Update on Harbeson shooting investigation: Drugs and money seized during search
Courtesy of DSP
HARBESON Del. – Authorities say drugs and over $20,000 in drug money was seized during a search that led to a trooper involved shooting. Law enforcement says two troopers were involved in the incident that resulted in the death of a Harbeson man.
Delaware State Police say on Tuesday, a three-week long drug investigation concluded with the execution of two search warrants at residences in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road and 28000 block of West Springside Drive. Troopers say three subjects were inside the Harbeson Road residence during the execution of the search warrant.
Law enforcement reports that two men were arrested without incident. According to the report, while taking the third suspect into custody, 50-year-old Robert Knox proceeded to obtain a handgun that was in arms reach. DSP says two troopers fired their division issued handguns during a struggle.
Knox was then taken to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.
Left to Right: 82-year-old Andrew Knox and 54-year-old Andrew Ayres (Courtesy of DSP)
According to DSP, the following items were seized for 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 money
-various prescription pills
-various ammunition
Police say 82-year-old Andrew Knox was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited prior violent crime or felony and maintaining a drug property. He was released on $13,000 unsecured bond.
Authorities say the other occupant in the residence has not been charged at this time.
Upon executing the search warrant at the West Springside Drive residence, troopers report that 54-year-old Andrew Ayres was arrested and charged with 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, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to police, authorities say they seized over $24,000 in suspected drug money, 24.99 grams of crack cocaine, 395.66 grams of marijuana, and a loaded Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum from the residence.
The 54-year-old was turned over to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,200 secured bond.
This is an ongoing investigation.
