A Wilmington woman was arrested Tuesday after a bench warrant dating to Sept. 22, 2025 was served, according to court records and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest stems from an incident investigated by the Wilmington Police Department on Sept. 21–22, 2025.
Charges and bond
Authorities charged the woman, identified in public records as Janea Teonia Pridgen, with three offenses:
- Felony assault by strangulation
- Misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon
- Misdemeanor simple assault
A clerk set bond at $35,000 secured. She is scheduled for a first hearing on July 15 in the New Hanover County Courthouse, court records show.
Investigation status and local impact
The criminal complaint and the original arrest warrant were not available for public view at the time of reporting. Wilmington Police investigated the September incident that led to the warrant, and the arrest was executed this week after the warrant was returned served on July 14.
Assault by strangulation is treated seriously by prosecutors because of its association with domestic violence and the potential for severe injury. The case will proceed through New Hanover County’s court system, where the charges will be formally presented and the prosecution and defense will begin the pretrial process.
Next steps in the case
What to expect going forward:
- The first hearing on July 15 will determine initial court dates and whether charges will be bound over to Superior Court.
- Defense counsel and prosecutors will exchange discovery and consider bond review or plea negotiations as allowed under state law.
- The Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are listed in public records as the reporting and arresting agencies; additional updates will be released as the case develops.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest warrant issued | Sept. 22, 2025 |
| Arrest warrant served / arrest date | July 14, 2026 |
| Bond | $35,000 secured |
| First hearing | July 15, 2026 — New Hanover County Courthouse |
The case is listed as developing; court records and law enforcement reports may provide further details after the initial hearing and as prosecutors prepare formal filings. Local residents tracking public-safety issues should expect additional public records and court dockets to clarify charges and evidence as the matter proceeds through the system.
