Millsboro man faces felony weapon charges after traffic stop

A Millsboro man, 20, faces felony weapon charges after police found him with a loaded handgun April 5 following a traffic stop.

Delaware State Police on patrol at 12:15 a.m. in the Millsboro area stopped a Pontiac sedan traveling southbound on Dupont Boulevard south of Delaware Avenue after the car failed to remain within its lane of travel and also committed a turn signal violation, said Sr. Cpl. Leonard DeMalto of the Delaware State Police. The car was pulled over on Parker Circle, and upon contacting the driver, Amir Harris, DeMalto said a trooper detected the smell of marijuana from inside of the vehicle. Harris was asked to exit the vehicle, but as Harris complied, DeMalto said, he fled on foot. Troopers chased Harris and took him into custody a short distance away. Upon detaining Harris, DeMalto said, troopers discovered he was in possession of a loaded U.S. Revolver Company handgun with five .32-caliber rounds, and about .03 grams of suspected heroin. Harris has a prior felony conviction and is a person prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition, DeMalto said.

Harris was transported to Troop 4 and charged with felony possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, felony possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, possession of ammunition by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, resisting arrest and other drug and traffic offenses.

Harris was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $36,750 secured bond.