Townsend man arrested on gun charges
By TOWNSEND - Daniel Harding, 33, of Townsend, was arrested on gun charges following a traffic stop Thursday morning, authorities said.
Delaware State Police spokesman Senior Cpl. Leonard DeMalto said Mr. Harding was driving a vehicle with expired registration when stopped on Dupont Parkway at approximately 9:48 a.m.
A trooper smelled marijuana while speaking to Mr. Harding, who had been driving an uninsured vehicle, police said. The trooper also learned that there were firearms inside of the vehicle, police said.
Mr. Harding was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Police said a vehicle search led to the discovery of three concealed handguns, a shotgun, various rounds of ammunition, approximately .67 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1.49 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Mr. Harding was charged with four possession counts each of firearm while possessing a controlled substance, firearm by a person prohibited, and firearm during the commission of a felony, and a count each of ammunition by person prohibited, controlled substance and marijuana. He was also charged with three counts of carrying a concealed firearm, and several traffic offenses.
Following arraignment by Justice of the Peace Court 2, Mr. Harding was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $76,504 secured bond.
