Over the past several days, Newark Police have internally prepared our officers and employees to continue to perform their job functions while also attempting to minimize exposure to anyone infected by Coronavirus.  This includes distribution of additional personal protective equipment and dissemination of information about how to deal with the virus and people who may be affected.  Newark is currently the only municipality in the state in which there are presumptive positive cases of the virus.

Although there are no changes in police services being provided to members of the public, there may be two noticeable differences when a member of the public contacts Newark Police:

1. When possible, police dispatchers have been instructed to ask callers about their potential exposure to the virus and whether they are experiencing any symptoms; and
2. Certain calls that are not in-progress, such as minor thefts, fraud, etc., may be handled by a police officer via telephone as opposed to in-person.

These measures are being undertaken to minimize the risk of exposure of our personnel to the virus.

The public is also reminded that the Governor has declared a state of emergency requesting that event hosts cancel any planned gatherings of 100 or more people.  The declaration can be found here.

Anyone with questions about the virus, or who wants updated information, should refer to public information available from the Delaware Division of Public Health or the United States Centers for Disease Control.

On March 12, 2020, a Newark Police Officer conducted a traffic stop, in the 1100 block of South College Avenue, of a vehicle occupied by two suspects who were believed to be involved in illegal drug transactions.  Upon police contact, both subjects were taken into custody without incident.  They were identified as Marquis Martin-Hair, 21, of Bear and Mark Clarke, 21, of Newark.  During a search of Clarke incident to the arrest, he was found to be in possession of a handgun, prescription pills and a small amount of  marijuana.  During a search of Martin-Hair incident to the arrest, he was also found in possession of prescription pills and a small amount of marijuana.

A search of the vehicle revealed paraphernalia used to package drugs for sale.

Pursuant to a search warrant, officers then conducted a search of a nearby hotel room that had been rented by the suspects.  The search revealed additional marijuana packaged for sale, along with a prescription medication bottle whose label had been scraped away.

Both suspects were transported to Newark Police headquarters where they were charged with the below offenses.  They appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video. Martin- Hair was released on $11,500 unsecured bail and Clarke was released on $26,500 unsecured bail.

Each suspect was charged with the following offenses:

Clarke:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
  
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Possession With Intent to Deliver Drugs (3 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Martin-Hair:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver Drugs (3 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia