Wilmington Police Arrested Man on Felony Gun Charges
Wesley Martinez was taken into custody following a report of shots fired in the city last week.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Crime — General
Wilmington police have arrested 30-year-old Wesley Martinez on multiple felony charges, including firearm possession during a felony and reckless endangering. The arrest followed an investigation into a shooting reported near West Fourth and North Scott streets.
Why it matters
The arrest marks a significant step in the local investigation into a shots-fired incident that caused over $1,000 in property damage. Authorities utilized the Safe Streets Task Force to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Martinez faces charges including first-degree reckless endangering and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, with his cash-only bail set at $66,500. He is currently held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution following his arraignment.
The players
Wesley Martinez
The 30-year-old suspect faces multiple felony charges including firearm possession and reckless endangering.
Ryan Kilmon
He is the detective who identified the suspect and secured the arrest warrants in this case.
Safe Streets Task Force
This specialized unit is responsible for locating and apprehending suspects in Wilmington.
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
This facility is the primary jail where the defendant is currently being held.
The details
Detective Ryan Kilmon identified Martinez as the suspect in the Sept. 29 incident before obtaining the necessary warrants. Members of the Safe Streets Task Force eventually located and arrested the defendant in the 1600 block of Lancaster Avenue.
Timeline
Sept. 29, 2026: Police responded to a report of shots fired at 10:08 a.m.
Oct. 1, 2026: The Safe Streets Task Force arrested Wesley Martinez.
Legal Context
The arrest follows the established operational protocols of the Safe Streets Task Force in Wilmington. This action reflects the department's standard enforcement of state gun-possession statutes following reports of reckless endangerment.
The arrest ensures the suspect is no longer at large following the report of shots fired at a busy city intersection. Residents can expect continued monitoring of the area as the legal proceedings move forward in Justice of the Peace Court 11.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of timely reporting and specialized task force involvement in addressing felony-level weapon offenses. Local authorities continue to prioritize the removal of individuals suspected of creating public safety risks in residential areas.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement, see the Crime — General section.
