HARTLY, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested Richard Butcher, 47, of Smyrna, on multiple gun and drug-related charges after a pursuit near Hartly on Sunday night, authorities said.
The incident began on September 8, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., when a trooper observed a Chevrolet Equinox leaving the parking lot of Royal Farms on Halltown Road with an equipment violation. When the trooper attempted to pull the vehicle over on Pearson’s Corner Road, the driver, identified as Butcher, fled, prompting a brief police chase.
For the safety of other motorists, the trooper terminated the pursuit but continued to check the area. A short time later, the trooper located the Equinox abandoned in a soybean field on Bryant’s Corner Road. Butcher tried to flee on foot but was apprehended.
During a search of Butcher, police found approximately 15.02 grams of cocaine. A loaded handgun was also discovered inside the vehicle.
Butcher was taken to Troop 3 and charged with multiple offenses. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on a $52,500 cash bond.