Delaware State Police Arrest Three Men for Weapons Charges
Delaware State Police recently arrested a 36-year-old man of Preston, Maryland, a 17-year-old man from Delmar, Maryland, and a 17-year-old man from Cambridge, Maryland on multiple felony gun charges following a police investigation.
According to police, on April 9, 2025, at approximately 9:56 p.m., troopers responded to a call from the McDonald’s located at 18733 Sussex Highway after a report of individuals in a white car allegedly brandishing firearms at patrons.
Troopers were able to locate a white Mazda in the parking lot with three males inside. As the troopers arrived, one of the suspects walked away from the scene. Troopers were able to retrace the path he had taken through the parking lot and found a loaded firearm with an extended magazine hidden between two parked vehicles. Troopers then searched the area and captured the 17-year-old man from Cambridge after pursuing him on foot. Police say that he physically resisted arrest, but was ultimately taken into custody.
Police also say that the other 17-year-old from Delmar attempted to flee on foot. He actively resisted arrest and struggled with troopers while being captured by police. This resulted in damage to one uniformed officer’s pants. Police recovered a loaded firearm from his waistband. He reportedly provided a false name and date of birth.
The three men were charged with various crimes, including:
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possess a Firearm within 10 Years of a Prior Conviction of any Felony (Felony)
- Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Understanding aggravated menacing charges in Delaware
The crime of Aggravated Menacing in Delaware is a serious criminal offense and a felony. It is defined under Delaware Code Title 11, Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 602.
An individual is guilty of aggravated menacing when they intentionally place another person in fear of imminent physical injury by brandishing what appears to be a deadly weapon. In the case mentioned above, the three men are accused of brandishing loaded firearms at a McDonald’s.
The elements of an Aggravated Menacing charge include:
- Brandishing what appears to be a deadly weapon – The defendant must have brandished what appeared to be a deadly weapon. A toy gun is sufficient to trigger this charge. The weapon could be a firearm, knife, or any other object that can be used to cause serious injury or death.
- Intentionally placing another person in fear – Essentially, this means the individual who brandished the weapon acted with the specific intent of making the victim believe they were in imminent danger of physical harm.
- Imminent physical injury – The threat must be of an immediate nature.
Aggravated Menacing is considered a Class E felony in Delaware. A conviction for this charge carries the following penalties:
- Bail – $1,000 to $6,000
- Prison time – Up to five years.
Contact a Wilmington, DE, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Michael W. Modica represents the interests of those charged with serious crimes in Delaware. Call our Wilmington criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
