Delaware State Police
News Release

Middle Finger Salute at Trooper Results in Criminal Charge for New Castle Teen

Released- Monday, June 02, 2008

Newark- On Sunday, June 1^st, at approximately 5:14 a.m., a State Trooper was in an unmarked vehicle when he found himself at a red light on Route 2 and Cleveland Avenue.  

A vehicle pulled up long side of him and the female passenger turned toward the officer and gave him the middle finger.  The light turned green and the vehicle, a red Honda Accord, sped away at a high rate of speed.  The officer caught up to the Honda at which time he looked over and saw the occupants laughing. The front seat passenger again gave the Trooper the finger.  The officer got the attention of the driver- later identified as Corey Lopez, 19, of Wilmington- and advised him to respond to Troop 6. 

Once at the Troop, the officer contacted that front seat passenger with the finger issue and identified her as Lauren Meeley, 19, of New Castle.  The Trooper learned she had consumed alcohol under the age of 21.  She was ultimately arrested for Underage Consumption and released with on a Criminal Summons. 

Lopez was issued a traffic citation for Unsafe Speed.