Dover, DE — A 33-year-old Dover woman faces a felony DUI charge after Delaware State Police say a traffic stop early Saturday uncovered impairment and cocaine inside her vehicle.
Mirna Lopez was arrested around 4:40 a.m. on April 19, 2026, after a trooper spotted a Hyundai Santa Fe speeding northbound on Bay Road near Transportation Circle, according to Delaware State Police.
Trooper reports signs of impairment
During the stop, the trooper observed “multiple signs of impairment” while speaking with Lopez, police said. She was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests and was taken into custody after failing them.
Authorities said an inventory search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 0.20 grams of cocaine.
A subsequent computer check revealed Lopez had four prior DUI-related convictions, elevating the new charge to a felony.
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Key Points
• Dover woman charged with felony 5th offense DUI after early morning stop
• Trooper reports signs of impairment; cocaine found in vehicle search
• Suspect held on $8,000 cash bond at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
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Multiple charges filed
Lopez was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where she was formally charged and arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7.
According to Delaware State Police, the charges include:
- 5th Offense DUI (Felony)
- Possession or consumption of a controlled substance without a prescription
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Driving while suspended or revoked
- Speeding
- Failure to have insurance identification in possession
Custody and court status
Following arraignment, Lopez was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on an $8,000 cash bond.
Broader enforcement context
Repeat DUI offenses carry significantly enhanced penalties under Delaware law, particularly when combined with drug possession. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize early-morning patrols as a key enforcement window for impaired driving.
The case remains pending as Lopez awaits further court proceedings in Delaware.
Delaware DUI arrest, Dover traffic stop cocaine, repeat DUI felony
