WILMINGTON, DE — A Philadelphia man faces felony weapons and driving under the influence charges after state police responded to a vehicle fire Wednesday night on Interstate 495.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers were dispatched to the northbound lanes of I-495 near East Holly Oak Road at approximately 10:50 p.m. on June 24 for a report of a vehicle fire.
Investigators said they arrived to find a Subaru Outback fully engulfed in flames and observed the driver walking away from the burning vehicle. Troopers identified the driver as 27-year-old Isaiah Church of Philadelphia.
A local fire company responded and extinguished the blaze, according to police.
During the investigation, troopers conducted a search and allegedly recovered a loaded 9mm handgun and two large-capacity magazines from Church. Police reported that he was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators also said they observed signs of impairment and learned that Church had recently consumed alcohol. According to police, Church was transported to Troop 1, where troopers continued their DUI investigation and observed additional signs of impairment.
Church has been charged with two counts of possession of a large-capacity magazine, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of a firearm while under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol and related traffic offenses.
Court records show Church was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and released on a $6,300 unsecured bond.
All suspects, arrestees, and 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.