WILMINGTON, Del. – A 37-year-old Wilmington man was arrested Sunday evening after allegedly threatening four people with a handgun at the Chestnut Run Shopping Center, according to Delaware State Police.
Troopers responded to the shopping center at 1714 Faulkland Road at approximately 5:30 p.m. after receiving a report that a man had threatened multiple people with a gun. The suspect left the property before police arrived, but troopers soon located Bruce Thorngate IV walking in the nearby Greenville on 141 community.
- Police allege Thorngate lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun and threatened to kill four people.
- Troopers found Thorngate nearby and said they recovered a loaded handgun from his waistband.
- None of the four victims was injured during the confrontation.
Troopers Say Suspect Threatened Four People
The preliminary investigation found that Thorngate had been standing near a store in the shopping center when he noticed the four victims.
Police have not disclosed what happened immediately before the alleged threats or whether Thorngate knew any of the people involved.
“For reasons that remain under investigation, Thorngate lifted his shirt, revealing the handgun, and threatened to kill the victims,” Delaware State Police said.
Thorngate then allegedly left the shopping center and headed toward a nearby neighborhood.
Troopers had been given a description of the suspect and located a man matching it walking in the Greenville on 141 community, police said.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Police Say Loaded Handgun Found in Waistband
During a search, troopers recovered a loaded handgun from Thorngate’s waistband, according to the department.
Investigators also determined that Thorngate had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm, police said.
He was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 6 for processing.
The department said Thorngate faces multiple felony charges stemming from the incident. The portion of the police release provided does not include the complete list of charges or the final details of his arraignment, so those details were not available for this report.
No shots were reported fired, and all four victims escaped injury.
The allegations against Thorngate have not been proven in court.
Bruce Thorngate IV is accused of threatening four people with a gun.
Delaware State Police allege he displayed the handgun and threatened to kill the victims Sunday evening at Chestnut Run Shopping Center.
Troopers say they recovered a loaded handgun.
Police located Thorngate walking in a nearby community and said a loaded firearm was found in his waistband during a search.
None of the victims was injured.
Police said Thorngate was taken into custody without incident and no injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Sources: Delaware State Police
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