NEWARK, DE — A routine traffic stop in Newark led to the arrest of 34-year-old Martell McManus on multiple felony gun charges on Monday afternoon, according to Delaware State Police.
Troopers patrolling the area of I-95 and the Biden Welcome Center observed a silver Volvo C70 with Delaware registration parked in the lot for several hours. The car’s interior was obscured by heavy tint and towels blocking the windows, prompting troopers to investigate due to frequent reports of drug use and overdoses in the area.
Upon approach, the sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as McManus, allegedly refused to provide identification and was evasive regarding his identity and how he acquired the Volvo. A computer inquiry revealed that McManus was not the registered owner of the vehicle, but he was wanted on multiple felony warrants issued by the New Castle County Police Department.
Following his arrest without incident, an inventory search of the Volvo uncovered two rifles, one with an obliterated serial number, and a rifle magazine containing 14 rounds of ammunition in the backseat.
Being a convicted felon, McManus is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, possession of ammunition by a person prohibited, and possession of a firearm with a removed, obliterated, or altered serial number.
McManus was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $40,000 cash bond.
As always, it is important to note that all charges are allegations until proven guilty in a court of law, and additional information may emerge as the investigation progresses.
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