Troopers Investigating Shots Fired Into A Home Arrest Three


Smyrna – Delaware State Police have arrested three suspects in connection with a shots fired complaint that occurred Tuesday afternoon, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at approximately 4:34 p.m. when Troopers responded to the 200 block of Bryn Lane for a shots fired complaint. Upon arrival, it was determined that a female resident had been in her bedroom when a bullet had entered the room from the north side of her residence. The female was not injured as a result of this incident.

During this time an additional victim on Bryn Lane reported the front door to his residence had been struck by a bullet. The victim was not injured as a result of this incident.

While Troopers were canvassing the area, they observed a subject, 27-year-old Joseph Swiggett 0f Smyrna, walking from a field towards Mount Friendship Road, said Jaffe. Two other individuals identified as 27-year-old Anthony Price of Dover and 24-year-old Symone Brooks of Dover were also observed in the area, according to Jaffe. Located in their vicinity was a box of unused 9 mm ammunition, and spent 9 mm, .45 caliber and used shotgun ammunition, said Jaffe.

Further investigation led to the discovery of a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun in Swiggett’s vehicle located on Mt. Friendship Road, according to Jaffe. Later discovered by K-9 partner Marshall was a 9 mm handgun concealed in brush along the wood line of Mt. Friendship Road, added Jaffe.

Swigett, Brooks and Price were charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Endanger First Degree, Conspiracy Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass Third Degree and Tampering With Physical Evidence. Price was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited.

Swigett was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released after posting $15,001.00 secured bond.

Price was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $35,001.00 cash only bond.

Brooks was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $15,001.00 secured bond.