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Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Troopers Arrest Wilmington Man Following Pursuit in Stolen Vehicle-Milton


Date Posted: Wednesday, August 21st, 2019

Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man after he led them on a pursuit while in a stolen motor vehicle.

The incident occurred on August 20, 2019 at approximately 7:35 p.m., when Troopers observed a Dodge Ram Pickup traveling at a high rate of speed on Broadkill Road approaching Coastal Highway, Milton.  A traffic stop was initiated when the driver continued to accelerate, traveling at a high rate of speed and committing multiple traffic violations including reckless driving.  The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Herring Branch Road after traveling through a field and damaging multiple crops.  The operator, identified as 55-year-old Joseph S. Sanders proceeded to exit the vehicle and flee on foot.  Troopers were able to apprehend Sanders a short distance away without further incident.

It was learned that the vehicle Sanders was driving was reported stolen and he was wanted out of Troop 3 in connection with two thefts from motor vehicles in the Milton area in which he forced entry into the vehicles, causing damage.  Sanders also had active warrants for Burglary out of the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Department.  An inquiry also revealed that Sander’s drivers license was suspended and he had an active capias out of the Sussex County Family Court.  A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.4 grams of marijuana.

Sanders was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with the following:

  • Theft of a Motor Vehicle
  • Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
  • Theft (2 counts)
  • Criminal Mischief (3 counts)
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Driving While Suspended
  • Reckless Driving
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Failure to Stop At a Red Light (4 counts)
  • Failure to Stop At a Stop Sign(6 counts)
  • Driving Vehicle at Unreasonable or Imprudent Speed (15 counts)
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Multiple Traffic Related Offenses

Sanders was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $15,093.00 cash only bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082119 1209

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