Wilmington Police Cadet to be recognized for saving elderly man | Community Spirit

SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) - A Wilmington cadet will be one of three people recognized for rescuing an elderly man after his car plunged into Southport’s downtown riverfront in January.

According to a news release from a WPD spokesperson, on Feb. 14, the Southport Board of Aldermen will meet at the aldermen chambers, located at 201 E. Moore Street. There, Police Chief Dove will recognize the people involved in the rescue, including Police Cadet Charles J. Bryant.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m.

Southport Police say Joachim Hans Wallrath was driving his 2003 Cadillac when he drove off the edge of the seawall in downtown Southport and landed in the water.

When the responding officer arrived on scene, the vehicle was in the Cape Fear River, and three people, including Bryant, who witnessed the accident were trying to pull Wallrath from the car.

Witnesses told police he was driving at 80 miles per hour, and the posted speed in the area is 35.

Wallrath was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

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