Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Troopers Arrest Man for DUI and Felony Drug Offenses Following Traffic Stop in Newark

Date Posted: Sunday, August 18th, 2024

Harris

Delaware State Police arrested 43-year-old Donelle Harris of Wilmington, Delaware, for DUI and felony drug offenses following a traffic stop in Newark early this morning.

On August 18, 2024, at approximately 1:14 a.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of I-95 and Christiana Road observed a dark grey Ford Edge with Delaware registration traveling at a high rate of speed on I-95 southbound. In addition to the Ford traveling over 85 MPH in an area with a posted speed limit of 65 MPH, the trooper observed the Ford fail to maintain its lane, follow other vehicles too closely, and several other traffic violations. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Ford, and made contact with the driver and sole occupant, identified as Donelle Harris. During the contact with Harris, the trooper observed multiple signs of impairment, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath, and administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Following the tests, Harris was taken into custody without incident.

A subsequent search of Harris’ person led to the discovery of the following items:

A clear plastic bag containing approximately 5.24 grams of crack cocaine
A clear plastic bag containing 34 oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen pills
Various paraphernalia to include digital scale, and multiple cell phones

Harris was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $24,500 cash bond.