WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department has arrested a man charged with stealing a shotgun from the back from a police vehicle last week.
Friday, WPD arrested 41-year-old Wilmington resident Patrick Gerard Howard on charges of larceny of a firearm, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Howard has a lengthy criminal record, including over ten felonies (mostly drug-related) and numerous misdemeanors. He is currently being held in the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office detention facility on an $8,000 secured bond.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, May 11. An officer responded to a domestic dispute on the 3800 block of Princess Place Drive. According to WPD, while the officer was away from his vehicle, Howard allegedly broke into the trunk and stole the officer’s shotgun.
WPD offered a $1,000 reward for the weapon’s return.
Two days later, a resident called 911 to report that the weapon had been seen in the bushes on Manly Avenue near Maides Park. Officers confirmed it was the stolen shotgun.
