(Newark, DE 19702) On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Officers responded to Saratoga Court in the community of Valley Wood for a reported burglary in progress. The victim reported discovering an open door leading to the basement and observing an unknown individual inside the residence.

Several Officers quickly arrived at the residence, including K-9 Vudu and his handler. Officers gave multiple commands for anyone who may have been inside the basement to exit or announce their presence. After receiving no response, K-9 Vudu was deployed to search the basement for anyone who might have been hiding.

During the search, K-9 Vudu located an individual, later identified as 25-year-old Jimi Payne of Folcroft, Pennsylvania, hiding beneath blankets in an apparent attempt to conceal himself from Officers. When located, Payne grabbed K-9 Vudu by the snout and attempted to physically push him away. Officers quickly intervened, gained control of Payne, and took him into custody without further incident.

K-9 Vudu was not injured during the incident. However, one responding officer sustained a minor injury and was treated and released.

Payne was subsequently transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Burglary First Degree
• One felony count of Assault Second Degree – Injuring a Law Enforcement Officer
• One felony count of Resisting Arrest
• One misdemeanor count of Harassment

Payne was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $8,100 unsecured bail.

Jimi Payne – 25