HARTLY, Del. — A 24-year-old Hartly man was taken into custody following two shootings in Kent County that struck a home where people were inside, Delaware State Police said Friday.
Incidents occurred July 30 and Aug. 13
State police say the shootings happened in the vicinity of Slaughter Station Road on July 30 and again on Aug. 13. In both episodes, bullets hit a residence while occupants were inside, but no injuries were reported, authorities said.
Troopers who were on scene during the agency’s response Thursday evening reported hearing additional gunfire. Those rounds reportedly hit tree branches in the area. Investigators determined the shots originated from a nearby house on Judy's Truck Drive, police said.
Suspect located with apparent firearm
Officers located Dakota Carey, 24, of Hartly, at the property and found an item that appeared to be a gun, according to state police. Carey was arrested and transported to Troop 3. He was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and released after posting a $26,500 secured bond.
Carey faces a slate of felony and misdemeanor counts, including charges tied directly to the shootings and others related to alleged conduct during the incidents.
- Two counts: discharge of a firearm at a dwelling (felony)
- Three counts: possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony)
- Seven counts: reckless endangering in the first degree — creating a substantial risk of death to another (felony)
- Two counts: possession of a firearm while under the influence
- Two counts: criminal mischief under $1,000
State police did not release additional details about any potential motive or whether any other people were detained in connection with the incidents. Court records confirm the charges listed above were filed following the arraignment.
Community safety and investigation
Neighbors told investigators the shootings alarmed residents in the rural area west of Smyrna. While there were no reported injuries, bullets striking an occupied home raised immediate safety concerns for those living nearby.
Delaware State Police investigators continue to work the case. Authorities did not specify whether any ballistics or forensic testing had linked recovered evidence to the two specific dates, nor did they release body-camera footage or other materials from the response.
| Charge | Count | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge a firearm at a dwelling | 2 | Felony |
| Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony | 3 | Felony |
| Reckless endangering 1st degree | 7 | Felony |
| Possession of a firearm while under the influence | 2 | Misdemeanor |
| Criminal mischief under $1,000 | 2 | Misdemeanor |
Police said no one inside the residence was hurt. Law enforcement officials encourage anyone with additional information to contact Delaware State Police.
Residents in the area said they were relieved an arrest was made but remain concerned about public safety. Local law enforcement officials have not announced any enhanced patrols, but the ongoing investigation could prompt further visible police presence as authorities seek to determine if others were involved or if additional charges are warranted.
Carey was released on bond following his arraignment. His next court dates were not released by police.
“We will continue to investigate these incidents thoroughly to ensure the safety of the community,” Delaware State Police said in a brief statement to media.
Anyone with tips or information about the shootings is asked to contact Delaware State Police or Crime Stoppers. Information from the public could assist investigators as they work to establish a full timeline and any potential connections between the two shootings.
