On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to a noise complaint in the unit block of Penarth Drive.
Officials said before their arrival, officers were informed that 52-year-old Lee Zaffiri was wanted by the New Castle County Police for incidents that occurred on the previous nights. Upon contacting Lee Zaffiri at his residence, he became combative and, during the altercation, forcefully shoved a ladder at one of the Officers, striking the Officer in the face.
During the altercation, his son, 26-year-old Learto Zaffiri, interfered and physically confronted the officers according to police. Despite the resistance, officers took both suspects into custody after a brief struggle.
Lee Zaffiri (L) was transported to New Castle County Police headquarters and charged with two felony counts of assault in the second degree injuring a law enforcement officer and one felony count of resisting arrest. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
Learto Zaffiri (R) was also taken to New Castle County Police headquarters and charged with two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief for property damage under $1000. He was similarly arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
The injured officer was transported to a local hospital, treated for their injuries, and released.