The Delaware State Police and the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested 36-year-old Raul Zavala of Wilmington, Delaware, after authorities said he barricaded himself inside a Wilmington Wawa and started a fire Saturday night.
On May 9, 2026, at about 8:20 p.m., troopers responded to the Wawa at 2030 Limestone Road in Wilmington for a report of terroristic threatening. When troopers arrived, they encountered Raul Zavala, who had barricaded himself and two co-workers inside the manager’s office. Authorities said Zavala ignored commands to come out and eventually set fire to the electrical closet inside the office, causing the flames to spread quickly. The fire forced Zavala to leave the office, and troopers took him into custody after deploying a taser.
One of the co-workers, a 21-year-old Wilmington man, was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The second co-worker, a 50-year-old Wilmington woman, was not hurt.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit later took over the case. Detectives determined that before troopers arrived, the male co-worker entered the office to speak with Zavala about an earlier incident that night. Investigators said Zavala first slammed the door on the co-worker before eventually allowing him inside. Once inside, Zavala allegedly assaulted the co-worker and threatened additional harm if he tried to leave the room.
Authorities said the female co-worker learned about the incident and went to the office. After she entered, Zavala reportedly displayed a knife, threatened both employees, and refused to let them leave. When troopers attempted to enter the office, Zavala allegedly ran into the electrical closet and locked the door, allowing the two co-workers to escape.
Zavala was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of burn injuries. Police said he will face the listed charges once he is released from the hospital.
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts
- Unlawful Imprisonment (Felony) – 2 counts
- Arson 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Criminal Mischief – $5,000 or More (Felony)
- Assault 3rd Degree
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed what happened or who may have relevant information to contact Detective D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8440. Information can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Anyone who is a victim or witness of a crime, or who has lost a loved one due to a sudden death and needs assistance, can contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center. Support and resources are available 24 hours a day through the toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Assistance is also available by email at [email protected].