*Update – Two Suspects Arrested* State Police Investigating Shooting Near Slaughter Beach Memorial Volunteer Fire Company

The Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Tyree Johnson of Harrington, Delaware, and 22-year-old Tymere Harmon of Dover, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses stemming from a shooting that occurred earlier this month near the Slaughter Beach Memorial Volunteer Fire Company.

On June 12, 2025, at approximately 7:14 p.m., troopers responded to the public access area adjacent to 359 Bay Avenue in Milford for a reported shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 32-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was attending a party at the pavilion behind the fire company when multiple masked suspects arrived and began firing multiple rounds at the attendees. As the victim attempted to flee, he was struck in the lower extremity. The suspects fled the area before police arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated, and later released.

Through investigative means, Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Detectives discovered the suspects fled in a light-colored Honda Accord with Delaware registration, and identified Tyree Johnson, and Tymere Harmon as 2 of the suspects involved in the shooting. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance for any information that may lead their on-going efforts to identify the remaining suspects responsible for the shooting. The unknown suspects are described as wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

On June 20, 2025, Dover Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the Honda, which was operated by Harmon. Harmon was taken into custody without incident, and transported to Troop 4, where he was charged with multiple crimes.

On June 25, 2025, members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force located Johnson walking with a black satchel across his upper body on West Street in Harrington. Detectives attempted to make contact with Johnson, who fled behind an apartment complex. While fleeing, Johnson discarded the black bag, and ran into a building. Johnson ultimately followed verbal commands, and exited the building, where he was taken into custody. A search of the black bag led to the discovery of a loaded Glock 17 firearm, an extended magazine, and ammunition. Johnson was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with multiple crimes.


Johnson was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $598,100 cash bond.

Tyree Johnson
Tyree Johnson

  • Assault 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 10 counts
  • Reckless Endanger 1st Degree (Felony) – 9 counts
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree
  • Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine

Harmon was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $101,000 cash bond.

Tymere Harmon
Tymere Harmon

  • Assault 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Reckless Endanger 1st Degree (Felony) – 10 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)

Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues investigating this shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, has information, or may be a victim regarding this case to contact Detective H. Lingo by calling 302-752-3864. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


Detectives Arrest Man for Multiple Burglaries Throughout New Castle County

The Delaware State Police arrested 40-year-old Michael Denney of Pennsville, New Jersey, for burglary and theft-related charges stemming from multiple burglaries of a similar nature that occurred throughout New Castle County over the past month.

Beginning on May 29, 2025, troopers investigated a burglary that occurred during after-hours at a property owned by Auto Team Delaware, located at 3400 Lancaster Pike in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown white male suspect arrived at the property in a dark-colored Ford pickup truck. Once on the property, the suspect walked into a building under construction, cut the lock on a shipping container, and stole tools from within. On June 12, 2025, troopers investigated a burglary that occurred during after-hours at a property owned by Farrar Car Wash, located at 602 Main Street in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown white male suspect arrived on the property in a dark-colored Ford pickup truck. Once on the property, the suspect stole fuel from construction equipment, and stole wires from a building under construction. On June 16, 2025, troopers investigated a burglary that occurred during after-hours at a property owned by Wawa, located at 2645 Capitol Trail in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown white male suspect arrived at the property in a dark-colored Ford pickup truck. Once on the property, the suspect cut a lock on a trailer, and stole tools from within.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Property Crimes Detectives identified Michael Denney as the suspect responsible for the 3 burglaries, which totaled over $13,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Detectives further discovered Denney was using stolen and/or fictitious license plates on his Ford pickup during the incidents.

On June 22, 2025, Denney was taken into custody by troopers on a traffic stop in North Wilmington. He 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 $6,100 secured bond.

  • Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
  • Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 4 counts
  • Theft Under $1,500 – 2 counts
  • Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 – 2 counts
  • Fictitious or Canceled Registration Tag
  • Display of License Plate


State Police Investigating Multi-County Pursuits Involving Stolen Vehicles

The Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Jonathan Bennett, and 20-year-old Hailey Warren, both from Baltimore, Maryland, for numerous felony charges following pursuits involving 2 stolen vehicles on Friday morning. A third suspect, 20-year-old Kyle Norman from Baltimore, Maryland, remains hospitalized as a result of injuries he sustained in a vehicle crash at the end of the pursuit. He will be formally charged once he is released from the hospital.

On June 20, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Hyundai Sonata following a blue Hyundai Santa Fe at a close distance as they traveled southbound on Bay Road near President Drive in Dover. Both vehicles had Maryland registration and continued southbound on Route 1. A computer check revealed the Santa Fe had been reported stolen on June 18, and the Sonata had been reported stolen earlier that morning. Both thefts were reported to the Baltimore County Police Department.

After additional troopers responded, a traffic stop was initiated. Both vehicles fled at high speeds, resulting in two separate pursuits: one involving the Santa Fe and the other the Sonata.

 

Pursuit Involving the Santa Fe

The Santa Fe was driven recklessly through Kent and Sussex Counties at a high rate of speed. At one point during the pursuit, the driver abruptly slammed on the brakes, causing the pursuing trooper to crash into the rear of the vehicle.

The pursuit ended when the Santa Fe lost control and crashed into a wooded area near South Old State Road and Dupont Boulevard in Georgetown. The driver, identified as Kyle Norman, was seriously injured and flown to a hospital. Three passengers, identified as Hailey Warren, a 13-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl, were also taken to an area hospital for minor injuries. The trooper sustained a serious injury as a result of the crash, and was taken to an area hospital.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers found a screwdriver under the driver’s seat, which is consistent with tools commonly used in vehicle thefts.

 

Pursuit Involving the Sonata

Simultaneously, troopers were involved in a separate pursuit with the Sonata, which was also driving recklessly through Kent and Sussex Counties. Stop sticks were successfully deployed on Route 1 north of Cave Neck Road in Milton. Shortly afterward, troopers lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, troopers responded to Oyster Rocks Road for a report of three suspicious individuals on bicycles knocking on doors and claiming their vehicle was disabled. Troopers located the three individuals, identified as Jonathan Bennett, a 13-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old boy. They were taken into custody without incident.  A screwdriver was found on Bennett during a search.

Troopers later located the stolen Sonata abandoned in the parking lot of Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park in Lewes. The ignition column was damaged in a manner consistent with recent vehicle theft trends involving the use of screwdrivers. Through investigative efforts, including a review of video surveillance, troopers identified the 10-year-old boy as the driver of the Sonata during the pursuit. Jonathan Bennett was determined to be the front passenger, and the 13-year-old girl was seated in the back. The 10-year-old could not be criminally charged under Delaware law due to the nature of the offenses and his age.

Bennett, the 13-year-old, and the 10-year-old were all taken to Troop 7, where Bennett was charged with multiple crimes, and the children were turned over to their respective guardians.


Bennett was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $11,000 secured bond.

  • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
  • Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree – 2 counts
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts

Warren was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $4,000 secured bond.

  • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)

Norman remains hospitalized. Once he is released, he will be charged with the following offenses:

  • Assault 1st Degree Cause Serious Injury to L/E Officer (Felony)
  • Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
  • Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
  • Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
  • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1500 (Felony)
  • Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief Over $1000
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Several Additional Traffic Violations

Troopers continue to investigate this incident, including where the suspects obtained the bicycles, and whether they were also stolen. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident, or has information regarding this case to contact Troop 7 by calling 302-644-5020. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.


Troopers Arrest Man for 9th Offense DUI following Traffic Stop in Dover

Delaware State Police arrested 61-year-old Anthony McLeish of Magnolia, Delaware, for a 9th offense felony DUI following a traffic stop in Dover on Saturday.

On June 21, 2025, at approximately 3:48 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Walnut Shade Road and South Dupont Highway, observed a teal 2004 Honda Odyssey traveling eastbound on Walnut Shade Road with the cargo hatch raised, which prevented the license plate from being seen. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Anthony McLeish. During the contact with McLeish, the trooper observed multiple signs of impairment, including a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from McLeish’s breath, and administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Following the tests, McLeish attempted to flee on foot, but was ultimately taken into custody after a brief struggle. A computer inquiry revealed McLeish has 8 prior DUI-related convictions.

McLeish was taken to area hospital for minor injuries sustained in the struggle. At the hospital, McLeish continued to resist, and kicked a trooper in the face. McLeish was ultimately charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $43,150 cash bond.

  • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence (Felony)
  • Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence (Felony)
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Driving While Revoked
  • Display of License Plate


State Police Arrest Multiple Suspects for Assault on Food Lion Employee in New Castle

The Delaware State Police arrested 21-year-old Luchiano Diaz of Wilmington, DE, 20-year-old Jazzlyn Johnson of Wilmington, DE, 20-year-old Joseph Brown-Terry of Salem, New Jersey, 18-year-old Curtis Miller of Wilmington, DE, 18-year-old Quamere Britt of New Castle, DE, and a 16-year-old male from New Castle, DE, for multiple offenses stemming from an attack on a Food Lion employee on Friday afternoon in New Castle.

On June 20, 2025, at approximately 1:31 p.m., troopers responded to Food Lion, located at 1200 Beaverbrook Plaza, New Castle, for a report of an assault involving multiple suspects. In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned that the 18-year-old victim was working at the register when he was approached by 8 unknown suspects, and attacked. The victim was kicked and punched by 6 of the suspects, while one of the suspects stood next to the group with a baby in her arms, and another suspect appeared to be filming the attack. During the assault, the victim fell to the ground, and lost consciousness as the suspects continued to kick and punch him. While the suspects ran out of the store, witnesses reported one of the suspects threatened to return to the store and kill the victim. The suspects fled from the shopping center in 2 vehicles, which were identified as a dark-colored Nissan Murano, and a dark-colored Ford Taurus, both with Delaware registration.

The victim was taken to an area hospital by EMS for serious injuries to his head.

Following the assault, a New Castle County Police Department Officer observed the Nissan fail to stop at a stop sign as it was fleeing from the shopping center, and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Troopers responded to the traffic stop, and learned the Nissan was one of the suspect vehicles. Further investigation revealed the Nissan’s 4 occupants, identified as Jazzlyn Johnson, Joseph Brown-Terry, Curtis Miller, and a 16-year-old male, were 4 of the 8 suspects involved in the assault. The 4 suspects were taken into custody without incident. Troopers searched the area for the Ford, which was not located. Through investigative means, and with the assistance of Probation and Parole, troopers identified 2 of the 4 suspects that fled in the Ford as Quamere Britt, and Luchiano Diaz. Troopers continue investigating this incident as the 2 remaining suspects that fled in the Ford, an unknown male, and an unknown female, have not been identified.

On June 20, 2025, Johnson, Brown-Terry, Miller, and the 16-year-old suspect were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes. On June 22, 2025, troopers, with the assistance of Probation and Parole, located Britt and Diaz, and took them into custody without incident. Britt and Diaz were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged for multiple crimes.


Diaz 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 $17,500 cash bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

Johnson was taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $17,100 cash bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

Brown-Terry was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on an $8,550 cash bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

Miller was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $17,100 cash bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

Britt 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 $17,500 cash bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

16-year-old 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 New Castle County Detention Center on a $5,600 secured bond.

  • Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Riot – Intent to Commit Facilitate Commission of Felony (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Committed a Crime Child Witnessed by Sight/Sound
  • Disorderly Conduct

Troopers continue investigating this assault, and are asking anyone who witnessed this incident, or has information regarding this case to contact Corporal H. Swain by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


State Police Arrest Hartly Man for Burglary in Camden; Second Suspect At-Large

Delaware State Police have arrested 40-year-old Ronald Keiser of Hartly, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses stemming from a burglary that occurred earlier this week in Camden. Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance with their ongoing efforts to locate Keiser’s accomplice, 53-year-old Matthew Melvin of Seaford, Delaware.

On June 16, 2025, at approximately 5:46 a.m., troopers responded to a residence, located on the 8000 block of Westville Road in Camden, for a report of a burglary. When troopers arrived, they learned that during the overnight hours, two unknown white males arrived on the property in a white Toyota 4-Runner pulling a trailer. The suspects entered a detached garage on the property and stole 2 ATVs and power tools. The suspects fled in an unknown direction with the stolen items.

Through investigative means, troopers identified the suspects as Ronald Keiser and Matthew Melvin. Later in the day, troopers on patrol in the area of the Royal Farms in Hartly, saw a Toyota 4-Runner pulling a trailer that matched the description of the suspect vehicle from the burglary in Camden. Troopers pulled the Toyota over and spoke with the female driver and the passenger, identified as Ronald Keiser. Ronald was taken into custody without incident. Troopers attempted to locate Melvin, who is wanted for multiple felony offenses.

Keiser was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $7,000 secured bond.

Ronald Keiser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
  • Possession of Burglar Tools or Instruments (Felony)
  • Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief under $1,000
  • Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree

Troopers are asking anyone who has information on Matthew Melvin’s whereabouts to contact Delaware State Police Troop 3 at (302) 697-4454. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


State Police Arrest Camden-Wyoming Man for Burglary of a Dover Pizza Shop

Delaware State Police have arrested 25-year-old John Carey of Camden-Wyoming, Delaware, for burglary and related offenses following a burglary that occurred at Four Seasons Pizza in Dover.

On June 16, 2025, at approximately 9:18 a.m., troopers responded to Four Seasons Pizza, located at 2467 South State Street in Dover, for a report of a burglary. When troopers arrived, they learned that during the overnight hours, an unknown black male suspect forced entry to the business. Once inside, the suspect used a knife to force open cash registers, removed money, and fled the scene. Through investigative means, detectives identified John Carey as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On June 19, 2025, Carey was arrested and taken to Troop 3. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $7,100 secured bond.

  • Burglary 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Possession of Burglar Tools or Instruments (Felony)
  • Theft Under $1,500
  • Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 2 counts


Troopers Arrest Milton Man for Aggravated Menacing and Gun Charges

Delaware State Police have arrested 45-year-old Chad Tylecki of Milton, Delaware, for aggravated menacing and gun related charges following a disorderly incident that occurred earlier this week in Milton.

On June 16, 2025, at approximately 7:36 a.m., troopers responded to Lawns Unlimited, located at 15089 Coastal Highway in Milton, for a report of a disorderly person. When troopers arrived, they learned that a man, later identified as Chad Tylecki, yelled at a Lawns Unlimited employee from his neighboring residence. While yelling at the employee, Tylecki opened his jacket, revealing a firearm in his waistband. Troopers contacted Tylecki at his residence and took him into custody without incident. During a search of his person, troopers found a loaded handgun in his waistband.

Tylecki, who is a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, was taken to Troop 7. He was charged with crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $46,100 cash bond.

  • Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
  • Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Disorderly Conduct


*Update – Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigate Robbery at Newark Royal Farms

The Delaware State Police arrested 29-year-old Cornell Rawlings of Elkton, Maryland, for an armed robbery that occurred in June last year at a Royal Farms in Newark.

On June 16, 2024, at approximately 3:08 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Royal Farms, located at 2808 Pulaski Highway in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed two employees were in the back office when they noticed the store’s camera system had stopped working. Shortly after, one of the employees heard someone enter the store and observed the individual standing at one of the registers as they exited the back office. The unidentified suspect then displayed a firearm and demanded money. As the second employee appeared from the back office, they saw the suspect pointing the gun at the first employee. Following the suspect’s orders, the second employee got on the ground. The first employee then handed over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect, who subsequently fled the scene.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives identified Cornell Rawlings as the suspect responsible for the robbery, and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On June 18, 2025, Rawlings was extradited from Maryland, and taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $152,000 cash bond.

  • Robbery 1st Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
  • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)


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

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.

  • Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 2 Quantity (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • 3rd Offense Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Any Drug (Felony)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Failure to Stop at a Red Light

Carter was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and was released on her own recognizance.

  • Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 2 Quantity (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia