Police investigating shots fired at Paradise Grill

Paradise Grill owner Al Tortella provided the following summary of events: At about 9:30 p.m,, six males entered Paradise Grill wearing black, hooded sweatshirts. Some wore black, COVID-style masks. Tortella said Paradise Grill’s head of security confronted the group and asked them to remove the hoods and masks. He said the men cooperated with this request. One of the men said he was looking for his girlfriend, whom they eventually found. An argument ensued, and security escorted the six men out of the establishment. He said no physical altercation took place.

 

As the group was leaving, a verbal argument took place, and one of the men pulled a pistol in the air and fired shots. The parties fled in their respective vehicles.

 

According to police, troopers arrived around 11 p.m. and learned that several black males had been fighting with a white male inside the bar. Security escorted the black males outside, but they went back inside and tried to fight the other male again. The man then left the establishment with two women, and as they drove out of the parking lot the group of black males began running after their car. Police said gunshots were fired and heard during this time, but the car continued driving away and did not stop. All subjects involved then fled the area.

Troopers located and collected numerous bullet casings from the surrounding area. No injuries were reported, and no suspects or victims have been identified. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Tortella said Paradise Grill is working closely with Delaware State Police and Pot-Nets public safety personnel regarding the incident. “We will do everything necessary to make sure the suspects are caught, arrested and banned from the restaurant/community,” Tortella said. In addition, he said Paradise Grill is going to have police presence every Friday/Saturday evening, not just for the busy holiday weekends or fireworks displays. 

Police investigators are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Trooper First Class Martinez by calling 302-644-5020. Information may also be provided via Facebook Messenger to Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.