Dover Man Arrested on Weapons Charges Following Traffic Stop

Incident Number:  50-23-9217

Date/Time: Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 1:33 a.m.

Location: 295 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE 

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Nathaniel Cooper, 40, of Dover, on weapons charges, following a traffic stop early Saturday morning. The investigation began when a patrol officer observed a vehicle in the area of 295 South DuPont Highway commit a traffic violation. The officer stopped the vehicle, and observed Cooper, a passenger, who showed obvious signs of impairment by alcohol. The officer saw that Cooper was wearing a shoulder holster and was in possession of a firearm with an extended magazine. Cooper taken into custody without incident and a search revealed he was in possession of two Taurus 9mm handguns, both with extended magazines. A records check revealed Cooper is prohibited from possessing firearms. Cooper was transported to Dover Police where he was processed arraigned.

Cooper was released after posting a $21,000 secured bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited(2x)
-Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol(2x)