CAPE HENLOPEN, DE – Two men were arrested following an altercation involving a 7-year-old child and his mother at Cape Henlopen State Park, as reported by the Delaware Natural Resources Police. The incident occurred near the park’s fishing pier on Saturday, June 22, around 4:30 PM.
The suspects, identified as 22-year-old Phillip A. Hartana of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 22-year-old Nicholas D. Edwards of Wilmington, Delaware, were engaged in a game of “Spike Ball” at low tide. The situation escalated when a child attempted to join their game and was rebuffed, leading to Hartana aggressively splashing and subsequently dunking the child underwater for several seconds. The child, who sustained fresh bleeding scratches, reported the incident to his mother.
When the mother confronted Hartana, Nicholas D. Edwards intervened, shoving her twice. This prompted her to call 911. Following their arrest, both men were taken to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department for processing.
Phillip A. Hartana faces charges including third-degree child abuse, third-degree assault, and disorderly conduct. Nicholas D. Edwards is charged with offensive touching and disorderly conduct. Both were arraigned via video at Justice of the Peace Court 3, with Hartana receiving a $3,000 unsecured bond and Edwards a $300 unsecured bond.