Stolen car probe explodes into guns drugs and six vehicle seizure in Delaware
Newark, DE — What began as a routine patrol stop quickly unraveled into a wider criminal investigation that led police to recover multiple stolen vehicles, firearms, and drugs tied to a Delaware man.
The case started April 16 around 9:17 p.m. when Newark Police officers located a stolen vehicle in a business parking lot along the 600 block of South College Avenue. The vehicle was seized, and investigators soon identified 43-year-old Marcel J. Cooper of Claymont as being connected to it.
As the investigation expanded, officers developed evidence linking Cooper to additional stolen vehicles. Search warrants were obtained for his residence and an associated auto body shop in Claymont.
On April 22, officers executed the warrants and recovered five more stolen vehicles, bringing the total to six. Authorities also seized approximately $12,000 in cash, two firearms, ammunition, large-capacity magazines, drug paraphernalia, and about 1.81 pounds of marijuana.
Cooper was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, receiving stolen property over $1,500, and charges related to altered vehicle identification numbers. Additional charges include possession of an assault weapon and large-capacity magazines.
He was arraigned and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $93,000 cash bail.
Police say the investigation remains active as they continue to examine potential links to other cases.
Key Points
- Six stolen vehicles recovered during Newark police investigation
- Firearms, drugs, and $12,000 in cash seized during searches
- Claymont man held on $93,000 cash bail facing multiple charges