On January 24, 2024 the Laurel Police Department was made aware of an incident that occurred at the Food Lion shopping center on January 20th, 2025 involving one of our officers where people without the full details of the incident have decided to inject their opinion with limited knowledge and the famous “moments after video” in attempt to make it appear as though the actions taken by officers were racially motivated. As unfortunate as this is, we understand the need to provide as much transparency to the public as possible; especially when it comes to an issue as sensitive as race relations. This way our community can see the decisions made by our officers are based on the facts that were gathered from the totality of the circumstances as they relate to Delaware Law, rather than an emotional response based on limited information and fueled by uniformed bias.
On Monday, January 20th, 2025 Laurel officers were dispatched to a “fight in progress” at the Food Lion shopping center located at 30214 Sussex Hwy. Laurel, DE 19956. Upon their arrival, units from a partnering law enforcement agency were actively detaining a female suspect later identified as, Asya Pitts (26) of Laurel. Once on scene our officer collected information from the suspect, victim, witnesses and reviewed the incident (IN ITS ENTIRITY) using the store’s surveillance systems. Through the steps taken by that officer is became clear the following occurred:
The victim (who happens to be a handicapped male) entered the Food Lion parking lot and began looking for a Handicapped parking space but they were all occupied. The victim parked his vehicle in a standard space and began to walk into the store. While walking into the store he observed one of the vehicle’s occupying a handicapped parking space (white Toyota Camry) did not have a placard visible. He began taking steps to capture the vehicle description and registration plate with his cell phone camera to relay to law enforcement. While doing this the driver of the that vehicle/ suspect (Pitts) emerged from within and initiated a confrontation with the victim. Pitts inquired to why he was taking photos of her vehicle and ultimately decided to forcibly remove the victim’s phone from his hands. Pitts then attempted to leave the scene with the victim’s phone, however, the victim sat in the unoccupied seat of Pitt’s vehicle to prevent her from leaving with his property. The victim asked Pitt’s to return his property and end the confrontation but Pitts instead began to physically assault the victim until law enforcement arrived.
Upon the arrival of units from a partnering law enforcement agency units Pitts continued to engage in disorderly behavior to the point she was informed she was being arrested; to which she then began to resist said arrest.
Pitts was searched incident to arrest. She was found to be in possession of the victim’s cell phone and a handicapped placard that did not belong to her, nor was the registered owner of the placard on scene.
In addition to being issued a handicapped parking citation; Pitts was also found to have (2) active capias for her arrest. Pitts was arrested for the following charges:
- Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Offensive Touching (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Disorderly Conduct (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Robbery 2nd Degree (Class E Felony)
Pitts was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court #2 where she was released on her own recognizance.
The issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a subject is merely a showing of probable cause by the investigating agency related to the above incident. The subject, once arrested, is considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
It should be noted that the United States is “one party consent” country and as such anyone in public is subject to being photographed and/ or recorded; no matter their demographics.
Complaint 70-25-173
Source: The Laurel Police Department
