Smyrna Woman Arrested on Terroristic Threatening Charges After 2025 Investigation

FELTON, Del. — A 32-year-old Smyrna woman has been arrested in connection with a terroristic threatening investigation that began nearly a year ago, according to the Felton Police Department.

Police say on August 29, 2025, officers responded to the 100 block of Lumbard Street for a complaint involving alleged terroristic threats. Investigators believe the suspect, identified as Shawna Kay Barsness, allegedly sent threatening messages to the victim through social media. Based on the investigation, officers established probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant charging Barsness with Terroristic Threatening.

Authorities say initial efforts to locate the suspect were unsuccessful.

On July 8, 2026, officers with the Capital Police Department encountered Barsness and discovered she had an active warrant issued by the Felton Police Department. She was taken into custody without incident.

Barsness was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court No. 2 and released on a $500 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance. The court also issued a no-contact order prohibiting her from contacting the alleged victim.