Delaware State Police are looking for an individual responsible for assaulting a 72-year-old man during a protest as Dover Police look for a suspect after a law enforcement statue was vandalized.
Troopers stated the assault incident occurred at approximately 9:28 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 during a demonstration on North DuPont Highway, Dover, in the area of the Delaware State Police headquarters.
The man, described as a freelance photojournalist, was driving his vehicle on Route 13 in the area when individuals involved in the protest activities, broke the window of the victim’s car. He then exited the vehicle and was assaulted by individuals involved in the protest activity, troopers reported.
The suspect involved in assaulting the victim was described as a light-skinned male, stocky build, 20-30 years old, thin chin-strap beard, and wearing a white shirt.
The release from State Police did not indicate whether the man was injured or why the information was not released until Thursday night.
In a separate incident, Dover Police are investigating the vandalism of a statue honoring law enforcement.
At 5:35 a.m. on Friday, officers received a call from a passerby that an individual was striking the memorial with a sledgehammer.
When officers arrived, the suspect was not present. Damage to the neck of the kneeling officer statue was observed. In addition to the damage, two State of Delaware flags were laid in front of the officer statue and soaked in urine. An ax was also left behind at the scene.
Gov. John Carney denounced the action.
This law enforcement memorial in front of Legislative Hall helps us remember the brave men and women – in Delaware and across our country – who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting all of us. This kind of vandalism is unacceptable.https://t.co/noVs6dqKz6
— Governor John Carney (@JohnCarneyDE) June 12, 2020
Protests in Dover have involved the use of highways during long marches and one instance of damage to a store in nearby Dover Mall.
This week, 21 people were arrested when police said protesters became aggressive with drivers on Route 13 and impeded travel, police reported.
A Dover Post reporter-photographer was taken into custody and later released without charges.
