On October 18, at approximately 2 PM, Delaware State Police responded to a business complex in Harbeson after receiving a report of a man potentially under the influence of an illegal substances. Upon arrival, police found Ryan Doneker, 36, in the driver’s seat of a Honda CRV.
Troopers approached the vehicle to check on his well-being, and Doneker fled, driving through a grass field. Troopers activated their emergency lights in an attempt to stop Doneker, but he fled southbound on Indian Mission Road. Troopers continued to pursue Doneker who drove erratically and committed multiple traffic offenses on several area roads.
As Doneker drove southbound on Gravel Hill Road, troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks which deflated one of his tires. Doneker eventually stopped on gravel Hill Road near Doc Frame Road. When he exited the Honda, Doneker was holding what appeared to be a tan handgun which he immediately dropped at the command of the troopers.
Doneker was taken into custody and troopers discovered the gun was a non-lethal pepperball gun. A search of Doneker found cocaine, an icepick and approximately $4,700 of suspected drug proceeds. While interacting with Doneker, police recognized signs of impairment.
Doneker was taken to Troop 4 where he was charged with possession of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony; possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance; disregarding a police officer signal; carrying a concealed deadly weapon; resisting arrest; malicious mischief by a motor vehicle; driving under the influence and numerous traffic offenses.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $24,401 secured bond.
NOTE:Â Any individual charged in this article is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
