WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware State Police and the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested a Wilmington man Saturday night after authorities said he barricaded himself inside a Wawa manager’s office, threatened co-workers with a knife, and allegedly set a fire inside the building.
According to the Delaware State Police, troopers responded around 8:20 p.m. to Wawa for a report of terroristic threatening.
Investigators identified the suspect as Raul Zavala, 36, of Wilmington.
Police said troopers encountered Zavala barricaded inside the manager’s office with two co-workers. According to investigators, Zavala refused commands to leave the room and allegedly set fire to an electrical closet inside the office.
Authorities said the fire spread quickly, forcing Zavala out of the office, where troopers took him into custody after deploying a Taser.
According to investigators, one co-worker — a 21-year-old Wilmington man — was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. A 50-year-old Wilmington woman was not injured.
Detectives said the incident began before troopers arrived when the male co-worker entered the office to discuss an earlier dispute with Zavala.
According to police, Zavala allegedly slammed the office door on the co-worker before allowing him inside, where investigators said the suspect assaulted him and threatened additional harm if he attempted to leave.
Authorities said the female co-worker later entered the office after becoming aware of the confrontation.
Investigators alleged Zavala then brandished a knife, threatened both co-workers, and prevented them from leaving the room.
Police said when troopers attempted to enter the office, Zavala allegedly ran into the electrical closet and locked the door, allowing the two co-workers to escape.
According to authorities, Zavala was taken to a hospital for treatment of burn injuries.
Police said once he is released from the hospital, Zavala will face charges including possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, two counts of aggravated menacing, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, second-degree arson, criminal mischief involving more than $5,000 in damage, and third-degree assault.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate. Detectives asked anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact Detective D. Armstrong at 302-365-8440 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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