Harbeson Man Arrested following Vehicle Pursuit

HARBESON, Del. – The Delaware State Police arrested a man on drug and weapons charges following a vehicle pursuit on Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 18, troopers responded to a business complex on Dozer Lane for a report of a man potentially under the influence of an illegal substance or experiencing a medical issue. Upon arrival, troopers located a man seated in the driver’s seat of a Honda CR-V and attempted to check on his well-being. As they approached the car, the driver took off with the vehicle, driving through a grass field and fleeing southbound on Indian Mission Road.

Troopers pursued the driver as he drove erratically and committed multiple traffic offenses on several area roads. Police successfully deployed stop sticks on Gravel Hill Road and deflated one of the Honda’s tires.

The driver, identified as 36-year-old Ryan Doneker of Harbeson, exited the vehicle with what appeared to be a tan handgun. He immediately dropped the weapon at troopers’ command.

Doneker was taken into custody, and troopers discovered the tan handgun was a non-lethal pepperball gun. A subsequent search of Doneker revealed 0.11 grams of cocaine, an icepick, and approximately $4,700 of suspected drug proceeds. Troopers also observed signs of impairment during their interaction with the suspect.

Doneker was taken to DSP Troop 4 where he was charged with possessing a deadly weapon (icepick) during the commission of a felony, posession with intent to deliver controlled substance, and other traffic offenses. He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $24,401 secured bond.