Police say Newark suspect implied hostage situation during billing dispute
Newark, DE – A 73-year-old Newark man is facing felony charges after Delaware State Police say he threatened a medical office employee with a handgun during a dispute over a bill.
Troopers responded Friday to a medical office at 1 Centurian Drive following a report of a weapons violation. Investigators determined the incident began the previous afternoon when the suspect, identified as Teddy Torres, requested to speak with a specific employee about a billing issue.
Alleged threat made during billing dispute
“During the conversation, the suspect lifted his shirt, revealing a handgun, and made a statement indicating it would be easy to take the employee hostage,” Delaware State Police said.
Authorities said the employee provided a description of the weapon, which helped troopers identify Torres during the investigation.
Key Points
- Incident reported at Newark medical office involving alleged handgun threat
- Suspect accused of implying he could take employee hostage during dispute
- 73-year-old man arrested later the same day during traffic stop
Traffic stop leads to arrest and weapon recovery
Police located Torres driving on Lucerne Drive later that day and conducted a traffic stop. During a search, troopers recovered a handgun matching the description provided by the victim.
Investigators also confirmed Torres held a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
Torres was taken to Troop 6, where he was charged with felony firearm and related offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $67,000 cash bond.