Laurel, DE - On June 27, 2024, at approximately 12:45 pm, a Laurel Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Toyota Camry in the area of Poplar Street and Locust Street in Laurel. The traffic stop was being conducted after the officer observed the vehicle was bearing a fictitious registration plate. The vehicle failed to stop for the officer and began fleeing at a high rate of speed.

The officer continued to pursue the vehicle as it made several unsafe passes and drove recklessly through the Woodland Heights residential community. The vehicle then turned northbound on Woodland Ferry Road, reaching speeds over 120 mph. While fleeing on Woodland Ferry Road, the vehicle failed to maintain a single lane, passed other traffic, and disregarded multiple traffic control devices. Due to the significant risk to public safety, the officer discontinued the pursuit.

Shortly after discontinuing the pursuit, the officer located the vehicle in the area of River Road after it had lost control and crashed into a wooded area. The vehicle was significantly damaged, and the operator had already fled the area, but no bystanders were involved in the collision. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the officer located a large amount of heroin, oxycodone pills, and marijuana, all packaged for sale. The vehicle was found to be unregistered and had no proof of insurance.

The vehicle's driver was identified as Dione L Garner (36) of Preston, MD. As a result of this incident, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Garner with the following charges:

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Tier 3 Quantity Heroin (Class B Felony)
• Possession of Tier 3 Quantity of Heroin (Class B Felony)
• Aggravated Possession with Intent to Deliver Tier 2 Quantity Oxycodone (Class B Felony)
• Possession of Tier 2 Quantity of Oxycodone (Class E Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana (Class D Felony)
• Subsequent Offense Disregarding Police Officer Signal (Class E Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana Other Than Personal Use (Misdemeanor)
• Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Leaving the Scene of a Property Collision Accident (Misdemeanor)
• Driving Without a Valid License (Misdemeanor)
• Several additional traffic violations

In addition to the above charges, Garner was also found to have two active capiases issued in 2022 by the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas related to prior resisting arrest cases that also occurred in Laurel.

The issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a subject is merely a showing of probable cause by the investigating agency related to the above incident. Once arrested, the subject is considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Laurel Police Department is actively seeking witnesses to this incident, especially motorists who were driving on Woodland Ferry Road at the time of the pursuit. We ask these witnesses to contact the Laurel Police Department to speak with the investigating officer.

If you or someone you know has information about this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244 or by direct message to this page. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-847-3333 or texting "KEYWORD" followed by your information to CRIMES (274637). Tips submitted to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest are potentially eligible for a cash reward.