The Delaware State Police arrested 74-year-old Ellis Brownson, of New Castle, Delaware, on felony charges after he struck a repair shop employee with his vehicle following an altercation Tuesday morning in Claymont.
On August 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., troopers responded to Meineke Car Care Center, located at 3005 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, for a report of an employee who had been struck by a customer’s vehicle. Responding troopers contacted the employee, who had visible injuries, and the customer, later identified as Brownson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Brownson became involved in a verbal dispute with an employee after refusing to pay the full amount due for repairs to his vehicle. During the dispute, Brownson left the business and entered his vehicle. The employee then stood in front of Brownson’s vehicle, and Brownson drove forward, striking the employee. The employee declined medical treatment at the scene.
Troopers took Brownson into custody without incident and transported him to Troop 1. He was charged with the felony offenses of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony and Assault Second Degree. Brownson was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Department of Correction on a $22,500 cash bond.
