DOVER, Del. – A routine traffic stop late Tuesday night resulted in the arrest of two individuals on multiple drug-related charges.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., a Delaware State Police trooper on patrol observed a red Cadillac CTS running a red light while traveling southbound on North Dupont Highway near Delaware State University Road. The trooper pulled over the vehicle and identified the driver as 44-year-old Richard Dalton and the passenger as 30-year-old Lauren Carter.
During the stop, the trooper noticed drug paraphernalia in plain sight, prompting further investigation. Both Dalton and Carter were taken into custody.
A subsequent search of the vehicle and suspects uncovered approximately 2.13 grams of heroin packaged into 71 baggies, 11.69 grams of crack cocaine, and various drug paraphernalia including glass pipes and cut straws with powder residue.
Dalton exhibited signs of impairment during the stop, and a records check revealed he had two prior DUI convictions. He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance in a tier 2 quantity, second-degree conspiracy, third-offense driving under the influence of any drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to stop at a red light. Dalton was held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8,100 secured bond.
Carter faced charges of two counts of possession of a controlled substance in a tier 2 quantity, second-degree conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was later released on her own recognizance.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Delaware State Police to combat drug-related offenses in the community.
