Man arrested after robberies at Wilmington businesses

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A Wilmington man is in custody after robberies at two Wilmington businesses, according to the Wilmington Police Department.

Officers responded to the Scotchman gas station at 901 S. 3rd Street on Tuesday, April 16, shortly after 2:30 a.m. for a reported armed robbery. Investigators learned the suspect entered the store, approached the counter and implied he had a gun in his pocket. He took cigarettes and cash, and fled the store on a bike heading south on S. 3rd Street, according to a release from WPD.

Detectives were able to use video footage to identify a possible suspect.

Later the same day, shortly after 5:30 p.m., a suspect matching the same description entered the EZ Pass Vape and Tobacco store at 1929 Oleander Drive. According to WPD, the suspect also implied he had a gun and forced employees into the back room. He was able to get away with merchandise and some money.

Investigators later identified the suspect as Steven Lavern Nixon, 42, of Wilmington.

Later in the evening, a Mobile Field Force consisting of Wilmington Police Department officers and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Nixon in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Nixon was taken into custody. He’s charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, First Degree Kidnapping, Felony Larceny, and Resist/Delay/Obstruct Public Officers. Nixon is currently being held at the NHCSO Detention Center without bond.

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