Delaware State Police
News Release

DSP News Release: Monday, January 05, 2009- Sleeping Fugitive Found in Possession of Crack / Heroin / Oxycodone

Location of Incident: 1508 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Sunday, January 4, 2009, 10:30 p.m.

Suspects: John E. Handlin, 29, of Harbor Drive in Claymont

Resume: Late last night, Troopers were dispatched to a report of a subject asleep behind the wheel in the parking lot of Happy Harry’s- 1508 Philadelphia Pike.  Officers arrived on the scene and approached a black Nissan pick-up truck.

The truck was running and the operator was initially unresponsive. Troopers then observed a crack pipe resting on the lap of the driver.  After knocking on the window a few times, the operator came to.  He was asked to step from the vehicle, and when he did, a Trooper caught him as he fell over.  The operator was identified as John E. Handlin. 

Mr. Handlin was initially taken into custody based on his impairment and his possession of drug paraphernalia. A search of his vehicle yielded suspected crack, heroin and Oxycodone.  A computer check revealed Handlin was wanted by Court 20 on an active capias.

John E. Handlin was transported back to Troop 1 for processing. He was formally charged with the following: Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Narcotics (felony), Possession of Heroin (misdemeanor), Possession of Crack Cocaine (misdemeanor), Possession of Oxycodone (misdemeanor), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and DUI.

Bail was set in total at $10,851.00 secured and Mr. Handlin was remanded to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.