Midnight Chase in Wilmington Ends with Stolen Gun Seized and Felony Arrest

Joel HurttJoel Hurtt /Submitted Image

WILMINGTON, DE — A routine traffic stop early January 28, 2025, led to the arrest of a Wilmington man on multiple firearm-related charges after he allegedly fled from police.

Officers with the Wilmington Police Department’s Uniformed Services Division observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation near South Clayton and Cedar Streets at approximately 2:28 a.m. Upon stopping the vehicle, police made contact with the driver and passenger, later identified as 29-year-old Joel Hurtt.

Hurtt allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot, discarding a firearm in the process. Following a brief pursuit, officers apprehended Hurtt without further incident. Authorities recovered a loaded 9mm handgun, which they say was previously reported stolen.

Hurtt has been charged with several offenses, including Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, and Resisting Arrest. Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 20, Hurtt was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution with bail set at $24,000 cash-only.

Law enforcement officials stress that these charges are allegations, and Hurtt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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