WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Several emergency crews responded Sunday morning to a reported gas leak, according to a Wilmington Fire Department spokesperson.
The spokesperson said crews responded to a leaking carbon dioxide cylinder outside 34 N. Front St. on Nov. 8. The spokesperson said vandalism caused the leak.
WECT weather cameras captured video of the response at about 1:30 a.m. Wilmington Police say the leak involved the cap of a CO2 canister being broken off.
Although the scene is now long gone and things are back to normal downtown, Sgt. Ronald Evans with the Wilmington Police Department says they’re still investigating whether or not it was intentional.
If so, whoever is responsible could face charges.
“These crimes can carry charges anywhere from felonies to misdemeanors and hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines,” said Evans. “When it comes to things less serious, like CO2 canisters, we’re dealing with misdemeanors. But if it’s anything flammable or causes a disruption of businesses, it could lead up to a potential felony.”
However, vandalism in general is something Evans says they don’t see often.
“There have been cases here and there but it’s not one of those things where we’ve seen an influx of reports of vandalism,” he said. “We’ll still investigate. We’re asking some citizens who may have seen something to call us and let us know.”
WPD Officials say just because no one is currently charged, doesn’t mean no one will be. They tell WECT it’s still an active investigation.
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