Lincoln- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 27-year-old Richard D. Stratton of Milford, DE who is wanted for kidnapping and related charges.

The incident occurred on May 15, 2019 at approximately 1:18 p.m., when Troopers responded to a residence in the 8000 block of Clendaniel Pond Road, Lincoln in reference to a domestic related incident.  Upon arrival, it was discovered that the parties who were reported to have been involved had left the scene.  Through further investigations, it was learned that Stratton had responded to the residence armed with a handgun and began pointing the weapon at several individuals.  Stratton then proceeded to force his girlfriend at gunpoint into a vehicle and not allowing her to leave.  Stratton entered the vehicle as a passenger and the unknown driver fled the scene.  Stratton and the victim were last seen traveling in a gold or tan in color passenger vehicle.

The victim, 31-year-old Tara M. Pannell has not been located since this incident.  A Gold Alert has been issued in an attempt to locate her.

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/05/16/gold-alert-issued-for-missing-milford-woman-3/

Troopers have been unable to locate Stratton who currently has active warrants for the following:

• Kidnapping First Degree
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Aggravated Menacing (4 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Breach of Release

If anyone has any information in reference to Richard Stratton’s or Tara Pannell’s whereabouts, they are asked to please contact Troop 4, Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 051619 1734

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