Leipsic, DE — A 55-year-old Dover man is behind bars after Delaware State Police say he drove drunk for at least the sixth time and illegally possessed a loaded shotgun during a Sunday traffic stop. The arrest happened around 2:00 p.m. Sunday on Smyrna Leipsic Road near Front Street, where troopers pulled over a Dodge Dakota displaying a license plate registered to a different vehicle.
Police identified the driver as Francis Robinson, who showed signs of impairment and had multiple open beer cans inside the truck, according to Delaware State Police. Troopers say Robinson admitted to drinking before driving and refused field sobriety tests before being taken into custody without incident.
Weapons charge escalates arrest
During a search of the vehicle, troopers recovered a loaded shotgun, significantly increasing the severity of the case. Authorities say Robinson is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior violent felony conviction.
A background check also revealed Robinson has five previous DUI-related convictions, making this his sixth offense, which is charged as a felony under Delaware law.
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Key Points
• Dover man charged with 6th DUI following Sunday traffic stop in Leipsic
• Troopers recovered a loaded shotgun; suspect barred from owning weapons
• Held on $83,700 cash bond after arraignment
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Multiple violations uncovered
Investigators say Robinson was also driving in violation of a court order that prohibited him from operating a vehicle. In addition, troopers found approximately 7.88 grams of suspected marijuana during the search.
After his arrest, Robinson was taken to Troop 9, where police obtained a warrant to draw his blood for further testing.
Court action and custody status
Robinson was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on an $83,700 cash bond.