Laurel, DE - The Delaware State Police arrested a Maryland man in Laurel, Delaware on Sunday afternoon.  Howard Quailes of Hurlock, Maryland, was apprehended following a traffic stop at around 12:17 p.m. on February 25, 2024.

Officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a silver Ford 500 with an expired tag.  Due to the expired tag, DSP initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Seaford Road and Camp Road. 

Upon approaching the vehicle, the troopers identified the driver as Quailes and immediately detected the odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. 

In addition to the marijuana odor, the officers also spotted an opened beer bottle in the center console of the vehicle. 

Before conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, a frisk of Quailes revealed a handgun with an obliterated serial number.  The handgun was tucked in Quailes waistband. Quailes was subsequently apprehended without incident. A follow-up search of the Ford resulted in the discovery of approximately 3.37 grams of marijuana. 

Following his arrest, Quailes was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with multiple offenses including three felonies: Possession of a Weapon with an Obliterated Serial Number, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited who Also Possesses Controlled Substance. 

Additional charges included Drinking While Driving and additional traffic offenses. 

Quailes was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and has been committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,102 cash bond.