Dewey Beach police investigate report of gunshots

Dewey police responded to the ocean block of Saulsbury Street about 11:40 p.m., June 4, for a report of gunshots.

A Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement agent was in the area and reported hearing gunshots and observed muzzle flash, police said. When the DATE agent arrived on scene, he and several Dewey Beach police officers placed multiple males, all in their mid-20s, into custody, police said.

Police said the male suspects, all from Pennsylvania, were engaged in a large fight with other males who immediately fled the scene, police said. All suspects were taken to the Dewey Beach Police Department for questioning.

In contrast to early social media reports, The Starboard restaurant was not directly involved in the incident, police said. The Starboard, which was almost at capacity, immediately implemented security protocols and activated a shelter-in-place for patrons and employees, police said. 

The incident is under investigation, no injuries have been reported and no firearms were recovered from the scene, police said. All suspects were released from the Dewey Beach Police Department and are currently cooperating with investigators, police said.

Anyone who has information or video regarding the investigation should contact the Dewey Beach Police Department at 302-227-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.

This article was updated with additional information at 12:20 p.m., June 5.