Harbeson/Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with illegal drug activity, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, members of the Sussex County Drug Unit and Governor’s Task Force concluded a three-week long drug investigation. The Delaware State Police executed two search warrants at residences in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road and 28000 block of West Springside Drive.
Upon the execution of the search warrant at the residence on Harbeson Road, three subjects were located inside. Two of the subjects were taken into custody without incident. While in the process of taking the third subject, 50-year-old Robert Knox, into custody, he grabbed a handgun. A struggle over the weapon ensued which led to two Troopers discharging their divisionally issued handguns, according to Jaffe.
Robert Knox was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
Jaffe said the following items were seized from the residence:
a loaded .22 caliber handgun, Ruger 9mm, Smith and Wesson 9mm, US Revolver .38 caliber handgun
815.82 grams of powder cocaine
51.93 grams of crack cocaine
1196.95 grams of marijuana
68.25 grams of crystal methamphetamine
over $23,000 in suspected drug proceeds
various prescription pills
various ammunition
Andrew Knox, 82, was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony and Maintaining a Drug Property. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $13,000.00 unsecured bond.
The other occupant in the residence has not been charged at this time.
Upon the execution of the search warrant at the residence on West Springside Drive, one subject, Andrew Ayers, 54, was located inside and taken into custody without incident.
Jaffe said the following items were seized from the residence:
Over $24,000 in suspected drug proceeds
24.99 grams of crack cocaine
395.66 grams of marijuana
a loaded Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum
Ayers transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:
Manufactures, delivers, or possesses with intent to deliver a controlled
substance in a Tier 4 quantity
Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously
Convicted of A Violent Felony
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person
Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony
Possesses with intent to manufacture, deliver a controlled substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Ayers was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,200.00 secured bond.
This case remains under investigation according to Jaffe.
Story Below
Harbeson – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a Trooper involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred at approximately 6:07 a.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, when a search warrant was executed by the Delaware State Police at a residence in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road. Troopers entered the residence and made contact with a 50-year-old male paraplegic resident who was lying in bed. While Troopers were in the residence, the suspect proceeded to obtain a handgun that was in arms reach. A struggle over the weapon ensued which led to two Troopers discharging their divisionally issued handgun.
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Identification is pending next of kin notification. One of the Troopers involved in the shooting has been employed with the Delaware State Police for 8 years and the other for 7 years. One Trooper sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident. Both Troopers have been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional Policy.
Detectives did recover a loaded handgun, drugs and other weapons from the scene, said Jaffe.
This case continues to remain under investigation, with further details being released as they become available.
Breaking Report
Harbeson– The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a Trooper involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said that at approximately 6:07 a.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, a search warrant was executed by the Delaware State Police at a residence in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road.
As the search warrant was being served a male suspect inside the residence was shot by at least one of the Troopers, according to police.
Trooper 2 (Delaware State Police Aviation Sussex) along with Rescue 85 from the Milton Fire Company, initially dispatched to the scene, were recalled by the first ambulance crew on scene.
The man was transported to a local area hospital, however, officials did not discuss the nature of the man’s injuries.
Details about the shooting and what led Troopers to the man’s residence have not been released at this time.
Developing