Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Troopers Arrest Pair for Felony Drug Offenses Following Traffic Stop in Dover

Date Posted: Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

Evidence

The Delaware State Police arrested 44-year-old Richard Dalton, and 30-year-old Lauren Carter, both of Dover, Delaware, for felony drug offenses following a traffic stop that occurred in Dover on Tuesday night.

On June 17, 2025, at approximately 10:19 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a red Cadillac CTS fail to stop at a red light while traveling southbound on North Dupont Highway at the intersection with Delaware State University Road in Dover. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Cadillac, and made contact with the driver, identified as Richard Dalton, and the passenger, identified as Lauren Carter. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. Subsequently, Dalton and Carter were taken into custody without incident. A search of their persons, and the Cadillac led to the discovery of:

Approximately 2.13 grams of heroin packaged in 71 baggies
Approximately 11.69 grams of crack cocaine
Various drug paraphernalia to include glass pipes, clear containers with a powder residue, and cut straws with a powder residue

Throughout the contact with Dalton, the trooper observed multiple signs of impairment, and administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. A computer inquiry of Dalton revealed he had 2 prior DUI-related convictions.

Dalton and Carter were taken to Troop 9, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

Dalton was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8,100 secured bond.