State Police Arrest Two Firefighters in Hate Crime Investigation

Date Posted: Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

Delaware State Police Detectives have arrested 27-year-old Jay Droney of Millville, Delaware and 23-year-old Jordan Hastings of Delmar, Delaware following a hate crime investigation.

On April 9, 2025, Delaware State Police Troop 4 Major Crimes Detectives were contacted by Millville Volunteer Fire Company administration regarding a previously unreported hate crime that occurred at their station, located at 35554 Atlantic Avenue in Millville. During the investigation, detectives learned that in February 2024, two volunteer firefighters, identified as Jay Droney and Jordan Hastings, chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the fire station with a rope tied in the shape of a noose. During the incident Droney made a racist comment to the victim. Further investigation revealed that Droney continued to make additional racist comments to the victim on several occasions following the initial incident.

After concluding the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for both suspects on April 15, 2025.

Droney turned himself in at Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on his own recognizance.

Jay Droney

Hate Crime (Felony)
Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
Harassment

On the same day, Hastings turned himself in at Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on his own recognizance.

Jordan Hastings