Delaware man threatens students with gun near elementary school, police say

A man has been arrested and charged after police said he threatened to shoot two students near an elementary school in Delaware.

According to Delaware State Police, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., officers responded to Claymont Elementary School, located at 3401 Green Street, after receiving a report about an adult who threatened children with a firearm. 

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that a man, identified as 31-year-old Anthony Dejesus of Claymont, arrived at the school right before the start of the school day in a red Nissan sedan, wearing a face covering.

A woman then exited the Nissan and escorted students into the building while Dejesus moved and parked the vehicle on Green Street nearby.

While waiting in the vehicle, police said Dejesus then engaged in a verbal exchange with two students who approached him.

During the encounter, Dejesus displayed what the students believed to be a handgun and threatened to shoot them, according to police. The student then ran away and reported the incident to school staff, who called 9-1-1 and alerted the school’s constable.

Police said school staff approached the vehicle and spoke with Dejesus, then he left before officers arrived.

Further investigation revealed that Dejesus is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic violence-related misdemeanor conviction.

Police said Dejesus was arrested and charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, two counts of carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and other related charges. He was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $41,000 cash bond.