Bill Seeks to Increase Penalty for Damaging First Responder Vehicles

A bill pending action in the General Assembly proposes increasing the consequences for people who damage vehicles being used by first responders.

State Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford, Lincoln, Ellendale) is co-sponsoring House Bill 323, which was inspired by an incident involving a local fire company late last year.

On the night of November 13, firefighters from six Delaware and Maryland municipalities responded to a blaze at New Process Fibre Company in Greenwood. Two fire trucks from the Ellendale Fire Company and three vehicles from other companies were damaged by individuals throwing rocks near the fire scene.

The measure would expand the crime of ‘criminal mischief’ to include damaging an authorized emergency vehicle performing its duties. Criminal mischief is usually a class G felony, punishable by a maximum of 2 years in jail. House Bill 323 would increase the punishment for emergency vehicle criminal mischief to a class E felony, carrying a maximum of 5 years in prison.

The legislation is currently pending action in the House Judiciary Committee.