Police crack down on crime in Delaware parks

New Castle County police say they’re cracking down on crime in local parks.

Officers patrolling county-operated parks made a drug bust Sunday and issued a series of alcohol related citations over the weekend.

Both undercover and uniform officers have been staking out Delcastle Recreational Park, Canby Park and Banning Park, following residential complaints of illegal drinking and gambling.

On Sunday, officers arrested a man for possession of a small amount of marijuana and crack cocaine at Delcastle park and for drinking near one of the soccer fields.

Police used a drug sniffing dog to arrest 24-year-old Isaias Cedillo of Elkton, Md. They also seized $400 of suspected drug money from Cedillo.

Additionally, officers handed out ten citations to patrons for consumption of alcohol within the park.

“It’s illegal and we want residents to be comfortable and not have to worry about someone drinking and getting drunk and disorderly,” explained Cpl. John Weglarz of the New Castle County Police Department. “We know where that can lead.”

Violators face fines and if they’re affilated with a league or organization, they could have their park permits or playing privileges taken away.

County police will continue to strictly enforce the county’s zero tolerance policy on alcoholic beverages, drugs and gambling in the parks.