WILMINGTON, DE — A 33-year-old Newark man is facing multiple weapons and drug charges after Wilmington Police allegedly discovered a loaded handgun with a drum-style magazine during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of August 3.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, the incident occurred just after midnight, at approximately 12:11 a.m., when an officer on patrol observed a vehicle run a stop sign in the 900 block of North Church Street. After initiating a traffic stop, police made contact with the driver, identified as Lamonte Butler.
During the course of the stop, officers reportedly recovered a loaded 9mm handgun equipped with a drum-style magazine capable of holding 51 rounds. Authorities also allege that Butler was in possession of approximately 31 grams of marijuana and an unspecified quantity of additional narcotic pills.
Butler was taken into custody without incident and has since been formally charged with several felony offenses, including possession of a large-capacity magazine during the commission of a felony, two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He also faces charges related to drug possession, in addition to traffic violations.
Following his arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Butler was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $30,100 cash-only bail.
At this time, all charges remain allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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