A search operation that reportedly occurred along Route 1 yesterday captured public attention as Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) crews, military helicopters, and law enforcement personnel, including troops in camouflage, conducted search. First State Update has learned that the activity reportedly was part of an effort to locate a missing military rifle.
The weapon reportedly went missing during a Delaware National Guard training exercise, prompting a response from the National Guard, Delaware State Police, and other agencies.
As the day went on, First State Update called on the public for help in gathering information, asking readers who observed the activity on Route 1 to tell us what they were seeing. This request prompted several responses, with readers reporting sightings of helicopters, troops in camouflage, and ground teams searching the woods along Route 1.
The National Guard has not followed up with a press release.