Dewey and Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit have arrested four people following an investigation into an assault complaint.=, according to Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.
Bratz said on Friday, May 5, 2017, Troopers were dispatched to an assault complaint at the Sea Esta motel IV in Dewey Beach. Responding troopers made contact with two victims who both suffered facial injuries from an apparent assault. Through the investigation it was learned the victims were familiar with the suspects named, Ardarious Cato and Victorian West, said Bratz. The assault occurred inside their motel room during a drug related incident.
An ambulance was contacted and responded to the scene. Both victims were transported to Beebe Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The victims were treated and later released from the hospital.
Troopers and the Rehoboth Beach Police Department worked together to locate the suspects in the assault. Information was received that the suspects were located in the 19,000 block of Norwood Street in West Rehoboth. Upon arrival, officers obtained consent to enter the residence and while inside the residence the officers observed a quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana in plain view, according to Bratz. All subjects inside the residence were then contacted which included Ardarius Cato, Marteze Waples, and Brandon White. Brandon White resisted arrest by attempting to flee however was arrested without further incident, said Bratz. Both of Marteze Waples’ two children (both under five years old) were present and later turned over to a family member. Crack cocaine over 26 grams and marijuana over 20 grams were seized during the initial contact, said Bratz.
The Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit executed a search and seizure warrant for the residence and vehicles on the property in the 19,000 block of Norwood Street. A further search of the residence was conducted which revealed additional contraband including over 63 grams of Crack Cocaine, over 44 grams of Marijuana, a .380 auto handgun and more than $19,600.00 in suspected drug proceeds, according to Bratz.
Victorian West received information she was wanted and turned herself in at Troop 7, Lewes during the investigation.
Ardarius D. Cato, 29 and Victorian West, 30 both of Rehoboth Beach, were transported to Troop 7 and arrested for two counts of Assault 2nd ; two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment 1st, Conspiracy 2nd degree, two counts of Terroristic Threatening and two counts of Endangering the Welfare.
Ardarius Cato was also arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd , two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two counts of Endangering the Welfare.
Brandon D. H. White, 25 of Rehoboth Beach was transported to Troop 7 and arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, two counts of Endangering the Welfare and Resisting Arrest.
Marteze D. Waples, 29 of Rehoboth Beach was transported to Troop 7 and arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd, Endangering the Welfare and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.