A 43-year-old New Jersey man was in custody after Middletown Police responded to reports of an alleged assault and vehicle theft in the 900 block of Janvier Court Feb. 4 at 8:20 p.m.
Upon arrival, police said they located the alleged victim in a neighbor’s residence. She told them she was confronted by her estranged boyfriend – Cornell Hester of Lindenwold, N.J. – upon arriving at home and that Hester had been hidden in the bushes next to her residence.
Police said Hester assaulted the victim and forced her back inside her vehicle, where he continued his assault. The victim exited the vehicle, police said, but Hester allegedly threw her to the ground and began to kick her in the head and face, causing multiple bruises and lacerations. Throughout the alleged assault, the victim repeatedly called out for help. Police said neighbors responded to her cries and confronted Hester, who then fled in the victim’s vehicle.
The victim was evaluated by the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, and was later treated and released from Christiana Hospital.
On Feb. 5, MPD officers received information that Hester was in the greater New Castle area. MPD and New Castle County officers said they located Hester in the stolen vehicle at a fast food restaurant at Hares Corner, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Hester was arraigned on several charges, including, among others: possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, first degree kidnapping and carjacking, second degree assault and terroristic threats.
He was committed to Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of $41,500 cash only bond and $46,500 secured bond.
Police said Hester had an outstanding warrant involving the same person for an incident that occurred Dec. 16, 2009. Police said he broke into the victim’s residence, assaulted her and fled the state.
Middletown, Del. —
