DSP News Release: Milford Man Charged with Weapons/Drug Offenses

Location: 

• 6200 block Griffith Lake Drive Milford, DE

DATE and TIME:  

• Monday April 11, 2011 2:45 p.m.

Victim(s):

• 67 year old Milford man

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:

• Eric R. Dayton-31 Milford, DE
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• 2 counts Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Reckless Endangering First Degree
• Possession of (Cocaine) a Schedule II Controlled Substance
• Released on $14,000 unsecured bond

Resume:

Milford-Delaware State Police yesterday April 11^th arrested a Milford man after investigating a “shots fired” complaint.  State Troopers responded to the 6200 block of Griffith Lake Drive around 2:45 p.m. to investigate the incident. 

A 67 year old Milford man advised Troopers that while he was working in his yard he heard numerous gunshots coming from the area of Straleys dirt pit.  The victim was actually working atop his Gazebo when an errant bullet reportedly “whizzed” by his head (close proximity to the victim's head).  The victim then notified the police of the incident.

Delaware State Police responded to the area of Straley’s dirt pit and stopped a vehicle driven by Eric R. Dayton-31 of Milford.  Upon further investigation it was determined that Dayton was the person shooting firearms down by the dirt pit. 

State Police searched Dayton’s vehicle and recovered one SKS Assault Rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 bullets (used with the SKS Rifle), one .40 caliber handgun, 28 rounds .40 caliber ammunition and a small amount of “crack” cocaine found inside a prescription pill bottle.   

Dayton was taken into custody and upon running a criminal history inquiry, found to be a person prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Dayton was charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a person prohibited, Reckless Endangering and Possession of Cocaine.  Dayton following his arraignment was released on $14,000 unsecured bond. 

        Eric R. Dayton