Laurel traffic stop uncovers drugs, guns after apartment complex shooting

LAUREL, Del.- Two men from Laurel were arrested after police say they connected them to gunfire reported at the Holly Brook Apartment Complex, leading to the discovery of drugs and loaded handguns inside their car.

Laurel police said on July 8, officers on Directed Patrol Enforcement spotted a suspicious car parked behind the 1100 building of the complex. When officers approached, the car tried to leave without headlights, creating what police described as a public safety hazard.

During the traffic stop, police were alerted to shots fired in the apartment complex involving a car matching the one they had stopped. Investigators identified the driver, Tyjah Jenkins, 22, and the passenger, Richelson Charles, 25, both of Laurel, as wearing clothing described by witnesses as matching those involved in the shooting.

Police said Jenkins showed signs of impairment. According to officers, after conducting field sobriety tests, they determined he was driving under the influence. Both men were detained while police searched the car.

Inside, officers found 1,125 grams of marijuana, two digital scales, packaging materials, a loaded Glock 48 handgun and a loaded SAR 9x handgun.

Laurel Police say Jenkins faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, being a person prohibited from having a gun due to a prior violent crime or felony, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of a firearm while under the influence and DUI. His bail was set at $54,102 cash.

Charles was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 1 quantity and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $43,001 cash.

Both men were committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.