Monthly Archives: January 2026

01.30.26
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SNOW DISPUTE TURNS VIOLENT-SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER HOURS-LONG STANDOFF

(Newark, DE 19702) — On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Patrol Officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 200 block of White Plains Court in the Concord Trace Townhouses community for a reported assault.

A 57-year-old male reported that a suspect forced entry into his residence and assaulted him and a 49-year-old male acquaintance.  During the incident, the defendant — identified as 33-year-old Ras Loyd of Bear, Delaware — assaulted both victims, knocking one of them unconscious, and threatened them with a firearm. Officers determined the incident stemmed from a dispute over snow shoveling and an assigned parking space. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released. Officers attempted to locate Loyd but were unsuccessful.

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Division’s Crisis Management Group and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team responded to the suspect’s residence to take him into custody on his outstanding arrest warrants. Occupants of the residence exited safely, but Loyd refused to exit and surrender. The Crisis Negotiations Team and the UAS Team attempted repeated contact without success. During the standoff, SWAT personnel used multiple tactics to gain voluntary compliance and bring the incident to a safe conclusion. Due to the connected townhome layout and ongoing safety concerns, neighboring residences in the same row were evacuated and transported by the Division’s PAL van to the Bear Library for temporary shelter.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team and the Wilmington Police Drone Team responded to provide additional resources.  The Division’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management, the New Castle County Emergency Communications FieldCom(mobile communications), Delmarva Power, and Delaware Animal Services all responded to assist. 

After a prolonged standoff, SWAT officers entered the residence but did not initially locate Loyd. It was quickly learned that he had breached an adjoining vacant townhome through the attic drywall. SWAT officers entered the adjacent unit and deployed K9 Nuke, who located Loyd hiding in a second-floor bedroom. Loyd actively fought with arresting officers but was ultimately taken into custody without incident.  The New Castle County Paramedics Tactical EMS Team (TEMS) provided medical care on scene, and Loyd was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Loyd was originally charged with the following offenses in connection with the assault:


• Assault in the First Degree
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Burglary in the First Degree
• Aggravated Menacing

Following yesterday’s incident, additional charges were filed. Those additional charges include:

  • Burglary in the Second Degree
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Criminal Mischief Over $1,000

Following arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Loyd was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $106,000 cash bail.

The Division appreciates and thanks community members for their patience and cooperation during this extended incident.

01.29.26
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INVESTIGATION UPDATE:

As of 7:35 p.m., the incident 200 block of White Plains Court in the Concord Trace Townhouse community has been resolved, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Residents may notice a continued police presence.

There is no threat to public safety, and normal activities may resume.

Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

01.29.26
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COLD CASE HOMICIDE: ARTURO GARCIA (2008)

Victim: Arturo Garcia, 26-year-old male

Date of Incident: January 29th, 2008

Location: 5500 block Heritage Court Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808

Community: Heritage Court Apartments

Investigation Details:

On January 29, 2008, at approximately 2:58 a.m., New Castle County Police responded to the Heritage Court Apartments following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found 26-year-old Arturo Garcia lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Officers immediately began life-saving efforts, and he was transported by emergency medical services to a local hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or email: Coldcase@Newcastlede.gov

The victims and families of our unsolved cases are not forgotten. Ongoing efforts by the New Castle County Division of Police and the Criminal Investigations Unit’s Cold Case Unit are being made to resolve each case. Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a violent crime or has lost a loved one to sudden death and needs assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit is available to offer you support and resources through (302)395-8000.

If you’d like to report information anonymously, Delaware Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Be sure to retain your Tip ID and password to follow up, provide additional details, or claim a cash reward. Submit a tip by calling 1-800-TIP-3333, visiting www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.