WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington Police have arrested a 26-year-old man on multiple firearm-related charges after responding to a report of an armed individual on Thursday afternoon, according to police officials.
Authorities said that on October 23, 2025, at approximately 3:48 p.m., members of the Wilmington Police Department’s Special Operations Division were dispatched to the area of South Market Street and Rosa Parks Drive following a complaint involving a person with a gun.
Upon arrival, officers observed a man matching the suspect description and made contact with him. The individual, identified as Jowan Whitley, was taken into custody without incident after a brief investigation. Police said Whitley was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun, which was later determined to have been reported stolen.
Following his arrest, Whitley was charged with possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and receiving a stolen firearm. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $17,000 cash-only bail.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the origin of the stolen firearm or the circumstances leading to the complaint.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.