Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Troopers Arrest Hurlock Man for Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop

Date Posted: Monday, February 26th, 2024

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police arrested 38-year-old Howard Quailes of Hurlock, Maryland, for gun and traffic offenses on Sunday afternoon in Laurel.

On February 25, 2024, at approximately 12:17 p.m., troopers on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a silver Ford 500 with an expired tag in the area of Seaford Road and Camp Road. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Howard Quailes, troopers smelled an odor of marijuana from inside the Ford and saw an opened beer bottle in the center console. Before administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, troopers conducted a pat-down search of Quailes and discovered a handgun with an obliterated serial number concealed in his waistband. Quailes was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the Ford led to the discovery of approximately 3.37 grams of marijuana.

Quailes was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,102 cash bond.

Howard Quailes mugshot photo with gray background

Possession of a Weapon with Obliterated Serial Number (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
Drinking While Driving
Additional Traffic Offenses