Felton traffic stop leads to discovery of handgun hidden in vehicle

Harold Hampton.

FELTON, Del. – A Felton man is facing multiple charges after police found a handgun hidden in his vehicle.

On January 28th, around 8:09 p.m., Delaware State Police say a trooper saw a driver fail to use a turn signal when turning onto South State Street from Banning Road. The driver continued, making multiple other moving violations in his Ford Taurus, say police.

The trooper pulled the driver over, and identified him as 46-year-old Harold Hampton. Police say a smell of alcohol was coming from Hampton’s breath, and he was showing signs of impairment. Hampton was arrested without incident for DUI.

A search of Hampton’s vehicle led to the discovery of a handgun hidden under the front passenger seat, according to police. Computer checks also revealed that Hampton had two prior DUI convictions, and was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing guns.

Hampton was taken to Troop 3, and charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is also charged with third offense DUI, possession of a firearm while under the influence, and numerous traffic offenses. Hampton was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and taken to Sussex Correctional Institution on $32,100 cash bond.