New Castle – Delaware State Police have arrested a 21 year old Wilmington man on weapons charges stemming from a road rage incident, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident began on Saturday October 7, 2017 at approximately 4:15 p.m. as a 20-year-old New Castle woman was driving southbound on I-495, in the area of Hessler Blvd., with her 17-year-old sister as a passenger. As the female operator proceeded southbound at the posted speed limit she observed a red Ford Explorer operated by a white male tailgating her, said Austin. The operator of the Explorer, later identified as Tyler Nepa, 21 of Wilmington, could be seen waving his arms in an aggressive manner as he continued to follow the female victim’s vehicle at an unsafe distance, according to Austin.
The Explorer then pulled alongside of the victim’s vehicle at which time Nepa pointed a black unknown make and model handgun directly at the two women, before driving off at a high rate of speed, according to Austin. As Nepa drove away the female victim was able to obtain the tag number on the Explorer, according to Austin. No shots were fired and the two women were uninjured.
A subsequent investigation based on information provided by the victim led Troopers to Nepa’s residence where they located the red Explorer along with Nepa, who was taken in to custody without incident, said Austin. A subsequent search of the Explorer produced a fully loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun which matched the description of the handgun originally given by the victim, according to Austin.
Nepa was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 1 where he was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Menacing, one count of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Nepa was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released after posting $24,500 bond, pending an appearance in the Court of Common Pleas at a future date.
Image Credits: Delaware State Police