Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Man for Felony Gun Charge Following Traffic Stop in Newark

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Evidence of a gun and ammunition

The Delaware State Police arrested 24-year-old Lenford Kirlew of Wilmington, Delaware, for a felony gun charge following a traffic stop that occurred in Newark on Sunday afternoon.

On July 6, 2025, at approximately 3:32 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a white Honda Accord with multiple equipment violations bypassing traffic as it traveled on the right shoulder of Route 1 northbound, approaching the ramp to I-95 northbound in Newark. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Honda as it continued on to I-95 northbound while still traveling on the right shoulder, and made contact with the driver, identified as Lenford Kirlew. During the traffic stop, Kirlew made multiple inconsistent statements, and repeatedly entered the vehicle despite being instructed to remain outside of the vehicle. Kirlew was ultimately taken into custody after he was observed entering the Honda from the driver’s side, and reaching toward the passenger seat. After Kirlew was taken into custody, troopers observed a loaded firearm on the passenger seat that was previously concealed during the initial contact.

Kirlew was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $2,500 secured bond.