Dover man tased and cuffed after swerving DUI stop uncovers loaded rifle
Dover, DE – A late-night traffic stop turned into a chaotic arrest Wednesday after a Dover man was pulled over for erratic driving—only for troopers to discover a loaded rifle, ammunition, and signs of impairment, police said.
Around 9:50 p.m., a gray Chevrolet Malibu was spotted swerving across lanes on northbound US Route 13 near Jerome Drive. A Delaware State Trooper initiated a traffic stop and approached the vehicle, where the driver, later identified as 42-year-old Donnel Eaddy, appeared visibly impaired.
Eaddy allegedly failed field sobriety tests and became combative as troopers attempted to take him into custody. Authorities say a taser had to be deployed before Eaddy was finally subdued and arrested.
During a search of his vehicle, troopers say they uncovered a multi-caliber rifle along with several magazines and rounds of ammunition. According to investigators, Eaddy has a prior violent felony conviction, making the firearm possession a felony under Delaware law.
Eaddy was transported to Troop 9 where he was formally charged. He was later arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on a $2,650 secured bond.
He now faces multiple charges including possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and a traffic violation for failing to remain in a single lane.
—
Key Points
- Donnel Eaddy was arrested in Dover after allegedly driving impaired and resisting arrest
- Troopers used a taser to subdue him and found a rifle and ammunition in his car
- He faces felony firearm charges due to a prior violent conviction