Lincoln- The Delaware State Police has located 27-year-old Richard D. Stratton of Milford, DE who is wanted for kidnapping and related charges.
The incident occurred on May 15, 2019, at approximately 1:18 p.m., when Troopers responded to a residence in the 8000 block of Clendaniel Pond Road, Lincoln in reference to a domestic-related incident.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that the parties who were reported to have been involved had left the scene. Through further investigations, it was learned that Stratton had responded to the residence armed with a handgun and began pointing the weapon at several individuals, according to police.
Stratton then forced his girlfriend, 31-year-old Tara M. Pannell, at gunpoint into a vehicle and not allowing her to leave, police said. Stratton entered the vehicle as a passenger and the unknown driver fled the scene. Stratton and the victim were last seen traveling in a gold or tan in color passenger vehicle.
Pannell, 5’07” tall, 120 lbs., with light brown hair, last seen wearing black pants and a white shirt was not been located and a Gold Alert was issued. State Police saying at the time “Attempts to locate Tara have been unsuccessful and there is a true concern for her safety and welfare.” she was located the next day in good condition.
Troopers issued warrants for Stratton’s arrest on charges of:
Kidnapping First Degree
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Aggravated Menacing (4 counts)
Conspiracy Second Degree
Breach of Release
Yesterday, May 20, 2019, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Troopers received information that Stratton was en route to the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, located at 660 Baylor Boulevard in New Castle. Stratton was subsequently located in his vehicle in the parking lot where he was taken into custody without incident.
Stratton was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged, and subsequently arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $471,000.00 cash only bond.
