In the summer of 2018, the Delaware State Police arrested a Seaford man after a traffic stop led to an Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at approximately 5:24 p.m. when a Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 Dodge Durango, on German Road for failure to stop at a stop sign. The Trooper made contact with the driver, who initially provided a false name, officials said at the time.
Jaffe said the driver attempted to place the vehicle in drive at which time the Trooper’s arm became entangled in the steering wheel and the driver accelerated forward. As the Trooper was being dragged on the side of the vehicle, he attempted to deploy his TASER, according to Jaffe. The vehicle then came to a sudden stop and a struggle ensued over the TASER. The Trooper at this point was able to free himself from the side of the vehicle.
The driver, later identified as Brandon T. Showell, then exited the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued, said Jaffe. Showell was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody. A computer check revealed that Showell was wanted for a Sussex County Superior Court Rule 9 Robbery 1st warrant along with several Violations of Probation and court capiases.
He was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with
Assault 2nd on a Law Enforcement Officer
Removing a Deadly Weapon from Law Enforcement
Resisting Arrest with Force
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Criminal Mischief, Criminal Impersonation
Driving While Revoked
and 2 counts of Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign.
The Trooper was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.
In September 2019, 30-year-old Brandon Showell of Seaford pleaded guilty to reduced charges of Assault Second Degree, Reckless Endangering, and Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence.
Prosecutors announced Friday that a Superior Court judge sentenced Showell to 4 years in prison, followed by 6 months of work release, then 1 year of probation.