North Carolina Highway Patrol searches for driver in Wilmington chase

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is searching for a driver who allegedly led troopers on a chase through Wilmington on Monday morning. According to authorities, the incident began when the driver of a blue Ford Bronco ran a red light around 9:15 a.m., prompting a trooper to pursue the vehicle down Kerr Avenue. During the chase, the driver jumped a concrete divider to get onto Randall Parkway, and the pursuit continued on College Road, Cedar Avenue, and other streets before the suspect was able to evade law enforcement.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases can pose a significant risk to public safety, as the suspect driver and pursuing officers may drive recklessly, putting other motorists and pedestrians in danger. The Wilmington area has seen an uptick in traffic violations and property crimes in recent years, leading to increased law enforcement presence and efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects.

The details

According to Trooper Malpass of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the incident began when the driver of a blue Ford Bronco ran a red light around 9:15 a.m. on Monday. A trooper attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit down Kerr Avenue. During the chase, the suspect driver jumped a concrete divider to get onto Randall Parkway, and the pursuit continued on College Road, Cedar Avenue, and other streets before the driver was able to evade law enforcement.

• The incident began around 9:15 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.

What’s next

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation and search for the suspect driver.