Harsher Penalties for Intentionally Damaging Emergency Vehicles

Senate Bill 232, sponsored by State Sen. Dave Wilson and State Rep. Danny Short, would elevate certain acts of criminal mischief to a class F felony when the damage to an emergency vehicle exceeds $5,000 or renders the vehicle temporarily out of service.

The proposal follows an incident in late 2023 involving multiple fire companies responding to a blaze at New Process Fibre Company in Greenwood. During the response, several emergency vehicles—including two fire trucks from the Ellendale Fire Company and three additional vehicles from other departments—were damaged after individuals threw rocks near the scene.

Under the bill, “emergency vehicles” are broadly defined to include police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue boats, and unmanned aerial drones.

According to Delaware law, a conviction for a class F non-violent felony carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in prison. However, first-time offenders are more likely to receive supervised probation for up to one year. Courts may also impose fines and order restitution.

The measure passed the State Senate by a 17-3 vote and now moves to a House committee for further consideration. Its outcome in the House remains uncertain.

A similar proposal was introduced in 2024 by State Rep. Jesse Vanderwende. While that bill advanced out of committee, it was not brought to the House floor for a full vote.