Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Kent County Governor’s Task Force Arrest Man for Felony Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop

Date Posted: Thursday, February 22nd, 2024

News Release

Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old Miguel Hernandes-Tovar of Marydel, Maryland, for felony gun charges following a traffic stop in Hartly on Monday night.

On February 19, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force patrolling the area of Hazlettville Road and Apple School Grove Road in Hartly observed a Buick with a registration violation. Detectives initiated a traffic stop and contacted a female driver and the front passenger. The front passenger of the Buick was identified as Miguel Hernandes-Tovar. During the investigation, detectives were told by Hernades-Tovar that narcotics were in the vehicle. When Hernandes-Tovar was being detained, detectives discovered a handgun concealed in his pants pocket. He was taken into custody without incident. A search of Hernades-Tovar and the vehicle led to the discovery of the following:

Ruger 9mm handgun
Loaded 9mm handgun magazine
Approximately .392 grams of heroin
Approximately 28.82 grams of marijuana
Drug paraphernalia

The female driver was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and subsequently released. Hernandes-Tovar was transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on $8,200 unsecured bond.

Miguel Hernandes-Tovar

Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited While in Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia