SMYRNA, DELAWARE (3/13/2015) Four teenagers were arrested on drug charges after fleeing from police this afternoon, authorities said. A fifth suspect escaped.
Police said they found 226 bags of heroin in their vehicle as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle driving north on Delaware Street about 2:30 p.m. when they spotted a 17-year-old driver they knew didn’t have a valid license.
The vehicle eventually stopped in the 400 block of Paul Drive, where all five occupants got out and fled on foot, Cpl. Brandon Dunning said.
Two passengers, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, were apprehended by officers after a brief chase.
Before he was captured, Dunning said, the 15-year-old discarded a large quantity of heroin and a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
The three others fled on foot east through the Glenwood development, but officers apprehended the 17-year-old driver of the vehicle and another 15-year-old passenger in the area of Providence Drive and North Main Street.
The driver was charged with driving without a valid license, disregarding a police officer’s signal, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The 15-year-old observed discarding heroin and a firearm was arrested for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by prohibited juvenile, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The other 15-year-old and 17-year-old were arrested for possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All of the individuals were to be taken before a justice of the peace .
Smyrna were assisted by Delaware State Police, Clayton Police and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Anyone with information on the fifth suspect who fled is asked to contact police at 302-653-9217 or by submitting tips through www.smyrnapolice.org.
Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com.