Police search for blow-dart assault suspect

Delaware State Police are looking for the person who used blow darts to strike three bicyclists and a jogger this week.

Police say the first victim was a 27-year old woman who was struck in her lower back while riding her bike Monday around 7:15 p.m. on Route 71 near the Red Lion Christian Academy.

Another bicyclist was struck later that evening.  The 17 year old male was riding on Route 40 near Wrangle Hill Road when a blow dart struck his hand.

Two others including a 36 year old man riding his bike, and a 29 year old female jogger, were hit by blow darts in the leg and calf on Tuesday.

Click to view map of blow-dart attacks

"It's just one of those types of attacks that's almost surreal," Cpl. Jeffrey Whitmarsh, public information officer for the Delaware State Police, said.

"It's kind of like the person who was doing this might not have thought that using a blow dart was as serious as it was, but it's caused one boy to have surgery for his wounds and caused great concern for the others who were hit," Whitmarsh said.
 

Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh, Delaware State Police Should outdoor exercisers be worried? Listen to Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh's advice. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Victims have provided various vehicle descriptions including: a full size Ford pick up truck, a small white pick up truck, a dark colored pick up truck with two men inside, and a black Mazda 4-door sedan.

Cpl. Whitmarsh says when caught, the suspect would face at the very least assault charges.

Police are asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.