Delaware Man Faces Felony Charges After Barricading Coworkers and Setting Fire at Wilmington Wawa
Why It Matters
A violent workplace incident at a busy Delaware convenience store has resulted in multiple felony charges against a Wilmington man, after authorities say he held coworkers against their will at knifepoint and deliberately ignited a fire inside the building. The case highlights the serious legal consequences of workplace confrontations that escalate into armed standoffs and arson.
What Happened
Delaware State Police responded to the Wawa located at 2030 Limestone Road in the Pike Creek/Wilmington area at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, after reports of terroristic threatening. Upon arrival, troopers found that 36-year-old Raul Zavala had locked himself inside a manager’s office along with two fellow employees.
Authorities say the situation began when a 21-year-old male coworker went to the office to address an earlier dispute with Zavala. Zavala initially blocked the employee’s entry before allowing him inside, then assaulted and threatened him. When a 50-year-old female coworker came to the office after learning something was wrong, Zavala produced a knife and refused to allow either person to leave.
When troopers attempted to enter the office, police say Zavala retreated into an electrical closet and locked the door — an action that allowed his two coworkers to escape. While inside the closet, Zavala allegedly set a fire that spread rapidly through the surrounding area. The flames ultimately forced him out, at which point officers took him into custody after deploying a Taser.
The 21-year-old male coworker sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The female coworker was unharmed. Zavala himself was transported for treatment of burn injuries.
By the Numbers
- 7 — felony and criminal charges Zavala is expected to face upon hospital release
- 2 — coworkers held against their will inside the office
- 8:20 p.m. — time troopers were dispatched to the Limestone Road location on May 9
- $5,000+ — minimum damage threshold cited in the criminal mischief charge
- 1 — person transported to the hospital for minor injuries sustained during the incident
Charges Filed
Delaware State Police say Zavala will be formally charged upon his release from the hospital. The charges are expected to include second-degree arson, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, two counts of aggravated menacing, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief over $5,000, and third-degree assault.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Detective D. Armstrong at 302-365-8440, or reach out to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Zoom Out
Workplace violence incidents involving armed confrontations and property destruction carry compounding criminal exposure under Delaware law, particularly when weapons are brandished during the commission of other felonies. Arson charges in commercial settings often come with significant sentencing enhancements due to the risk posed to other occupants and emergency responders.
Delaware has seen other serious fire-related incidents in recent months. A two-alarm apartment fire in Newark displaced 50 residents, underscoring the destructive potential of building fires and the strain they place on local emergency services.
What’s Next
Zavala remains hospitalized and has not yet been formally arraigned. Once discharged, he is expected to face the full slate of charges outlined by Delaware State Police. The Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit will continue gathering evidence as the case moves toward prosecution.
Residents with information about the incident are encouraged to contact investigators directly or submit an anonymous tip through Delaware Crime Stoppers. For other community news out of northern Delaware, local organizations continue to expand safety and youth-focused programming across the region.