Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Jay Droney of Millville and 23-year-old Jordan Hastings of Delmar following a hate crime investigation stemming from an incident that occurred at the Millville Volunteer Fire Company in early 2024.
According to police, Troop 4 Major Crimes Detectives were contacted by Millville Volunteer Fire Company administrators on April 9, 2025, regarding a previously unreported incident that occurred in February 2024. Detectives were informed that Droney and Hastings, both volunteer firefighters at the time, allegedly chased a fire company employee around the station with a rope tied in the shape of a noose. Police say Droney also made a racist comment to the victim during the encounter. Further investigation revealed that Droney allegedly continued making racist remarks to the victim on multiple occasions after the initial incident.
After completing the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Droney and Hastings on April 15, 2025.
Droney (L) turned himself in at Troop 4 and was charged by police with felony hate crime, felony second-degree conspiracy, and harassment. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on his own recognizance.
Hastings (R) also turned himself in at Troop 4 on the same day and was charged by police with felony hate crime, felony second-degree conspiracy, and harassment. He was likewise arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
Both individuals are no longer affiliated with the Millville Volunteer Fire Company.