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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty


Troopers Arrest Man for DUI, Drug, and Weapon Charges Following Crash Investigation


Date Posted: Monday, April 22nd, 2024

News Release

Delaware State Police arrested 46-year-old Richard Butcher of Smyrna, Delaware, for DUI, drug, and weapon charges following a crash investigation in Hartly early Wednesday morning.

On April 17, 2024, at approximately 12:41 a.m., troopers responded to the Dover Scrap Yard located at 3221 Hartly Road, Hartly, for a single-vehicle crash. Upon arriving, troopers learned a silver 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan with Delaware registration veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Troopers further learned EMS initially found the operator and sole occupant of the Volkswagen, identified as Richard Butcher, unconscious in the driver’s seat from an apparent drug overdose. Butcher became responsive after EMS administered Narcan and was subsequently transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. Troopers conducted a search of the Volkswagen, which led to the discovery of 8 blue wax papers containing approximately 0.056 grams of heroin, 1 small clear bag containing approximately 5.98 grams of cocaine that was found on the dashboard, 1 small clear bag containing approximately 0.70 grams of cocaine that was found near the gas pedal, and one 9mm magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition that was found in the center console.

A computer inquiry revealed Butcher’s driver’s license is suspended/revoked, and he is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to being a convicted felon. After being discharged from the hospital, Butcher was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on his own recognizance.

Richard Butcher
Richard Butcher
  • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
  • Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
  • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of a Drug
  • Driving While Suspended or Revoked
  • Additional Traffic Violations
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