NEW CASTLE, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested a 35-year-old Philadelphia man on multiple felony charges following a road rage incident that escalated into a confrontation across multiple locations on Friday afternoon.
Wayne Burnett-Preyer was taken into custody after troopers responded to reports of a fight near North Dupont Highway and School Lane at approximately 3 p.m. The investigation revealed that the altercation began earlier on Route 1 near the Roth Bridge, where Burnett-Preyer, driving a white Ford pickup truck, allegedly tailgated two 20-year-old men, nearly causing a collision.
The victims, traveling from Texas and North Carolina, told police they changed lanes multiple times to allow Burnett-Preyer to pass, but he continued to follow them aggressively. At least twice during the pursuit, Burnett-Preyer reportedly used his truck to block their vehicle before exiting his own vehicle to confront them. Witnesses contacted 911 as the pursuit stretched through several locations, including Newport, Commons Boulevard, and East Basin Road.
The victims later called a friend, a 19-year-old from Newport, for assistance, prompting Burnett-Preyer to reportedly begin pursuing all three individuals. Troopers located Burnett-Preyer at a Dash-In convenience store on North Dupont Highway and arrested him without incident. A search of his truck uncovered a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat and 45.73 grams of marijuana.
Burnett-Preyer was transported to Troop 2 and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated menacing and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was arraigned and released on a $4,200 secured bond.
