UPDATE: Atkins charged in domestic incident
A former Delaware State Representative was arrested by Delaware State Police over the weekend.
Delaware State Police say troopers have arrested John C. Atkins, of Millsboro after a physical domestic complaint with his ex-girlfriend.
According to DSP, the incident occurred around 4:40 p.m. on Friday, June 3, when a 911 call was received from a 38-year-old woman reporting she had been in an altercation with her ex-boyfriend, 46-year-old Atkins, of Millsboro. Troopers responded to a residence in the 18,000 block of Evelynton Road in Lewes.
Atkins was reportedly given permission by the woman to remove property from her residence. When the woman arrived at her residence she observed Atkins had removed other items and an argument ensued. The victim reportedly jumped into Atkin’s truck and began striking property in his vehicle in attempt to damage it. The domestic became physical outside of the vehicle as Atkins pushed the victim against her vehicle. Atkins then kicked the victim’s vehicle causing damage before leaving in his vehicle.
On the 47 ABC Facebook page, several people commented on the story with questions expressing confusion as to why Atkins’ ex-girlfriend is not being held partially responsible for what happened. We presented the question to Sergeant Richard Bratz with the Delaware State Police. He told us that determining who the property belonged to is a civil matter. Meaning it’s not up to police to decide who the property belonged to. For example, if the victim damaged her own property, that’s not a crime. But because the victim’s car was damaged and Atkins placed his hands on her, he was charged.
Delaware State Police say Atkins was charged with Offensive Touching and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was released on $1000.00 unsecure bond.
The 46-year-old former law-maker has had prior run-ins with the law. In 2006, he allegedly tried to use his Delaware legislative badge to get out of a DUI stop in Ocean City. This ultimately led to his resignation as a State Representative.
Atkins was re-elected to the state house in 2009. In 2014, his then-wife filed for a temporary order of protection, citing his abusive behavior and alleging that he threatened to hurt himself. A number of guns, including 10 shotguns, were taken from his home by police.
