Traffic Stop Leads To Laurel Man’s Arrest For Drugs-Weapons Charges

A Laurel man is facing weapons-and-drug related charges following a traffic stop in Seaford.

According to Delaware State Police, troopers on patrol Wednesday afternoon stopped a vehicle with an expired registration. They discovered that its operator was the subject of an active capias for failure to appear in Justice of the Peace Court.

State Police said a search of the pick-up truck turned up drug paraphernalia, a small amount of heroin and a large machete.

35-year-old Patrick Stephenson was taken into custody. He also was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Delaware State Police released these charges:

Patrick was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 5. Once the trooper removed Patrick from the back of the patrol vehicle, a used hypodermic needle was located shoved in-between the rear seat cushion where he was seated. Due to Patrick displaying signs of driving under the influence of drugs, a DUI investigation ensued. Patrick was charged with the following crimes:

• Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Expired Tags

Patrick was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on a $3,600.00 unsecured bond.