Newark – The Delaware State Police detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred inside a Newark area bar, that has left a man hospitalized in serious condition, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred at approximately 11:21 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Rackers Bar, located at 1232 Capitol Trail, Newark, as two male patrons became engaged in a physical altercation inside the bar.
During the altercation, one of the involved subjects, a 28-year- old Newark man, was shot one time in the abdomen, by the other subject, said Jaffe. The male suspect then fled the scene prior to Troopers arrival. The victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.
Through investigative measures, warrants were obtained for the suspect identified as 21-year-old Benjamin A. Lepore of Wilmington, according to Jaffe. On Thursday, December 28, 2017 Lepore was stopped by the Bridgeville Police Department for a traffic violation. Subsequently, Lepore was taken into custody without further incident. Lepore was charged with Assault First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited. Lepore was arraigned out of Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $100,000.00 cash bond.