On July 24, 2021, at approximately 8:20 PM the Dewey Beach Delaware Police Department received a phone call reporting an unconscious police officer at the intersection of Bellevue Street and Coastal Hwy in Dewey Beach. Moments later, responding Dewey Beach Police Officers, found the officer motionless on the ground and a group fighting next to him.
Police said that witnesses reported that, Brandon T. Lewis, 27 of Georgetown, was acting disorderly at the Starboard Restaurant and was removed by the staff. While being escorted off of the property, Lewis assaulted a staff member and fled South on Coastal Highway, according to police. A Dewey Beach Police officer observed Lewis fleeing and was summoned by the staff members. Attempting to detain Lewis for the assault that occurred at the Starboard a foot chase ensued which ended at the intersection of Bellevue Street and Coastal Highway. An off-duty police officer from the New Castle County Delaware Police Department (NCCPD) observed the interaction and attempted to assist the Dewey Beach officer when he noticed Lewis was actively resisting. During the struggle, two unknown black males pulled the off-duty NCCPD officer from the altercation, and moments later Lewis struck the Dewey Beach Police officer rendering him unconscious. The NCCPD officer reengaged Lewis, assisted by a concerned citizen. Both were able to restrain Lewis until responding Dewey Beach Police officers arrived.
Both the Dewey Beach Police Officer and the off-duty NCCPD officer were transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes for their injuries. The off-duty officer was treated for facial lacerations and released. The Dewey Police Officer was admitted to the medical center and is currently being treated for a head injury. He is in stable condition.
Lewis was also transported to Beebe Medical Center for minor injuries and was released. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and is currently being held at the Sussex County Correctional Center on a $35,000 bail. The charges are as follows: (2X) Assault 2nd on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence, (2X) Criminal Mischief, (2X) Disorderly Conduct.
Rehoboth Beach Police, Department of Natural Resources Police (Parks), Delaware State Police Troop 7, Delaware State Police Aviation Section, Bethany Beach Police, Lewes Police, South Bethany Police, Fenwick Island Police, Selbyville Police, and Good Samaritans responded to assist, officials said Sunday