Dover Police Arrest Person Prohibited After Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm Recovery 8-14-26

Incident Number:  50-26-28348

Date/Time: Friday, August 14th, 2026 at 1:02 A.M.

Location: Area of North DuPont Highway and Rustic Lane

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: On August 14, 2026, at approximately 1:02 a.m., an officer with the Dover Police Department Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and Rustic Lane after observing a vehicle being operated without headlights and tail lights.

During the traffic stop, officers instructed both occupants to exit the vehicle. While the driver complied, the passenger refused to exit. Officers attempted to remove the passenger from the vehicle, at which time he attempted to flee through the front driver-side door. After a brief struggle, officers were able to take the passenger into custody.

The passenger was identified as Rufus Evans, 39. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a Romarm/Cugir Draco 7.62×39 pistol with a magazine containing various cartridges from the front passenger-seat area.

Evans was determined to be a person prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Evans was arrested and charged with:

• Hindering Prosecution
• Obstruction of Justice
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
• Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person Prohibited – 2 counts
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Resisting Arrest
• Out-of-State Fugitive

The driver was identified as Nassir Evans, 29.

Bond was pending at the time of release. A mugshot was not available at the time of release.