Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Governor’s Task Force Arrests Two Men for Gun and Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop in Wilmington

Date Posted: Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

Evidence

The Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old John Hernandez of New Castle, Delaware, and 32-year-old Shakair Miller of Wilmington, Delaware, for gun and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in Wilmington on Monday night.

On January 13, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force were patrolling the area of South Market Street in Wilmington when they observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee with multiple equipment violations. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the Jeep, and made contact with the driver, identified as John Hernandez. A computer inquiry of Hernandez revealed he did not have a valid driver’s license. Detectives also made contact with the passenger, who initially provided a fictitious name and date of birth, but was later positively identified as Shakair Miller. A computer inquiry of Miller revealed he had a capias for his arrest issued by the New Castle County Superior Court. Hernandez and Miller were subsequently taken into custody without incident.

During the traffic stop, detectives conducted a search of Hernandez, Miller, and the Jeep, which led to the discovery of the following items:

A loaded Ruger handgun, which was concealed in a jacket found in the rear passenger seat
A variety of bags containing approximately 42.4 grams of crack cocaine
41 baggies containing approximately 1.23 grams of heroin
Various paraphernalia to include a digital scale, and distribution/packaging materials

Hernandez and Miller were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

Hernandez was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $142,320 cash bond.

Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possess a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving Without a Valid License
Additional Traffic Violations

A computer inquiry revealed Miller is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $143,100 cash bond.

Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possess a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited who also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possess with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
Making False Statement

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.