FELTON, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested Nicholas Maltas, 41, of Delmar, Delaware, on New Year’s Day after a concerned citizen reported him driving erratically, nearly causing several collisions. Maltas now faces multiple charges, including felony DUI and firearm offenses.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., troopers responded to a 911 call about an SUV with Pennsylvania registration driving dangerously. They located the vehicle at South Dupont Highway and East Evens Road, where they conducted a traffic stop.
Troopers observed signs of impairment during their interaction with Maltas, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests confirmed further impairment, and an inventory search of the vehicle revealed a concealed, loaded 9mm handgun. Maltas did not have a valid concealed carry permit.
A subsequent computer search showed that Maltas’ driver’s license was suspended and that he had four prior DUI convictions. He was taken into custody and transported to Troop 3 for processing.
Maltas was charged with fifth-offense DUI (felony), carrying a concealed deadly weapon (felony), possession of a firearm while under the influence, and traffic violations. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8,200 cash bond.