Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Man for Drug and Weapon Offenses Following Pursuit

Date Posted: Sunday, October 19th, 2025

Image of Ryan Doneker

Delaware State Police arrested 36-year-old Ryan Doneker, from Harbeson, Delaware, for drug and weapon charges following a vehicle pursuit Saturday afternoon in Harbeson.

On October 18, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., troopers responded to a business complex in the 22,000 block of Dozer Lane in Harbeson, for a report of a man potentially under the influence of an illegal substance or experiencing a medical issue. Upon arrival, troopers located a man, later identified as Doneker, seated in the driver’s seat of a Honda CR-V. As troopers approached to check on his well-being, Doneker fled, driving through a grass field. Troopers activated their emergency lights to stop Doneker, however he fled southbound on Indian Mission Road.

Troopers pursued Doneker as he drove erratically and committed multiple traffic offenses on several area roads. As Doneker drove southbound on Gravel Hill Road, troopers successfully deployed stop sticks and deflated one of the Honda’s tires. Doneker eventually stopped on Gravel Hill Road, near Doc Frame Road.

Doneker exited the Honda holding what appeared to be a tan handgun, but he immediately dropped it at troopers’ command. Doneker was taken into custody, and troopers discovered the tan handgun was a non-lethal pepperball gun. A search of Doneker revealed .11 grams of cocaine, an icepick, and approximately $4,700 of suspected drug proceeds. Troopers also observed signs of impairment during their interaction with Doneker.

Doneker was taken to Troop 4 where he was charged with the below offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $24,401 secured bond.