Hartly, DE – Delaware State Police arrested a Smyrna man after a high-speed chase and drug discovery on Sunday. Troopers identified the suspect as 47-year-old Richard Butcher, who faces several felony charges.
Police observed Butcher’s Chevrolet Equinox leaving a parking lot in Hartly around 8:50 p.m. They attempted to stop the vehicle for an equipment violation on Pearson’s Corner Road, but the driver fled. Butcher eventually abandoned the vehicle in a soybean field and attempted to run before officers arrested him.
According to the Delaware State Police, a search of Butcher’s vehicle reportedly uncovered a loaded handgun and 15.02 grams of cocaine. Butcher was charged with possession of a firearm during a felony, drug possession, intent to distribute, and other offenses.
He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and remanded to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $52,500 bond. Police said Butcher faces additional charges, including disregarding an officer’s signal, criminal mischief, and trespassing.
