Smyrna Man Arrested on Drug, Weapons Charges Following Traffic Stop
SMYRNA, Del. – The Delaware State Police have arrested Smyrna man on felony drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop on Tuesday night.
Troopers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Kleinen on two counts of possessing a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, tampering with physical evidence, resisting arrest, possessing a tier one quanity of a controlled substance, and related charges. He was since arraigned and released on a $10,002 unsecured bond.
On Jun. 9 at 8:15 p.m., troopers with the Special Investigations Unit were patrolling South Dupont Boulevard near Monrovia Avenue when they saw a U-Haul box truck commit a traffic violation. Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the truck continued traveling at a slow speed for an extended distance before making a U-turn and proceeding northbound. During the incident, troopers reportedly saw the driver throw a clear plastic bag from the vehicle before pulling over.
Troopers contacted the driver, later identified as Kleinen, and took him into custody without incident. Investigators recovered the discarded bag and determined it contained approximately 7.33 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers located two concealed edged weapons.
A computer check revealed Kleinen is prohibited from possessing deadly weapons due to prior felony convictions and was driving with a suspended license. Through the investigation, troopers determined Kleinen allegedly intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
