Delaware Man Faces Litany of Charges After Road Rage Incident

Delaware State Police arrested a 37-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware for Aggravated Menacing and related charges stemming from a road rage incident in Hockessin. According to police, on July 21, 2024, at approximately 7:17 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Limestone Road and Brackenville Road after reports of a traffic accident. While responding, troopers were notified of an unrelated road rage incident between a white Chevy Uplander and a black Chrysler Voyager. The driver of the Chevy displayed a black handgun multiple times. Both of the minivans stopped at the scene of the collision.

When they arrived, troopers made contact with the Chevy’s driver and took him into custody without incident. A search of the minivan led to the discovery of a loaded black handgun in a bag between the passenger and driver seats.

During the investigation, troopers learned that the suspect had arrived at a party in Hockessin and displayed the black handgun. The Chrysler’s driver was a 23-year-old man. He and his passengers were leaving the party as the suspect arrived. The suspect followed the Chrysler as it drove away from the party. The driver of the Chrysler did not know the suspect or why he was following him. The suspect drove recklessly as he continued to follow the Chrysler. He drove alongside the minivan multiple times while brandishing the handgun. In one instance, the suspect slammed on his brakes while in front of the Chrysler causing a rear-end collision. When the driver of the Chrysler passed the accident scene, he stopped to report the road rage incident. The suspect also stopped. No one was injured in the altercation.

A computer inquiry revealed that the suspect was a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The suspect was taken back to Troop 2 where he was charged with Aggravated Menacing, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Reckless Endangering in 2nd Decree.

Aggravated Menacing 

11 DE Code § 602 (2023) defines the crime of menacing.

(a) A person is guilty of menacing when by some movement of body or any instrument the person intentionally places another person in fear of imminent physical injury.

Menacing is an unclassified misdemeanor.

(b) A person is guilty of aggravated menacing when by displaying what appears to be a deadly weapon that person intentionally places another person in fear of imminent physical injury. Aggravated menacing is a class E felony.

In other words, if you use a deadly weapon such as a handgun or a knife to intimidate another individual, you are guilty of the crime of Aggravated Menacing in Delaware. Aggravated Menacing is considered a Class E felony punishable by up to 5 years in state prison.

Talk to a Wilmington, DE Criminal Defense Lawyer Today 

The Law Office of Michael W. Modica represents the interests of those who have been charged with serious crimes in Delaware. Call our Wilmington criminal defense attorneys today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.

Source:

dsp.delaware.gov/2024/07/27/troopers-arrest-man-following-road-rage-incident-in-hockessin/