Man Charged After Striking Repair Shop Worker in Claymont

State of DE - On August 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Delaware State Police troopers responded to Meineke Car Care Center at 3005 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, Delaware. They were called for a report of an employee who had been struck by a customer's vehicle.

Troopers spoke with the employee, who had visible injuries. They also spoke with the customer, later identified as 74-year-old Ellis Brownson of New Castle, Delaware.

Police say Brownson got into a verbal dispute with the employee. The dispute started after Brownson refused to pay the full amount due for repairs to his vehicle.

During the dispute, Brownson left the business and got into his vehicle. The employee then stood in front of the vehicle.

Brownson drove forward and struck the employee. The employee declined medical treatment at the scene.

Troopers took Brownson into custody without incident. He was transported to Troop 1.

Brownson was charged with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony and Assault Second Degree. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Department of Correction on a $22,500 cash bond.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.