WILMINGTON — A judge raised the bond fivefold on a U.S. Marine accused of stealing the City of Wilmington’s fire squad truck and assaulting an officer over the weekend.
Judge Sandra Ray oversaw the first appearance of Michael Fanning on Monday and increased his secured bond from $50,000 to $250,000. The 20-year-old Texan faces nine charges, a mix of both felonies and misdemeanors:
- Felony Speeding to Elude Arrest with Aggravating Factors
- Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury
- Felony Offering Bribes
- Felony Larceny from Motor Vehicle (Not Attached to Vehicle)
- Driving While Impaired
- Drive After Consuming Alcohol <21
- Resist/Delay/Obstruct Public Officers
- Assault on a Government Official/Law Enforcement Officer
- Communicating Threats
Cumulatively, the felonies could carry up to a dozen years in prison if found guilty. Fanning spoke few words aside from agreeing to his charges and to a court-appointed attorney. When Ray was informed Fanning was a U.S. Marine recruit, as noted in court documents, a voice from the courtroom corrected the narrative after asking the judge for permission.
“He is not a recruit; he is an active duty Marine,” a command rep who identified himself as Gunnery Sgt. Travis Lambert said. “I am his staff and COIC in charge.”
“Well, he won’t be around for a while,” Ray said, before asking: “What do you do with something like this?”
“Put him in the brig,” Lambert responded, using the term for military prison.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, city firefighters were assessing a traffic incident early Sunday morning, around 3:30, in the 300 block of North Water Street. Fanning allegedly hopped in the WFD’s squad truck — a 2024 Ford F350, valued at $60,000 — while equipment on it was activated for emergency response. WPD officers responding to the scene pivoted to apprehending the stolen truck and detaining Fanning.
Police chased the suspect, who purportedly was speeding 15 miles over the limit, up Market Street. The incident ended with Fanning crashing into a pole near the intersection of N.MacMillan Avenue and Pine Grove Drive, as well as hitting a deputy’s parked cruiser “intentionally,” according to the attorney.
According to arrest records, Fanning refused a breathalyzer. He also allegedly charged at and assaulted a law enforcement officer before being taken into custody. In court Tuesday, the DA’s office read how Fanning punched Deputy Short and threatened to kill his family.
In addition, Fanning allegedly attempted to bribe Officer D. Spencer for $15,000 to be freed from custody.
“I would not expect him to do this,” Lambert detailed to Judge Ray. “However, he is a grown man, he made his own decisions. He should be held accountable.”
Fanning’s license has been revoked and the judge reinforced he is not to drive if released.
WPD will continue to investigate the case while Fanning remains in the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
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