Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Troopers Arrest Woman for Firearm and Endangering Offenses

Date Posted: Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024

Hopes

Delaware State Police arrested 38-year-old Ajeenah Hopes of Newark, Delaware, for firearm and endangering offenses following a check on the welfare investigation that occurred in New Castle early Monday morning.

On January 1, 2024, at approximately 12:33 a.m., troopers responded to Pockets Bar located at 315 S. Dupont Highway in New Castle to check on the welfare of children who were reported to be in a van that was running in the parking lot of the bar for several hours. Arriving troopers located the children in the van, and subsequently located their mother, identified as Ajeenah Hopes, in the bar’s parking lot. After making contact with Hopes, troopers observed signs of intoxication and she was taken into custody. A search after arrest led to the discovery of a concealed firearm in Hopes’ purse. A computer inquiry revealed Hopes does not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

Hopes was taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on a $12,501 cash bond.