Delaware State Police arrested 33-year-old Joseph Novak of Dover following a road rage incident on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on September 23, 2025, troopers were dispatched to Route 1 northbound, just south of South Dupont Highway, after receiving reports of a shooting. Investigators determined that a 64-year-old Delaware man driving a GMC Yukon Denali was being closely followed by a Chevrolet Silverado operated by Novak near the Roth Bridge.
Statements gathered during the investigation indicated that both vehicles were engaged in aggressive driving as they traveled northbound. The confrontation escalated when the vehicles collided, causing damage to the right rear of the Denali and the front left of the Silverado. During the incident, Novak allegedly fired a handgun at the Denali. Troopers later documented defects on the SUV consistent with gunfire. No injuries were reported.
Novak was taken into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of a legally owned handgun. He was transported to Troop 2, charged, and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2. He was released on a $2,200 secured bond.
He faces charges of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Reckless Endangering First Degree, both felonies.