Newark Man Charged with Drug and Gun Violations

On August 3, 2020, at about 0147 hours, a Newark Police officer patrolling the Newark Reservoir contacted two people in a vehicle in the parking lot.  The reservoir and its parking lot are closed from dusk until dawn, as are all other City of Newark parks.

The officer smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a search of the vehicle.  During the search, the officer located marijuana packaged for sale.  Additionally, officers located a handgun and a large amount of money under the driver’s seat.  The handgun, which was fully loaded, was also missing its serial number.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kevin Palacios, 18, of Newark.  He was taken into custody without incident.  The passenger was released at the scene without charges.

Palacios was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana
• Possession of a Weapon with a Removed Serial Number
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited

Palacios appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $37,500 secured bail. Palacios was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.