Masked Driver Caught with Cocaine Stashed in Iced Tea Bottle During Dramatic Traffic Stop in New Castle

Charles BlackshearCharles Blackshear /Submitted Image

NEW CASTLE, DE — A 40-year-old Wilmington man is facing multiple felony charges following a traffic stop that uncovered drugs, weapons, and other evidence of alleged criminal activity.

The Delaware State Police arrested Charles Blackshear on the evening of April 1, 2025, after a patrol officer observed suspicious driving behavior near South Market Street and Millside Drive. At approximately 8:26 p.m., a red Toyota Camry caught the officer’s attention as it sped through a parking lot and continued onto North Dupont Highway, committing multiple traffic violations.

The traffic stop was initiated swiftly, and Blackshear, who was wearing a black mask concealing his face, was identified as the driver. A record check revealed that Blackshear’s driver’s license was suspended and that the vehicle, a rental, was not authorized for his use.

During the stop, authorities conducted a consensual search, locating a knife hidden in Blackshear’s waistband. A further search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 21.78 grams of cocaine, packaged in plastic bags and submerged in a bottle of iced tea in the center console. Additionally, multiple cell phones were found inside the car.

Blackshear, a convicted felon prohibited from carrying weapons, was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was formally charged with a list of offenses, including possession with intent to deliver controlled substances in a Tier 2 quantity, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and tampering with physical evidence.

Blackshear appeared in Justice of the Peace Court 11, where he was arraigned and later released on a $30,302 secured bond.

Law enforcement officials remind the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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