Witnesses reported the male was a member of the Juggalos, a nonviolent gang. The trooper found the fireworks residue. Newton said police are in the process of trying to contact the suspects for interviews.

The next incident involved two drug-related arrests. Police stopped a 1991 Geo Tracker at approximately 8:30 p.m., Nov. 10, for a traffic violation on Route 1 near the intersection of Country Club Road. During the course of the stop, the trooper discovered the driver – Jacob A. Fruchtman, 21, of Rehoboth Beach – was wanted on two capiases and had a revoked driver’s license.

Newton said the police report states that during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located a gram of marijuana in the back seat, packaged marijuana hidden under the steering column, bolt cutters, shotgun shells and miscellaneous burglary tools.

There were three passengers in the car. Shawn A. Hinkle, 21, of Lincoln, was among them. The trooper discovered that Hinkle, as part of his probation condition, is prohibited from having any guns or ammunition in his possession. Additionally, troopers secured a warrant for Hinkle’s cell phone, on which they found pictures of a nude teenage girl.

The two other passengers in the car were a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl. According to the report, the 16-year-old told police she did not know the men prior to getting in the car with them at Cape High earlier in the evening. She said she was a new friend of the 17-year-old girl, who was dating Hinkle.

Among the photos on the cell phone were pictures of the 17-year-old with some Juggalos. However, she told police she was not involved with them.

Hinkle and Fruchtman were charged with maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglary tools, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and second-degree conspiracy.

Hinkle was also charged with unlawfully dealing in material depicting a child in prohibited sex acts and contempt of court. Hinkle is a Tier 2 registered sex offender considered at moderate risk of reoffending. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $16,250, pending further court action.

Fruchtman was also charged with traffic violations and possession of an amphetamine. He was initially committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $6,750 bond, pending further court decisions.

The third Juggalos-related incident was reported Sunday, Nov. 15. Newton said a criminal mischief complaint was filed about damage to a pickup truck.

The complaint states someone spray painted a 1994 Toyota pickup truck that was parked at a residence on Draper Drive in Milton. There was paint on the right passenger window, hood and tailgate. In addition to offensive sketches, there was also the word “Juggalos” painted on the truck. The home’s mailbox was also damaged.

“Any kind of gang activity concerns us,” said Newton. “We’re monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action as needed. We have troopers dedicated to identifying members of the Juggalos in the beach area, and we’re monitoring their activities.”