Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrest Man for Felony Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop in Dover

Date Posted: Monday, April 8th, 2024

Coombes

Delaware State Police arrested 22-year-old Robert Coombes of Dover, Delaware, for felony gun charges following a traffic stop on Saturday afternoon in Dover.

On April 6, 2024, at approximately 5:57 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a white Volkswagen Jetta traveling at a high rate of speed on West Lebanon Road in the area of South State Street in Dover. A computer inquiry of the Jetta’s Delaware registration revealed it was expired. The trooper conducted a traffic stop, and made contact with the driver, identified as Robert Coombes. Troopers observed two black handgun magazines in plain view inside the Jetta, and a subsequent probable cause search of the car led to the discovery of a green Polymer 80 ghost gun concealed under the driver’s seat, 102 rounds of ammunition, and 3 handgun magazines (pictured below). Coombes was taken into custody without incident. A computer inquiry revealed Coombes does not have a concealed carry permit.

Polymer 80 ghost gun concealed under the driver's seat, 102 rounds of ammunition, and 3 handgun magazines — Polymer 80 ghost gun concealed under the driver’s seat, 102 rounds of ammunition, and 3 handgun magazines discovered in Coombes’ Jetta.

Coombes was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $10,200 secured bond.