NEWARK, DE — A Pennsylvania man is facing multiple felony charges after New Castle County police say he was found hiding inside a Newark-area home following a reported burglary Saturday night.
According to the New Castle County Police Department, officers responded at approximately 11 p.m. July 11 to the Saratoga Court area of the Valley Wood community after a resident reported a burglary in progress. Police said the homeowner discovered an open basement door and observed an unknown individual inside the residence.
Investigators reported that multiple officers responded to the scene, including K-9 Vudu and the dog’s handler. After officers repeatedly ordered anyone inside the basement to come out and received no response, K-9 Vudu was deployed to search the area.
Police allege the dog located a man, later identified as 25-year-old Jimi Payne of Folcroft, Pennsylvania, hiding beneath blankets in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. According to investigators, Payne allegedly grabbed K-9 Vudu by the snout and attempted to push the dog away before officers took him into custody without further incident.
Police reported K-9 Vudu was not injured during the encounter. One responding officer sustained a minor injury and was treated and released.
Authorities charged Payne with one felony count each of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault involving injury to a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, as well as one misdemeanor count of harassment.
According to police, Payne was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $8,100 unsecured bail.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.