A Smyrna man was arrested on multiple felony drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Delaware State Police Special Investigations Unit Tuesday night.
According to investigators, troopers were patrolling South Dupont Boulevard near Monrovia Avenue at approximately 8:15 p.m. on June 9 when they observed a U-Haul box truck commit a traffic violation. Police said the driver failed to immediately stop when troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Instead, the vehicle continued traveling at a slow speed for an extended distance on southbound South Dupont Boulevard before making a U-turn and proceeding northbound. During the encounter, troopers reported seeing the driver throw a clear plastic bag from the vehicle before eventually pulling over.
Troopers identified the driver as 43-year-old Joseph Kleinen of Smyrna and took him into custody without incident. Investigators recovered the discarded bag and determined it contained approximately 7.33 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two concealed edged weapons.
Police said a records check revealed Kleinen is prohibited from possessing deadly weapons due to prior felony convictions and was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Investigators further alleged that the quantity and circumstances of the case indicated the methamphetamine was intended for distribution police said.
Kleinen was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 9, where he was charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, possession of a controlled substance Tier 1 quantity, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of carrying a concealed deadly weapon, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, and related traffic offenses.
Following arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Kleinen was released on a $10,002 unsecured bond.
