Shot Fired During Late-Night Confrontation Inside Barn, Police Say

Delaware State Police arrested a 55-year-old Bridgeville man on multiple felony charges after authorities said he entered a barn in Felton, assaulted a man and threatened two people with a handgun.

Troopers responded to the 500 block of Black Swamp Road at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday, September 17, for a reported assault. Police said John Baker, who was described as intoxicated, entered a barn on the property and became involved in a verbal dispute with a man before allegedly assaulting him.

During the confrontation, police said Baker pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the man and threatened to kill him. When a second man entered the area, Baker allegedly pointed the gun at him as well. Police said Baker fired one shot into the air as he fled the barn. Neither man was injured.

Investigators recovered a spent shell casing from the property. The following day, Baker called 911 and reported that he was at a gas station along the 11000 block of South Dupont Highway in Felton. Troopers and detectives responded and took him into custody without incident.

Detectives said Baker had given the firearm to a friend before his arrest. The gun was subsequently recovered.

Baker was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, first-degree burglary, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, two counts each of aggravated menacing and first-degree reckless endangering, tampering with physical evidence, terroristic threatening and offensive touching.

Baker was arraigned and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $116,600 cash bond.

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