CLAYMONT, DE — A Pennsylvania man is facing a series of felony charges after Delaware State Police allegedly discovered a loaded firearm and illegal drugs on his person during a welfare check at a SEPTA transit station in Claymont.
According to police, the incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, when troopers were dispatched to the station at 191 Transit Center Drive following a report of an unresponsive bus passenger. Upon arrival, troopers located the man—identified as 43-year-old Andrew Kucharczyk of Linwood, Pennsylvania—asleep in one of the vehicle’s passenger seats.
Authorities say that as troopers approached, they observed the handle of a handgun partially visible from Kucharczyk’s waistband, protruding beneath his shirt. He was believed to be under the influence of narcotics at the time.
Kucharczyk was taken into custody without incident, and police recovered a loaded .380 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun from his waistband. Investigators say the weapon was not secured in a holster, and Kucharczyk did not possess a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm. A background check revealed he is a convicted felon, legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
A search of Kucharczyk’s person allegedly uncovered additional contraband, including approximately 0.18 grams of suspected heroin, 0.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and related drug paraphernalia.
Kucharczyk was transported to Troop 1 and formally charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2 counts – Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $56,600 cash bail.
As with all criminal proceedings, it is essential to remember that a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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