Arson and Burglary Charges Filed Against Wilmington Man After Colwell Avenue Incident

WILMINGTON, NC — A local man is facing a list of serious criminal charges, including arson, after being caught in the act of trying to break into a home on Colwell Avenue. The suspect, 31-year-old Adrian Watkins, was apprehended early in the morning of September 11, 2025.

Wilmington police officers responded to a residential call at approximately 2:49 a.m. regarding a suspicious individual attempting to gain entry into a home. Upon arriving at the Colwell Avenue property, officers observed Watkins actively attempting to force open a back window. Officers intervened immediately and placed Watkins under arrest after a brief struggle.

As officers were securing the suspect, they noticed smoke coming from a utility shed attached to the main residence. Upon inspection, they discovered burning cardboard inside the structure. Officers were able to extinguish the flames before the fire could spread to the residential living quarters, preventing significant property damage and potential injury to the sleeping occupants inside.

Watkins has been charged with first-degree arson, felony breaking and entering, second-degree trespass, injury to real property, and resisting arrest. Additionally, officers discovered that Watkins had four outstanding active warrants at the time of his apprehension. He was transported to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and jailed under a secured bond while awaiting his initial court appearance.