An 18-year-old man from Wilmington has been charged with multiple firearm offenses following a police pursuit in the early hours of August 12, 2023. The incident unfolded around 12:38 a.m. when officers from the Wilmington Police Department attempted to stop a man believed to be driving an electric scooter illegally near the intersection of 6th and North Van Buren Streets.
According to police reports, the individual, identified as Antwain Canty, abandoned the scooter and fled on foot when approached by law enforcement. During the chase, officers observed Canty removing a firearm from his waistband. He was subsequently apprehended without further incident in the 200 block of North Harrison Street after additional police units arrived at the scene.
Authorities recovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun equipped with a laser attachment. This led to several charges against Canty, including possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and resisting arrest. Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 11, Canty was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a cash-only bail of $31,001.
The Wilmington Police Department has emphasized the importance of public safety and the seriousness of firearm-related offenses. They also reminded the public that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
As the investigation continues, the Wilmington community is left to reflect on the implications of such incidents on local safety and law enforcement practices.