Delaware carjacking suspect found after wife filed missing person’s report

Delaware State Police have found Tuesday’s carjacking suspect after his wife reported him missing early Wednesday morning.

Police say Jeffery C. Blauvelt, 56, of Wilmington, took off with a car as the driver and passenger exited the vehicle while parked outside Christiana Hospital in Newark Tuesday morning.

Police say the alleged offender was a patient at the Ogletown-Stanton Road hospital, and left prior to being discharged before 7 a.m. They say he then approached the silver Nissan Maxima and entered the driver’s seat as a 26-year-old woman was exiting.

A 25-year-old man who also exited the car attempted to stop Blauvelt, but police say Blauvelt pushed the man and drove off. Police say there were no injuries.

Police asked for the public’s help finding the man, who they said was last seen wearing pants and a fur coat.

Blauvelt’s wife reported him missing around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday to the New Castle County Police. She told the dispatcher Blauvelt arrived home minutes before she made the 911 call and was searching the house for documents.

She said her husband became frustrated and left the home in a green Chevy Tahoe. She said Blauvelt then called her, making statements that made her concerned for his safety.

In response to the missing person report, New Castle County Police then asked the public’s help in finding Blauvelt. They said he may possess a knife, and was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black shorts.

Around 1 p.m. Wednesday a Delaware State Trooper saw the Chevy in the area of Rt. 1 and Rt. 24, north of Rehoboth. The trooper pulled Blauvelt over and took him into custody. Police say he appeared intoxicated and they began a DUI investigation.

In addition to being wanted for Carjacking and Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Delaware State Police say Blauvelt also was wanted by the New Castle County Police for Reckless Driving and Offensive Touching.  

Blauvelt was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and transported to a medical facility. Police did not say to which medical facility he has been admitted. Police say Blauvelt will be arrested on the outstanding charges upon his release from the medical facility.

Police found the carjacking victim’s vehicle in Elsmere Tuesday evening and returned it to her.