Millville– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millville man after a domestic led to him obtaining a weapon and firing a round.

On February 16, 2019, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Troopers were dispatched to the unit block of Dorothy Circle, in reference to a domestic related incident where gun shots were heard. Prior to the Troopers arrival, they were informed that the suspect, 40-year-old Joshua Welsh had fled the scene in a white Lincoln Towncar and possibly had several assault rifles and handguns in his possession. Troopers observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on Vines Creek Road (SR26) and a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle pulled to the shoulder of the road as if it was going to stop and then accelerated off, and a brief pursuit ensued. Welsh was subsequently taken into custody and located in the vehicle were 2 AR-15 style rifles in which one was fully loaded, a bolt action rifle, a handgun, several magazines for the rifles, and a large amount of ammunition.

Further investigation revealed that Welsh became disorderly and engaged in a verbal altercation with his parents. Welsh proceeded to obtain his rifles and handgun from the residence and bring them out to his vehicle. While in the process of exiting the residence, the family dog was in the doorway at which time Welsh proceeded to violently kick the pet. When confronted by his mother, Welsh proceeded to shove her to the ground causing her minor injuries. Welsh proceeded back into the residence where he obtained a loaded handgun. As he was exiting the residence with the handgun, his father was able to gain possession of the weapon. Welsh returned to his vehicle where he retrieved a loaded rifle and fired a round towards the ground prior to fleeing the scene. No injuries were sustained as a result of the rifle being discharged.

Welsh was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

Reckless Endanger First Degree

Disregarding a Police Officer Signal

Assault Third Degree

Possession of a Firearm while under the influence

Cruelty to Animals by Cruel Mistreatment

Welsh was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,500.00 secured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 021719 0838

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