Troopers Say Man Pulled A Gun On Teens At Traffic Light, Released

Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrest 30-year-old Russell H. Zern Jr. for aggravated menacing and related charges following a road rage incident, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on August 21, 2019, at approximately 5:50 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the area of southbound Coastal Highway (SR 1) and Broadkill Road (SR 16) in reference to a road rage incident.

Through further investigations, it was learned that three 17-year-old teenagers were traveling southbound on SR 1 in the area of SR 16 in a passenger car when they were almost cut off by Zern who was traveling on a motorcycle, according to Jaffe.

The vehicles both stopped for the red light at the intersection and Zern pulled up to the passenger’s side of the vehicle displaying a handgun, according to Jaffe. Zern continued to verbally yell at the passengers, spitting on the vehicle, and then rip the gas cap off, before fleeing the area, said Jaffe.

Through investigative measures, Troopers were able to identify Zern as the suspect. On August 22, 2019, Zern turned himself in at Troop 7 where he was charged with the following:

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Aggravated Menacing
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts)
Criminal Mischief
Zern was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on $20,600.00 unsecured bond.