Wilmington, DE – On January 13, 2025, two men were arrested in Wilmington on multiple felony charges after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs and a firearm.
At approximately 7:00 p.m. that evening, officers from the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force were patrolling South Market Street in Wilmington when they observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee with several equipment violations. The officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, later identified as 27-year-old John Hernandez of New Castle.
A computer check revealed that Hernandez did not have a valid driver’s license. When officers turned their attention to the passenger, later identified as 32-year-old Shakair Miller of Wilmington, he initially provided a fictitious name and date of birth. However, he was soon positively identified, and a subsequent check revealed that Miller had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the New Castle County Superior Court.
Hernandez and Miller were taken into custody without incident. During a search of the vehicle, officers uncovered the following items:
A loaded Ruger handgun, concealed in a jacket found in the rear passenger seat
Approximately 42.4 grams of crack cocaine
41 baggies containing approximately 1.23 grams of heroin
Various drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale and packaging materials
Both Hernandez and Miller were charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm, possession of drugs, and possession with intent to distribute. Additionally, Miller, a convicted felon, faces additional charges for being in possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.
After their arrest, Hernandez and Miller were transported to Troop 2 for processing. Hernandez was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $142,320 cash bond. Miller was also arraigned and committed to the same institution on a $143,100 cash bond.
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This arrest is part of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Delaware to combat drug-related crimes and illegal firearms possession.
