Dover Man Arrested for Assault, Aggravated Menacing

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware State Police arrested a Dover man following an assault of a couple on Thursday night.

Police have arrested 45-year-old Joseph Chapler on two counts of second degree assault, two counts of aggravated menacing, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and related charges. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $94,001 cash bond.

On Apr. 16 at approximately 10:20 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of Microtel, located on East Lebanon Road, for a report of an assault and aggravated menacing. When troopers arrived, they learned that a man and woman were walking on a path behind the Microtel when they were approached by an unknown male suspect, later identified through investigative means by troopers as Chapler. Chapler allegedly threatened the victims, pointed a gun at them, and sprayed the female victim with pepper spray before running away. The victims ran to safety and called 911. The female victim was treated by EMS but refused medical attention.