HOCKESSIN, DE — A 36-year-old Hockessin man faces multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police allege he repeatedly entered a Wawa early Sunday morning, threatened employees with a knife and wounded one worker before other employees subdued him.
Police identified the defendant as Matthew Ralston, 36.
At approximately 3 a.m. Aug. 16, troopers responded to the Wawa at 605 Yorklyn Road for a reported stabbing, according to state police.
Investigators allege Ralston initially entered the store, made a purchase and left, but remained in the parking lot. A short time later, he allegedly returned, went behind the counter, pulled a knife and threatened and attempted to stab an employee.
Police allege Ralston then left the knife on the counter and exited the store before returning again, retrieving the knife and waving it over his head. He then left the store another time, according to investigators.
Ralston allegedly entered the store again and approached an employee who was calling 911. Police allege he lunged at the employee and swung the knife, cutting her hand.
Other Wawa employees disarmed and restrained Ralston until troopers arrived, according to state police. Troopers took him into custody without incident.
The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police reported.
Ralston was charged with three felony counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, felony second-degree assault, felony attempted second-degree assault, and felony aggravated menacing.
He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on $46,000 cash bond, according to state police.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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