DSP News Release: Milton Man Arrested for DUI/Terroristic Threatening Incident at Milton Church

Location:

·         15183 Coastal Highway (Lewes Church of Christ) Milton, De

DATE and TIME:  

·         Sunday May 29, 2011 12:25 pm

Victim(s):

·         71 year old Harbeson Delaware man

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:  

·         Hipolito Melendez-52 Milton, Delaware 

·         Terroristic Threatening

·         Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal

·         Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

·         Disorderly Conduct

·         Improper Lane Change

·         Failure to Signal Lane Change

·         Driving at an Unreasonable Speed

·         Sussex Correctional Institute $6,800 secured bond

Resume:

Milton-State Police has charged Hipolito Melendez-52 of Milton Delaware following a terroristic threatening complaint that occurred at the Lewes Church of Christ Milton Delaware. 

Delaware State Police around 12:25 pm were called to the Milton Church located at 15183 Coastal Highway, after receiving a 911 call concerning a man threatening to possess a gun. 

When Troopers arrived they learned that Melendez had just left in a tan Kia Optima and was last seen driving northbound on Coastal Highway.  The Trooper observed Melendez and pursued after him.  Melendez after increasing his speed and making several illegal lane changes stopped at Round Pole Bridge Road and Hudson Road. 

Melendez was taken into custody and searched, however no weapons were found in his possession.  Melendez was transported to Beebe Hospital for bruises and abrasions alleged to have occurred during the church altercation.  Melendez was treated and released from Beebe Hospital. 

The investigation into the terroristic threatening complaint revealed that Melendez came into the church and was bumped by an autistic parishioner.  It’s not known why Melendez initially entered the church; however he was believed to be intoxicated.  A witness to the incident convinced Melendez to come to an area of the church away from the other parishioners. 

While in the secluded area the autistic parishioner’s guardian (71 year old victim) had contact with Melendez.  Melendez became agitated and had to be restrained.  While being retrained Melendez yelled to the victim that he had a gun.  Melendez was released and he then fled from the church entering his Kia Optima. 

Melendez was subsequently charged with threatening the victim, driving under the influence of Alcohol and other traffic offenses.  Melendez was remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $6,800 secured bond. 

     Hipolito Melendez