Delaware State Police
News Release

Felony Drug Suspect Spits on Trooper- Damages Cell at the Troop

Released- Monday, June 30, 2008

Five Points- On Saturday, June 28^th, at approximately 9:29 p.m., Troopers stopped a silver Nissan Sentra on Maryland Avenue at Reamer Avenue in reference to an equipment violation. 

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Steven Cardwell, 23, of Marie Court in Newark.  The front seat passenger was identified as Matthew Cline, 20, of Norway Avenue in Wilmington.  When Troopers initially contacted Cardwell, an odor of alcohol was detected coming from his breath.  A bottle of Captain Morgan was also observed in the car.  Cardwell was asked to step from the car.  When he opened the door, a bag of suspected marijuana fell to the ground. 

Cardwell was initially arrested for DUI and marijuana possession. 

During this investigation, Troopers also contacted and spoke with Mr. Cline.  Alcohol could also be smelled on his breath.  The difference here was that he was under the age of 21. 

The two suspects were transported back to Troop 6 for further processing.  Once at the Troop, warrants were completed charging Steven Cardwell with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana (felony), Conspiracy 2^nd (felony), DUI and several other traffic violations. 

Matthew Cline was initially charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana (felony), Conspiracy 2^nd (felony), Underage Consumption of Alcohol (misdemeanor) and Underage Possession of Alcohol (misdemeanor).  Things got worse when Mr. Cline elected to spit on a Trooper and break a light in a holding cell.  He then picked two additional charges- Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer (misdemeanor) and Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor). 

Steven Cardwell was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of $2,500.00 secured bond and a $900.00 unsecured bond. 

Matthew Cline was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of $2,000.00 secured bond and a $1,200.00 unsecured bond.