Police: Speeding Kayaker Charged With Attempted Murder After Gunfire Erupts

Lewes- The Delaware State Police has arrested 28-year-old Kevin T. Brownlee, of Lewes, for attempted murder following a road rage incident, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on June 6, 2020, at approximately 6:22 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 33000 block of Sandy Bay Drive, Villages at Herring Creek, Lewes, for multiple reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, Troopers learned that a male victim had been shot and was in the process of being treated by medical personnel.

Further investigation into this incident revealed that the victim observed a small dark-colored SUV with a kayak on the roof traveling on Camp Arrow Head Road recklessly. The victim followed the vehicle and was able to get the SUV stopped as it made a left turn onto Sand Bay Drive.

The victim proceeded to make contact with the driver, Kevin Brownlee to confront him about his reckless driving. Brownlee attempted to punch the victim from inside his vehicle. The victim proceeded to reach into the vehicle to block the punch when his arm got stuck inside the SUV for a short period as Brownlee started to speed off, said Jaffe. The victim eventually fell to the ground once he was able to remove his arm. Brownlee then put his vehicle in reverse and attempted to run over the victim, according to Jaffe. The victim avoided being struck and got back into his vehicle to look for Brownlee. The victim located Brownlee at his residence on Sand Bay Drive, and the two engaged in a physical altercation. Brownlee proceeded inside his residence and retrieved a handgun.

Jaffe said when Brownlee exited his home, he began firing shots at the victim who had gotten back into his vehicle. The victim was subsequently struck by a bullet and exited his vehicle as Brownlee continued to fire rounds at him, added Jaffe. The victim was able to get away on foot, and Brownlee returned to his residence.

The 38-year-old male victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his upper extremity and a graze to his head.

Brownlee was taken into custody at his residence without incident, and the handgun was recovered. He was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

Attempted Murder 1st
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Reckless Endanger First Degree
Criminal Mischief $5000 or More Damage Property
Brownlee was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution $168000.00 cash-only bond.