Woman gets probation for drug arrest and tussling with police
MEDIA COURTHOUSE » A Delaware woman arrested in Eddystone earlier this year for assaulting police officers, possession of PCP and driving offenses has been given two years of county probation under a negotiated plea deal.
Christine Elizabeth Rode, 42, currently of Lewes, Delaware, pleaded guilty before Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony Scanlon Monday to one count each of resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance, both misdemeanors.
A former resident of Eddystone, Rode returned to the area Feb. 16, where borough Police Lt. Joseph Pretti saw her operating a 2004 Chevy Colorado that was partially blocking the intersection at Eddystone Avenue and 10th Street at about 8:30 p.m., according to an affidavit of probable cause for her arrest
As Pretti drove past the vehicle, which as facing the wrong direction, he saw Rode pull over on the opposite side of Eddystone Avenue and exit the vehicle. He then saw her approach a Chevy Trailblazer that had pulled up and attempt to pull that driver out of the vehicle. Another woman was trying to pull Rode off the driver, according to the affidavit.
When Pretti activated the lights on his cruiser and approached the women, he saw that Rode could barely stand, and had slurred speech and glassy eyes, according to the affidavit. Her pupils were constricted and she smelled strongly of PCP, the affidavit states.
Borough officers William Elliot and Andrew Dunn arrived to assist. Two other women at the scene identified as Rode’s relatives told officers they had received a phone call indicating she was in the area and high on some kind of drug.
Rode refused to listen during field-sobriety tests and became argumentative, according to the affidavit. She was placed under arrest and a small glass vial of a yellowish liquid was found in her purse, which later tested positive for PCP.
The affidavit indicates Rode initially agreed to submit to a blood test, but changed her mind and became combative with police at Taylor Hospital, kicking Dunn and Pretti. She was placed back into a patrol vehicle and taken to the Ridley Township Police Department for processing.
In addition to probation, Rode will pay $213 in fees and costs, under the negotiated plea worked out by Assistant District Attorney Gina Gorbey and defense counsel Allison Ryan.