Two Arrested for Marijuana and Gun Possession After Nearly Hitting Police Vehicle 12-5-15

Complaint # 50-15-36013

Date/Time:  12-3-15 at 8:02PM

Location:  Mary Street at North West Street

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

A Dover man and Smyrna woman were arrested on drug and firearm charges after nearly hitting a police vehicle on Thursday night.  At approximately 8:02PM, officers from the Street Crimes Unit were patrolling in the area of Mary Street and North West Street when a red Pontiac Grand Am nearly struck their vehicle as it was traveling on the wrong side of the road.  When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it attempted to elude police.  The operator (Alex Durham) lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the Wesley College tennis courts located on the corner of Cecil and New Streets.  Durham then fled on foot through the tennis courts, trapping himself inside the fenced in area.  Durham was taken into custody without incident, as was Ayana Caldwell, a passenger in the vehicle.  During a search of the scene, officers located a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun loaded with 8 rounds of ammunition that was later discovered to be stolen.  It was also determined that Durham was operating the vehicle under the influence and in possession of marijuana.  Ayana Caldwell was also found in possession of marijuana and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.  Caldwell was released on unsecured bond.

Durham was committed to JTVCC on $81,800 cash bond for the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (3x-Firearm/Ammunition/with controlled substance)
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Receiving Stolen Firearm
-Resisting Arrest
-DUI
-Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Multiple Traffic Charges