Pat-down search leads to stolen gun arrest

Delaware State Police say they were responding to a report of drug use in the Meadowbrook Acres area, when they located a gun on a suspect during a pat-down search.

Troopers say the incident happened around 1:15 P.M. Sunday, in the area of the 400 block of Lambert Drive, for a report of subjects using drugs. Troopers say they located six individuals in the driveway of the residence, and questioned them about the drug use.

Police say during the questioning, Stephen Wheeler, 21, began to walk away from troopers. Police say he was quickly detained and troopers located a 9mm pistol during a pat down search. Police say further investigation showed that the weapon and a box of ammunition was stolen from another residence in January.

Authorities say Wheeler was arrested and transported back to Troop 3, where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, and Receiving a Stolen Firearm.  

Wheeler was reportedly arraigned and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $12,000.00 secured bond.