Dover traffic stop leads to arrest on gun, drug charges

DOVER, Del. – A traffic stop late Saturday night led to gun and drug charges for a Dover man.

Shortly before 11 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of South Dupont Highway and POW-MIA Parkway stopped a red Hyundai Sonata for a registration violation. After making contact with the driver and sole occupant, 39-year-old William Ridgway Jr., it was learned that he did not have a valid driver’s license. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a handgun concealed in a backpack, as well as approximately 48.58 grams of suspected marijuana. A computer check revealed that Ridgway is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition.

Ridgway was held at SCI on a $21,001 secured bond after being charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of marijuana, and traffic offenses.