Traffic stop leads to recovery of loaded firearms, narcotics in Seaford

SEAFORD, Del. – Seaford Police say a traffic stop for an unregistered vehicle led to the seizure of firearms and narcotics.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, officers saw a black Chevrolet Tahoe on Middleford Road that was not displaying a registration plate. A stop was initiated on the vehicle, and contact was made with the driver, 38-year-old Amy Hignutt, who reportedly told police that she had applied for registration with the Alabama DMV. Hignutt had an Alabama Drivers’ License and an Alabama pistol permit, and when asked if there were any firearms in the vehicle, Hignutt said yes but that she couldn’t remember where.

Hignutt was asked to step out of the vehicle, at which point she reportedly told officers that she had moved back to Delaware and purchased a house. Further investigation revealed that the Alabama pistol permit exposures upon establishing an out-of-state residence. Officers then asked Hignutt where the firearm was located, and she told them it was in a black backpack. Inside the backpack, officers located a loaded .38 caliber handgun, and found another loaded 9mm handgun near the backpack on the back seat. Due to the vehicle not being registered and Hignutt possessing concealed firearms, a search was conducted of the vehicle, leading to the recovery of a small clear baggie containing suspected crystal methamphetamine.

Hignutt was subsequently taken into custody and charged with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a deadly weapon while possessing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and other motor vehicle charges. She was later released on a $12,800 unsecured bail.