BRIDGEVILLE — A Seaford police officer was indicted on multiple charges, including a felony, for brandishing a handgun during a traffic-related altercation that occurred while he was off-duty, authorities said Monday.

According to the Delaware Department of Justice, on Aug. 23, Kyle Linville, 38, experienced mechanical trouble while attempting to park his pick-up truck and attached trailer in a driveway along Oak Road, leaving both lanes blocked.

When an approaching vehicle was unable to pass, an altercation ensued between Mr. Linville and the driver, who was unarmed and remained seated in his vehicle, the DOJ said. Mr. Linville proceeded to shout obscenities at the driver, scratch the paint on his vehicle, issue verbal threats, and ultimately point his handgun at him, the DOJ said.

Off duty at the time of the incident, the DOJ said, Mr. Linville did not inform the driver that he was a police officer.

Mr. Linville was charged with aggravated menacing, harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief following an investigation into an incident.
Upon return of the indictment, the DOJ said, Mr. Linville was suspended by Seaford Police.

In a news release, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said “On or off duty, police officers are sworn to protect.

“As a trained police officer, the Defendant should have known better. This is a matter of law as much as one of common sense: you should never point a gun at anyone unless you plan to shoot.

“We will hold him accountable.”

City of Seaford Police Chief Marshall Craft stated, “We are aware of the indictment against our officer for an off-duty incident, which resulted in the officer being placed on suspension and we are cooperating with the Department of Justice in connection with their investigation.”