Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Cheswold, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a Smyrna man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun early last night.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 22, 2016 at approximately 6:56 p.m., as a trooper was performing traffic enforcement on US Rt. 13 in the area of Messina Hill Road, Cheswold. It was at this time that the trooper observed a white Nissan Maxima traveling in a northbound direction on Rt. 13 at a speed greater than the posted speed limit. The trooper then conducted a traffic stop of the Nissan at which time he came into contact with the operator, later identified as John Geist, 44, of Smyrna. A subsequent consent search of the Nissan revealed a fully loaded Ruger 9mm handgun, as well as a second fully loaded magazine, under the driver’s seat. A computer check revealed that Geist was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.

John Geist was arrested and transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $12,000.00 unsecured bail.

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Released: 072316 1455

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