LANDENBERG, PA — A traffic stop in the early hours of Saturday, December 9, 2023, led to the arrest of a Delaware man on multiple charges, according to the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department.
At approximately 1:07am, officers initiated the traffic stop at the 200 block of Starr Road. The driver, identified as Manuel Sarante-Castillo, 40, of New Castle, DE, reportedly exhibited several signs of intoxication.
Upon further investigation, officers determined that Sarante-Castillo was incapable of safely operating his vehicle. He was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Hi Point .45 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number in the rear passenger seat. The firearm was seized, and the search was concluded.
Sarante-Castillo was transported to Chester County Prison. Unable to post the $25,000 monetary bail, he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 15, 2023, at the District Court.
The charges against Sarante-Castillo include:
- Possession of firearms by persons not permitted
- Driving under the influence of a controlled substance
- Incapacity to drive safely
- Fraudulent use/removal of a registration plate
- Driving without a license
- Failure to exhibit a driver’s license on demand
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number
The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department emphasizes that these accusations are allegations. Sarante-Castillo, like all suspects, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further details may emerge as the investigation continues.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.