Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrests Man for Felony Gun Charges in Wilmington

Date Posted: Monday, June 24th, 2024

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

Delaware State Police arrested 40-year-old Larry Austin of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony gun charges following a suspicious activity investigation early Saturday morning in Wilmington.

On June 22, 2024, at approximately 4:50 a.m., troopers responded to the Wilmington Country Club located at 4825 Kennett Pike for an unknown man sleeping in the back of a Cadillac Escalade. When the trooper arrived, he saw the Escalade parked in the entrance road of the country club with the driver’s door open. The trooper approached the SUV and opened the driver side rear passenger door to make contact with the occupant. Upon opening the door, the occupant, later identified as Larry Austin, fell out onto the concrete. As Austin fell out of the SUV, the trooper saw a black gun on the seat where Austin had been sitting. While speaking with Austin, the trooper observed Austin exhibiting multiple signs of impairment and he was subsequently taken into custody without incident. A computer inquiry of the Taurus G2C 9mm handgun found in the SUV revealed it had been reported stolen by the New Castle County Police Department in May 2022.

A computer check of Austin revealed he is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $13,200 cash bond.

Larry Austin mugshot with gray background