Paul Benchoff

SEAFORD — A 31-year-old Felton man was charged with drug and criminal mischief offenses following a Sunday traffic stop on Middleford Road, Seaford Police said.

Authorities said Paul Benchloff fled from the traffic stop on foot into a marshy area along the Nanticoke River, spokesman Sr. Corporal Eric Chambers said. Mr. Benchloff was taken into custody after a brief struggle, police said.

Charges included resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia (two counts), criminal mischief, three traffic violations, shoplifting and breach of release. A $6,050 secured bail was set.

Once in custody, police said, it became known that Mr. Benchoff had an active warrant for his arrest from the Camden Delaware Police Department and that he was also a suspect in a shoplifting that occurred at the Lowes in Seaford. It also became known that Mr. Benchoff has previously been issued a no contact order with any Lowes Stores from the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas, police said.

Mr. Benchoff was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Department of Correction on the new Seaford charges.