Man injured in shooting in Rehoboth Beach

Daily state news

REHOBOTH BEACH – A 27-year-old man was shot in the leg in the parking lot of the Big Chill Surf Cantina on Friday, Delaware State Police said.

Authorities said officers were called to the cantina at 19406 Coastal Highway around 12:51 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Officers received reports of a 27-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg who was at a nearby hospital, police said.

According to police, the preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was part of a group of several people who were involved in a physical altercation in the restaurant’s parking lot. During the altercation, an unknown black male suspect pulled a handgun from a bag and fired one shot at the victim, police said.

After the shooting, all those involved in the altercation fled the scene, police said.

The victim was taken to the hospital by private vehicle, where he was treated and released, police said.

During the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Jonathan Blackwell, 28, of Milford. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Blackwell on several serious felony charges, police said.

According to police, attempts to locate Mr Blackwell are ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding Mr. Blackwell’s whereabouts to contact Detective J. Hill by phone at 302-752-3792 or 911. Information can also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.com.