On Saturday, January 28, 2023 at approximately 11:06pm, a Darby Township Police Officer assigned to the Patrol Division was on patrol in the area of Hook Road and Sharon Avenue observed a silver Hyundai Sonata bearing Pennsylvania registration LPV-6456 traveling westbound on Hook Road at a high rate of speed. The officer continued to monitor the vehicle and observed additional traffic violations. As a result of those traffic violations, the officer conducted a traffic stop on said vehicle. Upon making contact with the vehicle operator and advised the operator about why they were stopped. The operator was requested by the officer to produce their driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance.
The operator produced a Pennsylvania identification card and did not possess a valid driver’s license. While speaking with the operator, the officer observed two other occupants in the vehicle. The occupants consisted of a female in the front passenger seat who was said to be the registered owner of the vehicle and an unknown male in the back seat. Both of whom were not wearing required seat restraints. The officer then requested identification of both occupants. The female passenger provided the officer with her driver's license, while the unknown male advised that he did not have any identification on him. While speaking to the unknown male, the officer observed him making odd furtive movements consistent with trying to conceal contraband. The officer then requested the rear occupants name and date of birth at which time he identified himself as Anthony Barnes.
The officer then returned to his patrol vehicle and ran all subjects information through PENNDOT/NCIC. While doing so, the officer continued to observe the male rear passenger making various furtive movements. The officer approached the vehicle again and requested the operator to step out of the vehicle. Upon opening the driver's door, the officer could smell the odor of freshly burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. At this time, the officer asked the operator if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. The operator advised that they were not sure what was in the vehicle. The officer proceeded to ask the operator if he would consent to a search of the vehicle which the operator did agree to.
The officer then proceeded to request the other occupants out of the vehicle. The officer approached the rear passenger door where Anthony Barnes was sitting and observed the door to already be partially open. The officer proceeded to open the door and requested Barnes out of the vehicle. Upon Barnes exiting the vehicle, Barnes lower extremities appeared stiff as if he was squeezing an item between his legs. At this time, the officer performed a pat down on Barnes. The officer immediately felt metal pellet like objects jiggling in Barnes rear pocket. The officer then asked Barnes what was located in his back pocket at which time he stated "bullets". The officer detained Barnes at this time before moving forward with the pat down. Once detained, the officer proceeded to pat Barnes down and felt a hard metal object in Barnes groin region which was consistent with a firearm. The officer then retrieved a black semiautomatic Taurus G3C 9mm serial number ACJ246559 from Barnes pants. Also located in Barnes pants were two black and green ziplock baggie labeled "Matcha Mothi". In one of the ziplock baggies was approximately ten blue glassine baggies each containing a white, chunky rock-like substance. In the other ziplock baggie was a small amount of a green leafy-like substance, suspected marijuana. Barnes was placed into police custody at this time and placed into the rear of my patrol vehicle.
Upon arriving back to police headquarters, the officer conducted a criminal history check of Barnes confirming that he is a felon not to possess a firearm. The officer then ran the black semiautomatic Taurus G3C 9mm Serial #: ACJ246559 which came back stolen out of Marple Township which was reported on 01/24/2023. The officer was further able to confirm with Marple Township Police that the status of the firearm as stolen. Also while at police headquarters, the officer field tested the white, chucky rock-like substance along with the green leafy-like substance which showed a positive indication of crack cocaine and marijuana.
Barnes was arraigned by Delaware County Senior District Judge J. Perfetti. Bail was set at 10% of $250,000.00. Barnes was later transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility as he was unable to post bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for February 7, 2023 in front of the Honorable District Judge S. Sandone.
