Zamir Dade: Financial Charges

Introduction

What began as a routine police response to a car crash in Claymont, Delaware, escalated into a chaotic and violent confrontation on the evening of February 7, 2024. A 29-year-old man identified as Zamir Dade now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing from police, resisting arrest, and assaulting officers — all following a dramatic vehicle fire.

According to the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD), Dade’s actions that night endangered lives, sparked a multi-agency pursuit, and culminated in a tense standoff that required taser deployment and assistance from a K9 unit.

The Call: A Vehicle in Flames

At 8:38 p.m., patrol officers from NCCPD’s A-Squad were dispatched to the 300 block of Forrest Avenue in Claymont after reports of a car crash and vehicle fire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a white Chevrolet Malibu that had struck an object along the roadway and caught fire. The flames were visible from several blocks away, lighting up the residential neighborhood as first responders rushed to contain the blaze.

To their surprise, the vehicle was unoccupied. Witnesses told police that they saw a man exit the car moments before it ignited and flee toward Philadelphia Pike. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames while officers began coordinating a search for the suspect.

Investigators soon learned that the same Chevrolet Malibu had been involved in a pursuit with Wilmington Police just minutes earlier. Wilmington officers had attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to pull over, speeding north toward the county line. For safety reasons, Wilmington Police terminated the chase, but the suspect continued fleeing until crashing in Claymont — setting the stage for a volatile encounter with county officers.

The Search for the Fleeing Driver

Once Wilmington Police confirmed their earlier involvement, NCCPD initiated a joint response, deploying multiple patrol units and a K9 team to locate the suspect.

Using descriptions from witnesses and dispatch information, officers began canvassing the area around Philadelphia Pike, a busy commercial corridor bordered by residential streets and wooded patches. Visibility was limited, and the smell of burning rubber still hung in the air.

Police radio traffic from that evening, later reviewed by local media, captured the intensity of the situation:

“Be advised, the vehicle is fully engulfed … suspect last seen heading toward Governor Printz Boulevard. K9 en route.”

Minutes later, a K9 unit led by Officer McNasby and K9 Havok picked up a scent trail leading toward 3700 Philadelphia Pike, roughly half a mile from the crash site.

The Encounter and Attempted Arrest

Officers spotted a man matching the suspect’s description walking briskly along the roadside. When ordered to stop, he immediately attempted to flee. A foot pursuit began.

Officers shouted commands for the man to get on the ground, but he ignored them, sprinting through a dimly lit section of the neighborhood. During the chase, police noted that the suspect repeatedly reached into his waistband and pockets, heightening fears that he might be armed.

To prevent potential danger, one officer deployed a taser, but the device proved ineffective. The suspect, later confirmed to be Zamir Dade, continued running. At this point, K9 Havok was released to assist in detaining him. The dog lunged at Dade, but even then, he resisted, struggling violently and pushing forward as officers closed in.

When police finally caught up, a physical confrontation ensued. Officers attempted to restrain Dade, but he allegedly punched two county officers, striking one in the chest and another in the shoulder.

Despite being outnumbered, Dade fought vigorously until the K9 team helped subdue him. After several minutes of struggle, officers finally placed him in handcuffs.

Medical Treatment and Custody

Following his arrest, Dade complained of minor injuries sustained during the altercation. Following standard procedure, officers transported him to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Doctors determined that Dade had no serious injuries, and after brief treatment, he was released back into police custody.

He was then taken to the New Castle County Police Headquarters, where detectives processed his arrest, recorded his statements, and began preparing formal charges.

Charges Filed Against Zamir Dade

Prosecutors and investigators determined that Dade’s behavior — from fleeing police to physically assaulting officers — warranted multiple charges under Delaware law. He was formally booked on the following counts:

• Two felony counts of resisting arrest with force or violence
• Two misdemeanor counts of offensive touching of law enforcement
• Five misdemeanor counts of menacing
• One misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of a collision
• One misdemeanor count of reckless driving
• One misdemeanor count of aggressive driving

Dade was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court No. 2, where a judge set his bail at $18,500 cash. Unable to pay, he was remanded to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington pending further court proceedings.

A Pattern of Reckless Driving

Law enforcement sources say Dade’s case fits a growing trend of reckless driving and police evasions across New Castle County. Officers have reported an increase in suspects fleeing traffic stops, often leading to dangerous pursuits and crashes.

