Smyrna- The Delaware State Police have arrested 22-year-old William E. Draper Jr., after a road rage incident led to him displaying a handgun.

The incident occurred on January 28, 2020 at approximately 11:30 a.m., when Troopers made contact with a 25-year-old female victim in reference to a road rage incident that occurred on DuPont Highway in the area of Garrison Lake, Smyrna.  The victim reported that while she was traveling southbound on DuPont Highway in the left lane, she observed a black Ford Escape attempting to switch into her lane.  Due to traffic, the victim was unable to move out of the this vehicle’s way which seemed to aggravate the male operator. When the victim looked over at the operator, he proceeded to give her the middle finger.  The operator then displayed what appeared to be a black handgun in his left hand and pointed it at the victim.  This victim was able to make a left turn in the center median to go in the opposite direction.  There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

Through further investigations, Troopers identified the operator of the Ford Escape as William E. Draper Jr.  Draper was contacted in the parking lot of Royal Farms, Cheswold.  Upon contact with Draper, Troopers recovered a loaded black Glock 22, semi-automatic handgun which was located on the dashboard of his vehicle.

Draper was taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 9 where he was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Aggravated Menacing

Draper was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on $6000.00 unsecured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012920 0917

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