Dover, DE – A Dover man is in custody following an alleged assault and aggravated menacing incident that unfolded Thursday night near a local hotel, according to Delaware State Police.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the area of the Microtel on East Lebanon Road in Dover, located in Kent County. Troopers responded to reports that a man and woman were approached by an unknown suspect while walking along a nearby path.
Police say the suspect allegedly threatened the victims, pointed a gun at them, and sprayed the female victim with pepper spray before fleeing the scene. The victims were able to run to safety and call 911. The woman was evaluated by EMS at the scene but declined further medical treatment.
Through investigation, detectives identified 45-year-old Joseph Chapler of Dover as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. He was taken into custody on Friday, April 17, and transported to Troop 3.
Chapler has been charged with multiple felonies, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, second-degree assault (two counts), aggravated menacing (two counts), and terroristic threatening, along with a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass.
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $94,001 cash bond.
Authorities say the case remains under investigation.
