Police: Quick Thinking Trooper Deflates Getaway Plans, Two In Custody

The Delaware State Police have arrested 26-year-old Thomas Ponzo of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania and 32-year-old Khyree Dacoste of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on felony drug charges.

Officials said on March 10, 2023, troopers learned that Thomas Ponzo was using a 2021 Nissan Sentra to transport a significant amount of methamphetamine to a residence in Clayton. Troopers from the Kent County Governor’s Task Force and assisting officers from Probation & Parole located the Sentra in the Clayton area and were able to take Ponzo into custody as he stood outside of the car. However, the driver of the Sentra, identified as Khyree Dacoste, began driving away from troopers. Troopers used a “Stop Stick” to deflate the Sentra’s tires, and Dacoste was taken into custody a short distance away without further incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.

Ponzo and Dacoste were taken to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

Thomas Ponzo:

  • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
  • Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
  • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Khyree Dacoste:

  • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
  • Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
  • Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
  • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Ponzo and Dacoste were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. Ponzo was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $41,000 cash bond, and Dacoste was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $41,500 cash bond.

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →