Laurel, DE-On March 10, 2024, a routine traffic stop in the area of Central Avenue and Discount Land Road in Laurel, Delaware, quickly turned into a firearms arrest. A Laurel Police Department Officer pulled over a vehicle due to a suspended vehicle registration, only to uncover a more serious criminal case.

The driver, 18-year-old Cardiaer S Hughes-Aponte from Bridgeville, Delaware, had a suspended license and two active arrest warrants issued by the Sussex County Family Court and the Justice of the Peace Court 6.

After his arrest, a search revealed that Hughes-Aponte was in possession of a loaded firearm with the serial number obliterated, concealed in his jacket pocket.

Following his arrest, Hughes-Aponte was transported to the Laurel Police Department, where he was charged with multiple offenses. The charges included Possession of a Weapon with an Obliterated Serial Number (Class D Felony), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm (Class D Felony), Driving While Suspended/Revoked (Misdemeanor), and Failure to Have Required Insurance (Misdemeanor).

After his arraignment by the Justice of the Peace Court 7, Hughes-Aponte was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution. His bail was set at $5,200, which has since been posted for his release.

As we report this incident, it's crucial to remember that the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a subject is merely a showing of probable cause by the investigating agency. Though arrested and charged, Hughes-Aponte is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily whilst conducting routine traffic stops and the importance of proactive policing.