolivia, North Carolina
Two incidents occurred in Bolivia, North Carolina this week. In the first incident, an ATV crashed into a building, resulting in one person being airlifted for further medical treatment and another person being taken to the hospital. The second incident involved a house fire, which was quickly extinguished by fire crews.
Weekly Safety Report: Shootings, Wrecks, and Missing Teenager in Wilmington, NC
This week in Wilmington, North Carolina, there were several incidents that occurred, including a shooting resulting in two fatalities, a three-vehicle wreck with no reported injuries, a shooting that injured one person, a missing teenager, a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, and a two-car collision with non-life-threatening injuries.
Three lanes shut down on U.S. 17 East bridge near Belville due to wreck
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Three lanes were shut down due to a crash on the U.S. 17 East bridge near Belville at around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, per the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. WECT has reached out to officials for more information. This story is developing,...
Oak Island Fire Department responds to early morning house fire
OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The Oak Island Fire Department responded to a house fire early Wednesday morning. Crews were dispatched to the fire at 122 NE 37th Street just after 5:00 a.m. The home was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived, with flames being put out in...
Wilmington Police Investigating Shooting Incident near N. 6th St., Victim Hospitalized
• Wilmington Police are investigating a shooting that occurred near N. 6th and Swann Streets on Wednesday, Dec. 6. • A male victim was found with non-life threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
One injured in shooting at N 6th St. and Swann St.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington police responded to a shooting at N 6th and Swann streets just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. According to a press release from the WPD, officers found a man suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was taken to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Chief of Oak Island Water Rescue announces departure, new appointments announced
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) - Chief Pete Grendze of Oak Island Water Rescue announced his departure from the agency in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening. “Over the past two years, it has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as the Chief of Oak Island Water Rescue. I am immensely grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement that you, our community, have provided throughout my tenure,” Grendze wrote.
Leland Fire/Rescue responds to chemical leak inside business
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Crews with Leland Fire/Rescue responded to a chemical leak inside a business early Wednesday morning. The incident took place in the 2200 block of Andrew Jackson Highway. Crews evacuated the building and set up a perimeter, while HAZMAT crews worked to contain the leak. North...
Tech Talk: Avoiding online scams while holiday shopping
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Many people likely still need to purchase gifts ahead of the holidays. If choosing to do so online, falling prey for a scam can easily spoil any festivities. Jessica Holt with U.S. Cellular spoke with WECT about avoiding scams and keeping your information safe this...
Weekly Safety Report: Fatal Crash and Three-Vehicle Collision in Southport, North Carolina
Two incidents occurred in Southport, North Carolina this week. The first incident involved a fatal crash on November 18th, where a pedestrian was pinned under a vehicle. The Southport Police Department determined it to be an accidental incident. The second incident was a three-vehicle crash on November 29th, near Dosher Memorial Hospital. The scene was cleared by the police just before 8 p.m.