The Dover Police Department with the assistance of Delaware Probation and Parole arrested 27-year-old Nathaniel Hampton on Thursday afternoon on drug and gun charges. following an investigation, according to M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer.
Hoffman said Hampton was contacted by officers in the 300 Block of Frear Drive at approximately 5:35 PM and fled on foot from officers, but was apprehended quickly.
Officers then conducted a search warrant at Hampton’s residence and located 595.1 grams of marijuana, paraphernalia, and a .25 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
Hampton had previously been released on unsecured bond for an incident that occurred in January of this year.
In that incident, which occurred on January 13, 2019, at approximately 7:35, a 37-year-old woman was involved in a confrontation with Hampton, according to Hoffman.
Hoffman said at the time that Hampton struck the woman several times in the head with a revolver, pointed a gun at her, and fired one shot, nearly striking the victim. The victim began to flee but was once again confronted by Hampton and 26-year-old Chelsie Cooper. Hoffman said Cooper then pointed the revolver at the woman and threatened to kill her before fleeing.
As a result of that incident, Hampton was arrested and released on UNSECURED bond on charges of Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Aggravated Menacing, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Assault 3rd Degree, Possession of Marijuana, and Terroristic Threatening.
Chelsie Cooper, also arrested, was released on $20.00 UNSECURED bond on charges of Possession of Firearm During, Commission of Felony, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Aggravated Menacing, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Terroristic Threatening.
Prior to the January arrest, Hampton and his girlfriend, Vanessa Alston, 33, were arrested at William Henry Middle School after police say the couple forgot where their child was.
On Tuesday afternoon, February 27th, 2018, Dover Police were called to the school after the parents showed up at the school wanting to know where their son was, Mark said at the time.
Hoffman said both suspects were shouting profanities and alleging their son had not returned home from school. Alston also made threats to kill while inside the building, according to Hoffman. Officers arrived and the suspects continued to be uncooperative, shouting profanities inside the building where staff and students were still present, said Hoffman.
Officers noticed that both suspects smelled of marijuana and appeared to be intoxicated, added Hoffman. Once taken into custody, it was discovered that Hampton had 4.1 grams of marijuana in his possession, said Hoffman.
School officials later confirmed that their son was on the way back to the school from an out-of-state field trip that the parents previously gave permission for him to attend, knowing the class would return after normal school hours. The child was picked up by his grandmother upon his return.
Both Hampton and Alston were charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Public Intoxication. Hampton was also charged with Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia and Alston was charged with an additional charge of Terroristic Threatening. They were both released on unsecured bond by Justice of the Peace Court 7.
In this latest arrest, On June 6, 2019, Hampton’s unsecured bond was revoked from that incident and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of an additional $64,000 Secured Bond on charges of Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Firearm During Commission Felony, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (4x)
Hoffman said Vanessa is also currently wanted by Dover Police on charges of Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Firearm During Commission Felony, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Drug Paraphernalia, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (4x)
