Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged two suspects with multiple felonies following an investigation into a stolen license plate police said Tuesday.
Officials said on Monday, May 22, 2023, officers located a black Ford Fusion that displayed a stolen California registration plate during a property check at 2900 Stone Place in Newark (Village of Kent Apartments). Officers approached the vehicle and contacted the occupants who were identified as 23-year-old Tajiir Johnson-Patterson of Newark and 24-year-old Benjamin Neah of Newark.
While speaking with the occupants, probable cause was established to search the vehicle. During the search, Officers located a black 9mm handgun, a black replica BB gun, 1 black 17-round magazine, and one tan 34-round magazine. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters.
Benjamin Neah was charged with one felony count of carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his recognizance.
Tajiir Johnson-Patterson was charged with one felony count of possession/purchase/own or control a firearm within ten years of a prior conviction, one felony count of carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and one misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property under $1,500.00. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and held at Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $8,000.00 secured bail.
