Vehicle chase leads to multiple charges for Ellendale man
SEAFORD, Del. – Delaware State Police arrested an Ellendale man early Monday morning after a car chase led to the discovery of drugs and a weapon.
According to police, the incident happened just before 1:30 a.m., when a trooper saw a gray Honda driving southbound on Route 13 near Elks Lodge Road at a high rate of speed. However, when the trooper tried to stop the vehicle, the driver continued driving at a high rate of speed while committing multiple traffic violations.
The vehicle eventually stopped behind a private residence’s out building in the 20000 block of Sanfilippo Road. When the trooper approached the vehicle, a female occupant was sitting in the driver’s seat, however during the chase the trooper observed a male driving the vehicle. It was discovered that the original driver, 25-year-old Qualeel Westcott, was now sitting in the passenger’s seat. There were all three children ages 7, 4, and 3 in the vehicle who were not properly restrained.
While speaking with Westcott, the trooper observed signs of impairment, and a DUI investigation was launched. A computer check revealed that Westcott’s license was revoked and he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of a loaded gun with five rounds in the clip, approximately 1.7 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 1.08 grams of marijuana.
Westcott was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, disregarding a police officer signal, possession of marijuana, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child while driving under the influence, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance, driving while suspended or revoked, reckless driving, driving a vehicle under the influence, third degree criminal trespass, and multiple traffic violations. He was held at SCI on $10,106 secured bond.
The 30-year-old female passenger was charged with misdemeanor charges and released on an unsecured bond.
