The Delaware State Police arrested 55-year-old John Baker, of Bridgeville, Delaware, on felony firearm and related offenses after he illegally entered a barn and threatened two victims with a firearm late Thursday night in Felton.
On September 17, 2026, at approximately 11:40 p.m., troopers responded to the 500 block of Black Swamp Road in Felton for a report of an assault. The preliminary investigation revealed that Baker, who was described to be intoxicated, entered a barn on the property and became involved in a verbal dispute with a victim. The confrontation turned physical when Baker began assaulting the victim.
During the altercation, Baker brandished a handgun, pointed it at the victim, and threatened to kill him. A second victim entered the area, and Baker pointed the firearm at him as well. As Baker fled the barn, he fired a single shot into the air before leaving the property. The victims were not injured during the incident.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit took over the case and recovered a spent shell casing from the property.
On September 18, 2026, Baker called 9-1-1 and reported that he was located at a gas station in the 11000 block of South Dupont Highway in Felton. Troopers and detectives responded to the gas station and took Baker into custody without incident.
Through investigative efforts, detectives determined Baker gave the firearm to a friend prior to his arrest. Detectives subsequently recovered the firearm.
Baker was taken to Troop 3 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court, and committed to the Department of Correction on a $116,600 cash bond.
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Burglary First Degree (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts
- Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
- Terroristic Threatening
- Offensive Touching