On Friday, February 1, 2019, at approximately 11:05 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the unit block of Catherine Street in the community of Pleasantville for a domestic dispute.
Officials said upon arrival, officers learned that 56-year-old Thomas Porter had pointed a firearm at another subject while intoxicated during an argument. Thomas entered his residence upon police arrival. Thomas Porter remained in his residence and ignored police attempts to contact him. A perimeter was established which subsequently shut down Catherine Street and placed Pleasantville Elementary in a modified lockdown. A Reverse 911 message was sent out to neighboring residences advising occupants to remain inside their homes.
Eventually, phone contact was established with Thomas Porter where it was confirmed that he was inside the residence, along with another subject unrelated to the domestic altercation. Shortly after 3:00 p.m., Thomas Porter surrendered peacefully to the officers and was taken into custody.
Thomas Porter was charged with one felony count of Aggravated Menacing, one felony count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and one count of misdemeanor Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence.
Bail Information was not provided in a statement released by New Castle County Police. A search of Delaware Department of Corrections inmate housing records shows that no Thomas Porter is being housed by the department as of 8:25 Saturday morning.
Update
A subject has been taken into custody, and this incident has reached a peaceful resolution, according to police. Catherine Street is now open.
Officials indicated that further details will be released shortly.
Update
New Castle County Police just released the following statement regarding the incident “Police Activity: Catherine Street is currently closed due to heavy Police Activity. Pleasantville Elementary School is not involved, they will be dismissed at the regular time.”
Original Report
Officials with the Colonial School District announced this afternoon, Friday, February 1, 2019, that the Pleasantville Elementary School was on a modified lockdown.
New Castle County Police and ambulance crews are on scene at a home on Catherine Street near the school. It’s believed that authorities are dealing with a domestic dispute at the home.
It’s unclear what time the incident began, however, we do know that the ambulance crews were called to the area just after 11:00 this morning.
Local authorities have alerted the Colonial School District that there is police activity at a home near Pleasantville Elementary School. As a safety precaution, the school is currently in a modified lockdown and additional staff are on site. We will keep families apprised of any changes, but students and staff are safe and classes are continuing, read a Facebook post by the district.