Chainsaw threat leads to arrest after bridgeville tractor clash

Chainsaw threat leads to arrest after Bridgeville tractor clash

by
August 11, 2025
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BRIDGEVILLE, DE – A 30-year-old man is behind bars after a violent confrontation involving a chainsaw and a Delaware Department of Transportation worker last week, according to Delaware State Police.

The incident happened around 9:33 a.m. on August 5 on Handy Road near Craft Road. Investigators said John Gleysteen drove a tractor into a DelDOT tractor that was mowing grass, sparking an argument with the employee. Gleysteen allegedly left, then returned with a running chainsaw, placing it near the tractor’s tire before forcing his way into the cab, assaulting the victim, and damaging property. The worker was not injured.

On August 10, Gleysteen was arrested and taken to Troop 5. He was charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, aggravated menacing, harassment, offensive touching, and two counts of criminal mischief under $1,000. He is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $67,300 cash bond.

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Key Points

  • Incident began with tractor collision between suspect and DelDOT vehicle
  • Suspect allegedly returned with a running chainsaw and assaulted worker
  • Gleysteen held on $67,300 cash bond for multiple felony and misdemeanor charges
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News