NEW CASTLE, DE — Delaware State Police have charged 35-year-old Wayne Burnett-Preyer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with multiple felony offenses following an alleged road rage incident on Friday afternoon that culminated in New Castle.
At approximately 3 p.m. on November 29, 2024, troopers responded to North Dupont Highway and School Lane after receiving reports of a physical altercation related to a suspected road rage event. Initial investigations revealed that two men, both in their 20s and visiting from Texas and North Carolina, were traveling north on Route 1 near the Roth Bridge when an interaction allegedly began with the driver of a white Ford pickup truck, later identified as Burnett-Preyer.
According to allegations, Burnett-Preyer was driving at a high speed behind the victims and abruptly applied his brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. Despite the victims’ attempts to switch lanes multiple times to allow Burnett-Preyer to pass, they stated that he aggressively followed their vehicle. Authorities allege that this pursuit spanned several areas, including Newport, Commons Boulevard, East Basin Road, and North Dupont Highway.
At separate intersections, Burnett-Preyer reportedly used his vehicle to block the victims’ car, after which he exited his truck and approached them in an attempt to confront them. Concerned witnesses who observed the exchange contacted 911.
The situation escalated when the victims called a 19-year-old friend from Newport for assistance. Upon the friend’s arrival, it is alleged that Burnett-Preyer began pursuing all three men in his vehicle. The victims continued to provide updates to emergency dispatchers, leading troopers to locate and arrest Burnett-Preyer at the Dash-In convenience store on North Dupont Highway. No injuries were reported.
A subsequent search of Burnett-Preyer’s vehicle uncovered a loaded 9mm handgun hidden beneath the driver’s seat as well as approximately 45.73 grams of marijuana. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was formally charged with the following offenses:
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, a Firearm (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited who also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of Marijuana Other Than Personal Use Quantity
- Harassment – 3 counts
- Menacing – 3 counts
- Disorderly Conduct – 2 counts
- Reckless Driving
Burnett-Preyer was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released after posting a $4,200 secured bond.
Authorities remind the public that Burnett-Preyer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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