NEWARK, DE — Newark police reported arresting two Philadelphia men in connection with a January 2025 incident in which a vehicle crashed into a Newark church, ending a search that authorities say extended into Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Police reported that both suspects were hospitalized following the Jan. 13, 2025, crash for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident. Investigators allege both men later left the hospital before detectives could obtain warrants for their arrests.
Detectives subsequently obtained arrest warrants and continued efforts to locate the men, including searches in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, according to police.
Brandon Mayes, 22, of Philadelphia, surrendered to Newark police Aug. 18, 2026. Police reported arresting Mayes and charging him with two counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle; receiving stolen property valued over $1,500; two counts of criminal mischief involving $5,000 or more in property damage; disregarding a police officer signal; second-degree conspiracy; additional criminal mischief counts involving lower amounts of property damage; and several traffic offenses.
Mayes was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $3,703 unsecured bail, according to police.
Kasim Coleman, 25, of Philadelphia, surrendered to Newark police Aug. 31. Police reported arresting Coleman and charging him with first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangering, two counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property valued over $1,500, two counts of criminal mischief involving $5,000 or more in property damage, disregarding a police officer signal and second-degree conspiracy. He also faces additional criminal mischief and traffic charges.
Coleman was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed after failing to post $50,004 cash bail, according to police.
The charges stem from Newark police’s investigation of the Jan. 13, 2025, incident involving the vehicle that crashed into the church.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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