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UPDATE: 2 Arrests Made After Large Brawl Erupts Inside Delaware Wawa

By Steve Beck

LEWES, Del. (CBS) -- Police say a second arrest was made Thursday afternoon in the early Wednesday morning melee at the Lewes Wawa.

The incident happened at about 1:45 a.m. at the Wawa store on Dartmouth Road in Lewes.

According to investigators, a Wawa employee called 911 after a large crowd gathered inside the store and a brawl erupted.

A Delaware State Trooper was first to arrive at the scene and encountered one individual, identified by a police 28-year-old Reginald D. McGlotten, acting in a disorderly manner and yelling profanities.

The trooper told McGlotten, who appeared to be intoxicated, to leave the store, but he refused.

As the trooper attempted to take McGlotten into custody, a physical struggle ensued between the two, resulting in McGlotten being forced to the ground.

While the trooper attempted to restrain McGlotten, investigators say other individuals inside the store pulled the trooper off him, which allowed McGlotten to flee out of the store and run across Coastal Highway.

A Rehoboth Police Officer was able to eventually apprehend McGlotten by using a taser on him.

McGlotten has been charged with Felony Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy 2nd, Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer and Disorderly Conduct. He is being held on $2,750 secured bond. Police say McGlotten was also found to be wanted out of multiple courts for capiases.

Thomas A. Purnell Suspect cbsphilly 6-5-2014
(credit: Delaware State Police)

Police say 27-year-old Thomas A. Purnell, of Ellendale, turned himself into troopers Thursday afternoon. Purnell, who police say is accused of assisting McGlotten in fleeing from a trooper who was attempting to take him into custody, was charged with Hindering Prosecution, Felony Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy 2nd, and Disorderly Conduct.

After arraignment, Purnell was released on $6,500 unsecured bond.

Troopers are continuing to investigate this incident and are seeking the public's help in the identification of the other individuals involved.  You can contact Sgt. M. Dawson at 302-644-5020 ext. 267 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at:http://www.delaware.gov/apps/.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

 

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