Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Troopers Arrest Man for Felony Drug and Weapon Offenses Following Traffic Stop in New Castle

Date Posted: Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

The Delaware State Police arrested 40-year-old Charles Blackshear of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony drug and weapon offenses following a traffic stop that occurred in New Castle last night.

On April 1, 2025, at approximately 8:26 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of South Market Street and Millside Drive observed a red Toyota Camry traveling southbound on South Market Street before it quickly entered the Royal Farms parking lot. The Toyota traveled through the lot at a high rate of speed before it exited onto North Dupont Highway, where it continued to commit multiple traffic violations. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota, and made contact with the driver, identified as Charles Blackshear, who was wearing a black mask obstructing his face. A computer inquiry of Blackshear’s driver’s license revealed it was suspended. During the traffic stop, troopers learned the Toyota was a rental vehicle, and Blackshear was not an authorized operator. Blackshear was directed to exit the vehicle, after which a consensual search revealed a knife concealed in his waistband. A subsequent search of the Toyota was conducted, which led to the discovery of multiple cell phones, and approximately 21.78 grams of cocaine packed in clear, plastic knotted sandwich bags that were submerged in a bottle of iced tea in the center console.

Blackshear was taken into custody without incident. An additional computer inquiry revealed Blackshear is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing deadly weapons. Blackshear was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and was released after posting a $30,302 secured bond.