An alleged racial incident in Darby Township, Delaware County, has sparked outrage among community leaders who are demanding economic sanctions against a local business. On November 21, 2024, a female motorist reported that 46-year-old John Romano, while loading trees onto a truck, blocked her path and used racial slurs when she attempted to pass. Police were called to the scene, and Romano was charged with ethnic intimidation, making terroristic threats, and related offenses.
According to police records, Romano's alleged racist remarks were captured on the officer's body camera. Community leaders, including Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and Malcolm Yates of the Delaware County Black Caucus, condemned Romano's actions, stating that such ethnic intimidation has no place in the community. The incident also prompted criticism of Delaware County D.A. Jack Stollsteimer for his absence at a press conference addressing the matter