Delaware State Police have taken a 45-year-old Dover resident into custody after he allegedly attacked two people with a weapon and pepper spray behind a local hotel Thursday evening.
Authorities say Joseph Chapler confronted a man and woman who were walking on a pathway behind the Microtel on East Lebanon Road around 10:20 p.m. on April 16, 2026. According to police reports, Chapler made threats against both victims, brandished a firearm in their direction, and used pepper spray on the female victim before fleeing the scene.
The two victims escaped to safety and contacted emergency services. Medical personnel evaluated the woman who was pepper-sprayed, though she declined further treatment at the scene.
Investigators used various methods to identify Chapler as the perpetrator and secured an arrest warrant. He was taken into custody the following day on April 17th and transported to Troop 3 headquarters for processing.
Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 2, Chapler was ordered held at Sussex Correctional Institution with bail set at $94,001 cash.
The charges against Chapler include:
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Assault 2nd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts
- Terroristic Threatening – 2 counts
- Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree
Crime victims and witnesses seeking support can contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides assistance around the clock via their toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support is also available by emailing [email protected].
