Three Delaware police officers injured in line of duty

Two separate incidents involving drugs landed three Delaware law enforcement officers in the hospital for injuries sustained while on the job.

Two Delaware State Troopers were hurt last night trying to apprehend a Townsend man they saw buying heroin. Delaware State Police say the exchange and subsequent struggle happened around 8:20 p.m. in the 2900 block of North Market Street in Wilmington.

DSP says David Rhoades, 35, violently resisted arrest and engaged both troopers in a “lengthy struggle.” At one point, DSP says Rhoades unsuccessfully tried to wrestle one of the trooper’s Tasers away from him.

Officers found 104 bags of heroin in his jacket; Rhoades is charged with possession, assault, attempting to remove a weapon from law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. 

Between the two of them, the troopers suffered hand and leg injuries; both were treated at Wilmington Hospital.

Rhoades, a probationer, was admitted to the hospital for a pre-existing medical condition and will be arraigned upon his release.

Crash with police cruiser

Several hours later, a fully marked Wilmington Police cruiser with its emergency lights and siren activated was making its way through the intersection at W. 2nd Street and N. Clayton Street, when a northbound Honda Civic hit the car on the left front side. Officers say Ian Thomas of Wilmington was driving the Honda, which also hit a parked SUV before coming to a stop.

The driver of the police car is a 36-year-old, 13-year veteran of the department. Thomas had the green light when he proceeded through the intersection, according to police.

The passenger in the police car, WPD says, is a 27-year-old rookie officer; he was treated and released at Wilmington Hospital for a neck injury.

Thomas, 34, who tried to get rid of 19 bags of heroin and two hypodermic needles after he got out the car, was taken into custody. Wilmington Police says the officers also found a small bag of crack cocaine on him.

Charged with possession, Thomas was released after posting $150 secured bail.