State Police Seize Guns

Blades – The Delaware State Police have arrested two people following an investigation into possible illegal gun sales being conducted from a Blades residence, according to State Police Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale.

Hale said that on Thursday, December 29, 2016, troopers assigned to the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement (P.A.C.E.) team, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police Troop 5, conducted a search warrant at a residence located in the unit block of West 2nd Street, Blades, after information was gathered about alleged illegal gun sales being conducted from the home.

Upon the trooper’s arrival, Dina S. Hawkins, 39, was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5. The search resulted in the seizure of 2 handguns, 5 weapons, 4 shotguns, 2 hunting rifles, and 9,305 rounds of ammunition, said Hale. John D. Phifer, 63, who also resides at the residence, was taken into custody after he had responded to Troop 5 on an unrelated matter.

John Phifer was arrested and charged with three counts of Giving a Firearm to a Felon and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 3 and released on $10,000.00 unsecured bail.

Dina Hawkins was arrested and charged with three counts of Giving a Firearm to a Felon, thirteen counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $42,000.00 secured bail.

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