Seaford- The Delaware State Police have arrested 25-year-old Qualeel Westcott after a pursuit led to the discovery of drugs and a weapon, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on February 3, 2020, at approximately 1:24 a.m., when a Trooper observed a gray Honda traveling southbound on USR 13 approaching Elks Lodge Road in Seaford, at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was initiated and the male operator failed to stop and continued to flee from police, continuing at a high rate of speed and violating multiple traffic violations, according to Jaffe.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop behind a private residence’s outbuilding located in the 20000 block of Sanfilippo Road. When the Trooper approached the vehicle a female was seated in the driver’s seat, however, during the pursuit, the Trooper observed a male operating the vehicle, according to Jaffe. Qualeel Westcott, the original driver, was now seated in the passenger’s seat, said Jaffe. Troopers also found three children ages 7, 4, and 3 in the vehicle. None were properly restrained, according to Jaffe. While speaking with Westcott, the Trooper observed signs of impairment and a DUI investigation ensued. A computer inquiry revealed that Wescott’s license was revoked and he was a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
A search was conducted in the vicinity of the vehicle and the following was located:
A loaded silver Bersa Thunder 380 with five rounds in the clip
Approximately 1.7 grams of crack cocaine
Approximately 1.08 grams of marijuana
Westcott and the 30-year-old female of Harrington, DE were taken into custody and transported back to Troop 5 without further incident.
Qualeel Westcott was charged with the following:
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition By a Person Prohibited
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
Possession of Marijuana
Endangering the Welfare of a Child While DUI (3 counts)
Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Reckless Driving
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence
Criminal Trespass Third Degree
Multiple related traffic violations
Westcott was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10106.00 secured bond.
The 30-year-old female was charged with misdemeanor charges and released on unsecured bond.