Laurel – The Delaware State Police are investigating an assault complaint involving a weapon that occurred last evening, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at approximately 7:00 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the intersection of Sycamore Road and West Elliotts Dam Road for an assault complaint. Upon arrival, Troopers learned that two subjects had engaged in a physical altercation, which led to one suspect discharging a firearm into a wooded area, according to Jaffe.
Both subjects sustained injuries and were transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.
Further investigation revealed that Dan-el Moody (no photo available), 25 of Red Springs, NC., and a 27-year-old male acquaintance from Ninety Six, SC. had engaged in an argument while the two of them were driving inside of a truck. The 27-year-old proceeded to obtain a gun from inside the vehicle and struck Moody in the head with the weapon, according to Jaffe. Moody was able to obtain possession of the gun, and at some point during the altercation the gun was discharged, not striking either subject. Troopers located a firearm in the bed of the truck, said Jaffe.
Upon Dan-el Moody’s release from the hospital, he was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:
Assault Second Degree Recklessly Intentional Serious Injury (Felony)
Offensive Touching
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Moody was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,000.00 secured bond.
The 27-year-old was later transferred to the Christiana Hospital due to his injuries. He currently has active warrants out of Troop 5 for Assault Third Degree and Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence.
Sycamore Road between Fire Tower Road and West Elliotts Dam Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while this incident was investigated and cleared.