Members of the Newark Police Department are currently at Newark High School conducting an investigation of threats made to the school and school staff. There is not believed to be a threat to the public and this is believed to be a “swatting” type incident. Newark Officers will be in the area conducting the investigation and ensuring a safe dismissal at the end of the school day.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Newark Police at (302) 366-7111.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.

On December 8, 2023, at about 0822 hours, Newark Police responded to a vacant building in the 1100-block of South College Avenue for a report of a possible burglary in progress.  The reporting person advised that they observed the lock to the rear door had been cut and bolt cutters were found on the ground.

As officers cleared the interior of the building, they located a male subject, identified as Zachary Hufnell, 34, of Newark, hiding in a crawl space.  Hufnell disregarded officers’ commands and dropped through a hole in the floor to the first floor and fled on foot.  Officers engaged in a foot pursuit and took Hufnell into custody without further incident.

During a search incident to Hufnell’s arrest, methamphetamine was found in his possession, along with various tools used to enter the building.  In addition, cut copper wire was found in his possession.

Hufnell was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity
• Burglary third degree
• Possession of burglar tools
• Theft under $1500
• Resisting arrest
• Criminal mischief

Hufnell appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $34,100 cash bail.  Hufnell was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.