Middletown, Delaware – Delaware State Police have taken 51-year-old David Thornton of Essex, Maryland, into custody following a carjacking and subsequent crashes in Middletown on Friday, December 12, 2025. The incident unfolded after Thornton allegedly stole a vehicle from a man who had stopped to assist at the scene of a minor crash.
Hero’s Intent Turns into Crime
According to authorities, the incident began at approximately 1:15 p.m. on State Route 301 near Summit Bridge Road, when a Texas man driving a white Chevrolet Silverado came across two vehicles involved in a collision. The driver stopped to help and spoke to the operator of a Mercedes, later identified as David Thornton.
While the man was contacting 9-1-1 for assistance, Thornton allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat of the Silverado. When the victim opened the back door, Thornton reportedly reached for an unknown object, demanded the victim exit the vehicle, and sped away, initiating a dangerous vehicle theft.
Vehicle Tracked and Recovered
The stolen Silverado was quickly tracked electronically, leading authorities to the ramp from northbound I-95 to Airport Road, where the vehicle had struck a guard rail. Troopers arrived on the scene and took Thornton into custody without incident.
During a search of the vehicle, police recovered a revolver-style CO2 BB gun, which Thornton reportedly had with him at the time of the carjacking.
Injuries and Medical Attention
Thornton sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crashes and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Once released, he was taken to Troop 2 for processing.
Charges and Detention
Thornton was formally charged with:
- Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
- Multiple Crash-Related Traffic Violations
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $20,000 cash bond.
Community and Police Response
Delaware State Police emphasize the dangers posed when assisting at accident scenes and urge the public to remain aware of their surroundings. While the victim acted heroically, authorities note the importance of personal safety when encountering potential threats on the road.
Officials continue to remind residents to report suspicious activity immediately and to maintain a cautious approach when helping others at accident scenes. The swift response by troopers helped prevent further harm and quickly brought the suspect into custody.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police, who are reviewing all aspects of the incident, including traffic patterns, witness accounts, and surveillance footage. Authorities have praised the victim for remaining cooperative and providing critical details that allowed for Thornton’s rapid apprehension.
Have you ever encountered a situation while helping at an accident scene? How should drivers stay safe when stopping to assist? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below and join the conversation.
