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TWO MEN ARRESTED FOLLOWING ASSAULT ON MOTHER AND SON AT CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK
Lewes, DE - Delaware Natural Resources Police officers arrested Phillip A. Hartana, 22, and Nicholas D. Edwards, 22, following an assault on a mother and her son at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware.
The incident happened on June 22, 2024, when officers were dispatched to the park's fishing pier around 4:30 pm. The two men, Hartana from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Edwards from Wilmington, Delaware, were playing "Spike Ball" in the water during low tide.
A 7-year-old boy attempted to join their game but was refused. In response, the child splashed Hartana, who retaliated aggressively. Hartana allegedly dunked the child underwater and held him there for several seconds.
Upon resurfacing, the child reported the assault to his mother, who found fresh scratches and bleeding wounds on her son's chest, arm, and back.
Confronting Hartana, the mother began to yell at him and was then shoved twice by Edwards without provocation.
The mother then backed away from the two men, and dialed 911. Delaware Natural Resources Police responded and placed both subjects under arrest. Both Hartana and Edwards were transported to Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where officers completed their investigation.
Hartana was charged with the following:
Edwards was charged with the following:
The incident happened on June 22, 2024, when officers were dispatched to the park's fishing pier around 4:30 pm. The two men, Hartana from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Edwards from Wilmington, Delaware, were playing "Spike Ball" in the water during low tide.
A 7-year-old boy attempted to join their game but was refused. In response, the child splashed Hartana, who retaliated aggressively. Hartana allegedly dunked the child underwater and held him there for several seconds.
Upon resurfacing, the child reported the assault to his mother, who found fresh scratches and bleeding wounds on her son's chest, arm, and back.
Confronting Hartana, the mother began to yell at him and was then shoved twice by Edwards without provocation.
The mother then backed away from the two men, and dialed 911. Delaware Natural Resources Police responded and placed both subjects under arrest. Both Hartana and Edwards were transported to Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where officers completed their investigation.
Hartana was charged with the following:
- Child Abuse 3rd Recklessly/Intentionally cause physical injury to a child with intellectual disabilities (felony)
- Assault Third Degree Intentionally or Recklessly Causes Physical Injury to Another (misdemeanor)
- Disorderly Conduct by Fighting or Violent Tumultuous or Threatening Behavior (misdemeanor)
Edwards was charged with the following:
- Offensive Touching (misdemeanor)
- Disorderly Conduct by Fighting or Violent Tumultuous or Threatening Behavior (misdemeanor)
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