Two men flee Wilmington traffic stop; police find drugs, stolen gun

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington police seized a stolen firearm, approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana after two men fled a traffic stop and were run down by a K9 team Sunday afternoon, the Wilmington Police Department said.

The stop was initiated around 2:50 p.m. on July 5 near North 30th Street and Market Street, the department said Tuesday. The vehicle reportedly fled before officers could make contact.

According to police, officers located the vehicle abandoned near North 26th Street and Willow Street. A K9 team was called in to track the occupants. When officers made contact with two individuals in the area, both ran and were taken into custody after a brief chase.

The abandoned vehicle, which was also reported stolen, contained a stolen handgun near the driver’s seat. Officers also recovered approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine, along with fentanyl and marijuana.

The Wilmington Police Department said the two suspects were identified as Quaneik Allen, 28, and Ari Newsome, 23.

Allen faces three counts of trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resist/delay/obstruct a public officer.

He is being held on a $75,000 secured bond.

Newsome was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resist/delay/obstruct a public officer, and parole violation.

He is being held without bond.

Both are in custody at the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.