WILMINGTON, DE — A routine evening took a dramatic turn at Fox Point State Park when a Delaware Natural Resources Police officer was struck by a fleeing vehicle. The incident led to the arrest of 37-year-old Deanna T. Long of Wilmington, who now faces multiple charges.
On January 29, 2024, a state park officer approached a parked car at approximately 5:20 p.m. to inform the occupant that the park had closed. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a woman, later identified as Long, allegedly using a hypodermic needle to inject herself with an unidentified substance.
The officer initiated contact with Long, knocking on the car door. When Long opened the driver’s door, she allegedly put the vehicle into reverse and accelerated, striking the officer with the open door. The impact sent the officer backward into his patrol vehicle and onto the ground.
Following this alleged assault, a vehicle pursuit ensued, involving additional police agencies. It ended on a dead-end road in Wilmington after a short foot chase, resulting in Long’s arrest.
Long was transported to New Castle City Police Department where further investigation led to a series of charges filed against her. These include felony charges of resisting arrest with force or violence and intentionally fleeing, disregarding a police officer signal, and several misdemeanors and violations related to drug possession, aggressive driving, and trespassing on closed lands.
Following her arraignment by Justice of the Peace Court 11, Long was committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $5,850 secured bond.
The state park officer involved in the incident received treatment for minor injuries at Christiana Hospital and has since been released.
As the case moves forward, it’s important to note that all charges are allegations until proven in a court of law, and Long, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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