Smyrna man arrested on assault charges

SMYRNA, Del. – Smyrna Police arrested a man earlier this week after he allegedly assaulted a jogger.

At around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, police say they were called to a reported assault that had just occurred in the downtown area. Police met with the 26-year-old female victim, who reported that she was jogging in the area of S. Main Street and Commerce Street when a male suspect reportedly grabbed her by her hair and stuck a knife to her back. The victim was able to fight off the man and escape with minor injuries.

Through downtown surveillance and public tips, police were able to identify the suspect as 34-year-old Francis Riddle. Riddle was arrested in the 600 block of Lexington Avenue and charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, second degree assault, aggravated menacing, and first degree unlawful imprisonment. He was held on a $78,000 cash bail.

Police say the motive for the incident is unknown.