Driver of stolen van crashes into Wilmington gas station

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Police are investigating an accident involving a van that crashed into a gas station early Monday morning.

According to a spokesperson for the Wilmington Police Department, officers were dispatched to Phoenix Mart BP located at 425 South College Road around 3:15 a.m. They were assisting UNCW police as they were pursuing a van that fled during a traffic stop.

UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson said a UNCW police officer attempted to pull a van that was driving on Randall Drive towards S. College, without headlights on.

As the van turned onto College Acres Drive and into the gas station parking lot, police said the driver crashed into the side of the building.

The driver ran off and at last check, has not been identified.

The van was reported stolen from a driveway on College Acres Drive earlier in the morning.