Newark Police have arrested a Claymont man following an investigation that led to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles, firearms, and illegal drugs.
The investigation began on April 16, 2026, at approximately 9:17 p.m., when officers on patrol located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of South College Avenue. Officers conducted an investigation at the scene and seized the vehicle.
Through continued investigative efforts, police determined the vehicle had been in the possession of 43-year-old Marcel J. Cooper of Claymont. As the investigation progressed, additional information linked Cooper to several other stolen vehicles officials said.
Officials said search warrants were obtained for Cooper’s residence and an auto body shop in Claymont believed to be connected to him. On April 22, officers executed the warrants and recovered five additional stolen vehicles, approximately $12,000 in cash, two firearms, ammunition, large-capacity magazines, drug paraphernalia, and about 1.81 pounds of marijuana.
Cooper was taken into custody without incident and charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, six counts of receiving stolen property over $1,500, and multiple charges related to altered vehicle identification numbers, assault weapons, and large-capacity magazines. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $93,000 cash bail.
Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Newark Police.
