The Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year-old Messiah Bernavil of Greensboro, North Carolina for reckless endangering following an incident that took place Monday night in Newark.
On August 4, 2025, at approximately 10:45 p.m., troopers responded to a report of shots fired at the Sonesta ES Suites, located at 240 Chapman Road. When they arrived, troopers saw a man running from the hotel parking lot into the woods. Troopers approached the man, who began advancing towards them with a small knife in his waistband. The man, identified as Messiah Bernavil, ignored the troopers’ requests to stop. Troopers then used a Taser to disable Bernavil and take him into custody without further incident.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Bernavil had been waving a handgun around in his hotel room while a 33-year-old woman, 52-year-old woman, nine-year-old boy and seven-year-old girl were present inside. When the victims tried to leave the room, Bernavil grabbed the 52-year-old woman and refused to let her leave. Bernavil then fired several gunshots before fleeing the scene. No one was struck by gunfire, but the shots caused damage to the hotel room. Troopers later found the handgun in the parking lot where they had first seen Bernavil running away.
Bernavil was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was later released and taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $64,050 cash bond.
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
- Unlawful Imprisonment First Degree (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering Second Degree – 3 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
- Resisting Arrest
- Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
- Criminal Mischief
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.