Incident report provides more details in theft investigation that led to fatal shooting

An incident report provides more details in a theft investigation in Wilmington that culminated in a fatal shooting.

Around 5 p.m. on June 13, 2024, an off-duty detective with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office spotted a boat and truck matching the description of stolen property that the Wilmington Police Department had been investigating, District Attorney Ben David previously said at a news conference. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Steven Ryan Todd, was also believed to be in the possession of two stolen firearms.

The detective attempted to stop the suspect, who responded by trying to run over the detective before fleeing the scene, David previously said. This initiated a pursuit involving multiple officers with the Wilmington Police Department that was eventually called off.

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Felony warrants were issued for Todd, including charges of assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing to elude arrest, assault on a government official, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Local law enforcement agencies were notified that the suspect was "armed and dangerous," David previously said. The public was not notified of a potential threat to public safety.

Later that same evening, detectives from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of South Kerr Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, David previously said. The suspect refused to comply and intentionally collided head-on with a sheriff's vehicle.

Three detectives discharged several rounds into the vehicle, striking the suspect. Todd died on scene as a result of his injuries.

The incident report details that 14 items were reported stolen from a home on Rogersville Road, Wilmington. The report was filed on June 13 at 1:28 p.m. by 43-year-old Joseph Edward Taylor.

In addition to the Ford F-150, boat, and two firearms -- identified as a 9MM Glock 17 and a 12GA Benelli shotgun -- five bicycles, $3,000 of household goods, one trailer, $3,000 of alcoholic beverage, and camping, hunting, and fishing equipment were also reported stolen, according to the incident report.

In total, the stolen items had a value of $95,650, according to the incident report.

The incident is being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, David previously said. The investigation will determine whether the use of force by officers was justified. Per protocol, the detectives who discharged their weapons on scene were placed on paid administrative leave.