Wilmington (19809) – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of two loaded handguns.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:41 a.m., Saturday, April 14, 2018, when a Trooper stopped a black Ford Explorer for a traffic violation, in the area of Philadelphia Pike and Murphy Road, Wilmington. When contact was made with the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, who was identified as Donald C. Vavala III, 30, of Wilmington, a strong odor of alcohol was detected. Based on the preliminary roadside DUI investigation, Vavala was taken in to custody and transported to Delaware State Police Troop #1 for further investigation.

A search of Vavala’s vehicle produced a fully loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, a fully loaded H&K 9mm handgun and a plastic baggie containing pills which were identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Vavala was subsequently arrested and charged with the following:

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• DUI/Alcohol
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon While in Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Inattentive Driving
• Failure to Remain in Single Lane
• Improper Turn

Vavala was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on $4,675.00 unsecured bail.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 041618 1230

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