Troopers Charge Man With Vehicle Theft, Violating Emergency Order

Millsboro- The Delaware State Police have arrested 43-year-old Terence V. Purnell after he stole a motor vehicle and was found in possession of drugs, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on April 19, 2020, at approximately 9:31 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 27000 block of Oak Meadows Drive, Millsboro, in reference to a stolen motor vehicle. Upon arrival, Troopers met with a 52-year-old female victim who advised that her 2014 blue Chevy Cruze was parked in her driveway, when an acquaintance of hers, Terence Purnell, took the vehicle without permission, said Jaffe.

Troopers observed Purnell driving the vehicle on Oak Meadows Drive, and a traffic stop was initiated. He was taken into custody without incident and subsequently found in possession of approximately .47 grams of cocaine, .147 grams of heroin and drug paraphernalia, said Jaffe.

Purnell was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Fail to Obey an Emergency Order
Purnell was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution $900.00 secured bond.

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