A 54-year-old Wilmington resident is facing felony charges after Delaware State Police took him into custody for his fifth driving under the influence offense following a Tuesday evening traffic stop in Elsmere.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin Markle of Wilmington, who was apprehended on February 24, 2026, around 9:00 p.m. A state trooper conducting patrol duties on Kirkwood Highway near South Dupont Road witnessed a Toyota Tundra executing a dangerous U-turn from the eastbound lanes to the westbound side of Kirkwood Highway at South Dupont Road. The officer noted that during this maneuver, the pickup truck veered onto the sidewalk before returning to the street. Additionally, the trooper spotted an equipment violation on the vehicle.
After pulling over the Toyota Tundra, the officer made contact with Markle, who was behind the wheel. During their interaction, the trooper detected multiple indicators suggesting the driver was impaired and noticed several opened beer cans visible inside the truck. Officials requested that Markle participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed as he continued showing signs of intoxication.
Authorities arrested Markle cooperatively at the scene. A background investigation through police databases showed that he had been previously convicted of driving under the influence on four separate occasions.
Following his arrest, Markle was transported to Troop 6 headquarters where he faced charges including 5th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, which carries felony status, along with additional traffic violations. Justice of the Peace Court 11 conducted his arraignment, and he was subsequently released after posting an $1,100 unsecured bond.
