Man tosses loaded gun while running from police in delaware
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Man tosses loaded gun while running from police in Delaware

by
March 24, 2026
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Man ditches gun while fleeing trespass call near Delaware business

WILMINGTON, Del. — A Pennsylvania man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he fled from troopers and discarded a loaded handgun during a trespass investigation.

Joseph Hertkorn, 40, of Linwood, was arrested March 22 following an incident near a business on Naamans Road.

Authorities said employees reported seeing a man on surveillance walking around the property carrying bolt cutters and feared he was attempting to break in.

A responding trooper located Hertkorn nearby and attempted to detain him, but he fled on foot, jumping a fence toward a nearby store.

During the chase, police said Hertkorn threw away a handgun, which was later recovered from a wooded area.

Troopers also found drug paraphernalia on him at the time of arrest.

Man tosses loaded gun while running from police in delaware
Photo: man tosses loaded gun while running from police in delaware

Investigators determined Hertkorn was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior violent felony conviction.

He now faces multiple charges, including firearm possession by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of burglar tools and resisting arrest. He was committed to jail on a $44,600 cash bond.

Key Points
  • Suspect fled from troopers during trespass investigation in Wilmington
  • Loaded handgun discarded during foot chase and later recovered
  • Man faces multiple felony gun and burglary-related 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