NEWARK, DE — Newark Police arrested a Maryland man following an investigation into a reported road rage confrontation in which a firearm was allegedly displayed and used to threaten another driver.
According to investigators, officers responded at approximately 1:59 p.m. May 14 to the area of South College Avenue and Welsh Tract Road for a report of aggravated menacing.
Police said the victim reported being involved in a road rage incident with another driver who allegedly displayed a handgun, racked the slide of the weapon, and threatened him before leaving the area.
Members of the Newark Police Street Crimes Unit continued the investigation and identified 26-year-old Michael Matthews of Elkton, Maryland, as the suspect, according to investigators.
Detectives also identified the vehicle allegedly involved in the incident, police reported.
According to investigators, detectives located Matthews in Maryland on May 15 and observed him entering the vehicle before following him into Newark.
Police said detectives attempted to take Matthews into custody after he returned to Delaware, but Matthews allegedly fled on foot.
Following a brief foot pursuit, Matthews was taken into custody, investigators reported.
According to police, Matthews allegedly was found carrying a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband at the time of his arrest. Investigators also alleged he was in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine.
Police reported Matthews was transported to Newark Police headquarters and charged with:
- Aggravated menacing
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Endangering the welfare of a child — two counts
- Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited
- Carrying a concealed deadly weapon — a firearm
- Possession of cocaine
- Resisting arrest
According to police, Matthews appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 11 by video arraignment and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $100,500 cash bail.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Ryan Hultberg at 302-366-7100 ext. 3482 or rhultberg@newark.de.us. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or DelawareCrimeStoppers.com.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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