The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millville man after a domestic led to him obtaining a weapon and firing a round, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said on February 16, 2019, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Troopers were dispatched to the unit block of Dorothy Circle in Millville, in reference to a domestic-related incident where gunshots were heard. Prior to the Troopers arrival, they were informed that the suspect, 40-year-old Joshua Welsh had fled the scene in a white Lincoln Town Car and possibly had several rifles and handguns in his possession. Troopers observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on Vines Creek Road (SR26) and a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle pulled to the shoulder of the road as if it was going to stop and then accelerated off, and a brief pursuit ensued. Welsh was subsequently taken into custody and located in the vehicle were 2 AR-15 style rifles in which one was fully loaded, a bolt action rifle, a handgun, several magazines for the rifles, and a large amount of ammunition, according to police.
Further investigation revealed that Welsh became disorderly and engaged in a verbal altercation with his parents. Welsh proceeded to obtain his rifles and handgun from the residence and bring them out to his vehicle. While in the process of exiting the residence, the family dog was in the doorway at which time Welsh proceeded to violently kick the pet, said Jaffe. When confronted by his mother, Welsh proceeded to shove her to the ground causing her minor injuries, according to Jaffe. Welsh proceeded back into the residence where he obtained a loaded handgun. As he was exiting the residence with the handgun, his father was able to gain possession of the weapon. Jaffee said Welsh returned to his vehicle where he retrieved a loaded rifle and fired a round towards the ground prior to fleeing the scene. No injuries were sustained as a result of the rifle being discharged.
Welsh was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:
Reckless Endanger First Degree
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
Assault Third Degree
Possession of a Firearm while under the influence
Cruelty to Animals by Cruel Mistreatment
Welsh was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,500.00 secured bond.
