Arrests Made after Man Shot During Heroin Drug Deal in Bear Shopping Center Parking Lot

Bear - Troopers have arrested an 18 year old Newark man and 23 year old Newark woman in connection with a shooting that occurred yesterday morning in a Pulaski Highway shopping center parking lot, which has left a 23 year old male in critical condition.

Preliminary investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at approximately 10:07 a.m. as a 23 year old male was meeting with Brandon Burns-18 of Newark, Delaware and Rebecca L. Evans-23 of Newark, Delaware in order to sell them heroin in the parking lot of the Sunset Station shopping center, located in the 1800 block of Pulaski Highway, Bear. The three were occupying a silver Oldsmobile Intrigue, with the 23 year old male positioned in the rear passenger seat.

During the transaction, Brandon Burns produced a handgun and fired one round, striking the 23 year old male in the upper body. The 23 year old male was able to exit the vehicle and fled to a nearby business in the shopping center. After the shooting, the couple fled the parking lot in the Oldsmobile with Rebecca L. Evans behind the wheel.

The 23 year old male was transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he was admitted and remains in critical condition.

After further interviews and investigative leads, Troop 2 Major Crimes Detectives were able to identify and connect Burns and Evans to the shooting incident.

Last evening, Troopers responded to the residence of Burns and Evans located in the first block of Old Manor Road, Newark, Delaware. Troopers contacted Burns and Evans and both were taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant was executed for residence and the Oldsmobile which was located parked in front of the house. During the subsequent search of the Oldsmobile, it was discovered that Evans attempted to clean blood from the rear passenger seat by utilizing bleach, in an attempt to destroy blood evidence connected to the shooting.

Brandon Burns was charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. He was arraigned and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $180,000 Cash Bond. (Photo attached)

Rebecca L. Evans was charged with Hindering Prosecution (F). She was arraigned and released on $1000 Unsecured Bond. (No Photo available at time of release.)

Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.