Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Arrest Two on Drug and Firearms Charges

Date Posted: Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested 21-year-old Terrence Mears of Dover, Delaware, and 18-year-old Joseph Wilson IV of Smyrna, Delaware, on multiple drug and firearms-related charges.

On August 5, 2024, at approximately 4:20 p.m., a Kent County Governor’s Task Force detective observed a Dodge Caliber traveling southbound on David Hall Road. The vehicle, driven by Mears, failed to signal as it approached Charles Polk Road. A subsequent computer check revealed that Mears had a suspended driver’s license. The detective initiated a traffic stop and contacted Mears and the front-seat passenger, Wilson. During the interaction, the detective noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Mears was asked to exit the car, and upon doing so, several bulges were observed in his pockets. Mears consented to a search, which led to the discovery of approximately nine bags (.063 grams) of suspected heroin and marijuana. A further search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm, additional ammunition, 30.38 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. It was determined that Mears and Wilson were prohibited from possessing a gun. They were taken into custody and transported to Troop 3, where they were subsequently charged with multiple offenses.

Terrence Mears was charged with the following offenses:

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm if Previously Convicted of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime/Felony (Felony)
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Possession of Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving While Suspended/Revoked

Mears was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $132,500 cash bond.