Hartly, Delaware – Troopers arrested Michael J. Rhinehardt of Marydel, Delaware for multiple counts of reckless endangering and aggravated menacing after a shooting investigation near Hartly, Delaware.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at approximately 1:15 p.m. as troopers responded to a residence on Myers Drive, Hartly for a shooting incident. The investigation determined the residence was occupied by roommates and friends (four adults and one juvenile) who were sitting in the living room. An altercation was initiated by Michael Rhinehardt before he grabbed a firearm and fired multiple shots within the residence.

During the incident, Michael smelled of alcoholic beverages and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. His girlfriend confronted him and he became upset with her. Michael then became even angrier after an altercation with other people in the residence when he demanded them to leave even though he does not live there. Michael then exited the bedroom and was holding a firearm, pointing it at those in the house. Michael then fired multiple rounds which struck the floor and wall of the residence. One of the victims wrestled with Michael over the firearm and an additional round was fired during the scuffle. One of the victims was able to obtain possession of the handgun and struck Michael in the head and face. After being pulled away from each other the weapon was thrown into a wooded line adjacent to the property and collected by troopers. Michael then exited the residence and obtained an ax and swung it at two of the victims at the residence who then fled from the residence. Those who fled were later contacted by patrol units and returned to the scene. A family member responded to the scene and transported Michael to a local area hospital. None of the other people in the residence were injured during the incident.

After being treated and cleared from the hospital, Michael J. Rhinehardt, 20 of Marydel, was transported to Troop 3 where he was processed and charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Five Counts of Felony Reckless Endangering 1st Degree and Five Counts of Felony Aggravated Menacing. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of an $80,000.00 secured bond.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 122219 0900

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