Traffic Stop on Route 9 Leads to Gun and Marijuana Seizure

A routine traffic stop on Route 9 in New Castle, Delaware, resulted in the seizure of a firearm and a significant quantity of marijuana, leading to the arrest of four individuals on January 27, 2026. Officers from the New Castle County police’s Active Crime Trends Team initiated the stop at approximately 21:30 near the intersection of Memorial Drive and Route 13.

The driver, identified as Michael Rivera, 21, from Wilmington, was found not to possess a valid driver’s license. During the encounter, officers noted the presence of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, prompting them to conduct a search based on probable cause. Accompanying Rivera were three passengers: Anyea Hynson, 23; Kevin Rivera, 18; and Tylere Brown-Hall, 19, all from Wilmington or nearby.

During the search, detectives reportedly uncovered a 9mm handgun and over 489 grams of prepackaged marijuana hidden within the vehicle, along with additional drug paraphernalia. Investigators later determined that Brown-Hall was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

All four individuals were arrested and transported to the New Castle County Police Headquarters for processing. Hynson faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession with intent to deliver, and conspiracy. She also received a misdemeanor charge for drug paraphernalia. Following her arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Hynson was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post $74,500 cash bail.

Michael Rivera is charged with several felony offenses, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He was also arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and is currently held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $84,602 cash bail.

Brown-Hall was charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited and is being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $3,000 cash bail. Kevin Rivera faces charges for carrying a concealed deadly weapon and was committed to the same institution after his arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 1, with bail set at $10,000.

Next Steps and Presumption of Innocence

The charges against the individuals remain allegations as they await their respective court hearings. Under the law, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address crime and ensure community safety. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their proactive approaches to crime prevention within the region.

For further updates on this situation and other local news, residents are encouraged to follow reputable news sources.