Man Charged With Pepper-Spray Attack

An Ellendale man is charged with pepper-spraying a 17-year-old girl he knows, who went to meet with him in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

Delaware State Police said Wednesday that 21-year-old Mardis Powell Junior became aggressive with the girl, grabbed her cellphone and threw it to the ground, then deployed the pepper spray. The fight continued, according to police, and Powell followed her home and threw a radio at her vehicle, shattering the rear window.

Police were called, but Powell fled the area. The victim did not need medical attention.

Powell was found and charged with assault and criminal mischief.