Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington (19801)-Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun and marijuana yesterday.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, as members of the Governor’s Task Force (G.T.F.) were on patrol in the area of South Market Street just south of Wilmington. It was at this time that G.T.F. members observed a 2006 Mercury Mariner traveling in a northbound direction at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop of the vehicle was then conducted, and as contact was made with the operator and lone occupant of the car, later identified as Keith L. Howell, 37, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from the interior of the vehicle. GTF members then had Howell exit the car at which time a pat down search of him was conducted. During the search, G.T.F. members observed that Howell appeared to be attempting to conceal something under his arm and against his body. It was at this point that a loaded Glock 9mm handgun was located under his arm. G.T.F. members also located 2 grams of marijuana in Howell’s pants pocket.

Keith Howell was arrested and transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited while in Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Driving at an Unreasonable Speed. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released on $34,000.00 unsecured bail.

Released: 011917 0935

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