MIDDLETOWN, DE — A 22-year-old Middletown man is facing arson, robbery and other charges after police allege a violent disturbance inside a residence included assaults, threats, interference with a 911 call and a fire set while several people were inside.
New Castle County police said officers were dispatched at approximately 5 a.m. Sept. 11 to the 800 block of Ridge Court in the Cantwell Ridge community for a reported disturbance. The suspect had left before officers arrived.
Investigators allege James Alie, 22, physically confronted one person inside the residence, resulting in property damage. Police said Alie then allegedly threatened another person with serious physical injury if that person called 911.
When the person attempted to make the call, Alie allegedly assaulted the victim and took the victim’s cellphone, preventing contact with police, according to investigators.
Police said the victim and several children escaped to a safe location and called 911.
As officers searched the area, police said an officer spotted Alie standing on the roof of another residence in the 800 block of Ridge Court. Investigators said Alie jumped from the roof as additional officers arrived and was subsequently taken into custody.
Emergency medical personnel responded and provided medical aid to Alie, according to police.
During the investigation, officers reported finding remnants of a fire in a downstairs living area. Police allege Alie started the fire while several people were inside the residence, prompting investigators to contact the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.
New Castle County police charged Alie with three felony counts of aggravated menacing, one felony count of second-degree robbery, three misdemeanor counts of terroristic threatening, three misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief under $1,000, two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault, two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one misdemeanor count each of theft under $1,500, malicious interference with emergency communications, breach of release, and second-degree criminal trespass.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office additionally charged Alie with four felony counts of first-degree reckless endangering and one felony count of first-degree arson.
Alie was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $74,000 cash bail.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.