Newark – The Delaware State Police have arrested two subjects on felony assault and weapons charges stemming from a verbal altercation that took place in the parking lot of a Newark area business, Saturday morning, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at approximately 9:56 a.m., Troopers responded to the parking lot of 2nd & Charles, located at 101 Geoffrey Dr., Newark, in reference to a report of two subjects arguing, one of which was in possession of a handgun.
Upon arriving on scene Troopers were advised that the subject who was in possession of the handgun was now in the bathroom of the adjacent Dunkin Donuts. Troopers entered the business and located Charles Dangel Jr., 49, of Bear, who was taken into custody without incident. A search of Dangel’s person produced a loaded, Ruger SR22 handgun concealed in a holster on his waistband. Troopers were able to determine that Dangel did not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
After taking Dangel into custody, Troopers made contact with the second subject involved in the incident, 30-year-old Nialeva S. Titus, of Wilmington, who was reportedly in possession of pepper spray, which was used during the altercation, said Austin.
The subsequent investigation determined that Dangel and Titus, who were strangers to one another, became engaged in a verbal altercation while in the parking lot. The altercation escalated when Titus sprayed Dangel with pepper spray, which resulted in Dangel producing the handgun, which he pointed at Titus, according to Austin. No rounds were fired from the weapon.
Dangel was charged with one count each of Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Menacing and Disorderly Conduct. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $48.000.00 secured bail.
Titus was charged with Assault 2nd Degree and Disorderly Conduct. She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and then released after posting $5000.00 cash bail.