Dover traffic stop leads to two arrests on drug offenses

DOVER, Del. – A traffic stop late Tuesday night led to the arrest of two on drug charges.

At around 10:20 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw a red Cadillac CTS fail to stop at a red light while driving southbound on North Dupont Highway, at the intersection with Delaware State University Road in Dover. The trooper pulled the vehicle over and made contact with the driver and passenger, identified as 44-year-old Richard Dalton and 30-year-old Lauren Carter. During the stop, the trooper reportedly saw drug paraphernalia in plain view, and subsequently took Dalton and Carter into custody.

A search of the suspects and vehicle led police to find approximately 2.13 grams of heroin packaged in 71 baggies, approximately 11.69 grams of crack cocaine, and various drug paraphernalia including glass pipes, clear containers with a powder residue, and cut straws with a powder residue.

Dalton also showed signs of impairment during the stop, and a computer check revealed he had two previous DUI-related convictions. He was held at SCI on an $8,100 secured bond on two counts of possession of a controlled substance in a tier 2 quantity, second degree conspiracy, third offense driving under the influence of any drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to stop at a red light.

Carter was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance in a tier 2 quantity, second degree conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was later released on her own recognizance.