In 2023 alone, Delaware State Police logged over 250 pursuit-related incidents, with several resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

“Every time someone runs from police, they put everyone at risk — including themselves,” said Sgt. Michael McNasby, spokesperson for NCCPD and author of the department’s public release. “In this case, it could have ended far worse. Our officers showed great restraint and professionalism in bringing the situation under control.”

Inside the Charges: What They Mean

Each charge against Dade reflects a specific aspect of his alleged conduct.

• Resisting arrest with force or violence, classified as a felony, is one of Delaware’s most serious offenses short of direct assault. It applies when a suspect uses physical aggression to prevent officers from executing a lawful arrest.
• Offensive touching of law enforcement is a misdemeanor but carries additional penalties when committed against uniformed officers.
• The menacing charges stem from actions interpreted as threatening or placing others in fear of imminent harm during the confrontation.
• The reckless and aggressive driving charges relate to his earlier behavior while fleeing Wilmington Police, as well as the subsequent crash.

Together, these charges could expose Dade to several years of imprisonment if convicted, depending on how the court views the severity and intent behind his actions.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

Residents of Claymont expressed both relief and concern following the incident.

“I saw the fire from my front porch — it was terrifying,” said Linda Sanders, who lives a block away from Forrest Avenue. “Then I heard yelling and dogs barking. We didn’t know what was happening.”

Others worried about the proximity of the crash to nearby homes and the potential for bystander harm. “That street is narrow and full of parked cars,” said another resident. “If that fire had spread, it could have taken out half the block.”

Community leaders have since renewed calls for stronger safety measures and more public education about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement.

The Role of K9 Havok

Much attention has centered on K9 Havok, the trained police dog who played a pivotal role in subduing Dade.

K9 Havok, a Belgian Malinois, is part of NCCPD’s specialized K9 Division, trained in suspect apprehension, tracking, and officer protection. Officials say Havok’s involvement was justified given the suspect’s continued aggression and possible attempt to reach for a weapon.

“This is exactly why we train our K9 teams so rigorously,” said Lt. Erin Rodgers, head of the division. “When tasers fail and a suspect poses a danger to officers, a properly trained K9 can save lives by controlling the situation before it escalates further.”

Havok was unharmed during the encounter and received commendations for his actions in the field report.

A Closer Look at the Pursuit Policy

Delaware’s police pursuit policy emphasizes minimizing risk to civilians during high-speed chases. Agencies must continually assess whether continuing a pursuit outweighs the danger to the public.

In this case, Wilmington Police exercised restraint by terminating their pursuit once the suspect crossed jurisdictional boundaries at high speed. However, because Dade continued fleeing and ultimately crashed, the incident underscores how suspects’ reckless decisions can nullify officers’ caution.

NCCPD officials later stated that the decision to re-engage — in the form of a search and arrest operation — was fully compliant with state policy and executed safely.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

Dade’s case is currently scheduled for preliminary hearings in New Castle County Court of Common Pleas. Prosecutors will present evidence including dashcam footage, radio transmissions, officer body-camera recordings, and physical evidence from the crash site.

Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Dade panicked after the crash and acted out of fear rather than intent to harm. However, the combination of resisting arrest, assault on officers, and dangerous driving will make leniency unlikely.

If convicted on the felony resisting charges alone, Dade could face up to five years in prison for each count, along with fines and probation.

Broader Implications

The case has sparked renewed discussion about how law enforcement handles non-compliant suspects and the balance between officer safety and public protection.

While NCCPD commended its officers for professionalism, civil rights observers often warn about excessive use of force during arrests involving K9 units or tasers. In this case, however, evidence points to measured and justified escalation.

“Anytime someone resists with violence, it’s a dangerous situation for everyone involved,” said retired police captain John Layton, a law enforcement consultant. “From the details available, this appears to be a textbook example of officers following protocol under extreme pressure.”

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are continuing to review whether the vehicle Dade drove was properly registered and insured, and whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Toxicology results are pending.

Meanwhile, the burned-out Chevrolet Malibu has been towed to a secure impound facility for forensic examination. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary evidence suggests it was accidental, likely triggered by the impact of the crash.

Conclusion

The events of February 7, 2024, underscore the unpredictable and often perilous nature of law enforcement work. What began as a routine traffic stop and vehicle crash spiraled into a violent confrontation, testing the discipline and restraint of New Castle County Police officers.

Zamir Dade’s decision to flee, resist, and assault officers transformed a crash investigation into a criminal case that could shape the next several years of his life.

While justice will ultimately be determined in court, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine calls can turn volatile — and how critical composure, training, and restraint are in maintaining public safety.

Written by

Nancy Drew

Updated

2 months ago