On Sunday June 17, 2018 at approximately 12:36 p.m. the Newark Police Department responded to the McDonald’s located at 815 South College Avenue for a report of a fight where a disabling chemical spray was used, according to Sgt. Gerald Bryda.
Bryda said upon arrival to the scene, officers quickly took the suspect into custody and identified him as 62-year-old Stephen Mikulcik of Newark.
The investigation revealed that while inside the restaurant Mikulcik had an altercation with a female patron, according to Bryda. The female exited the restaurant and notified her boyfriend of the altercation. The boyfriend, identified as 59-year-old Elbert Woodson of Wilmington, then came inside the restaurant and attacked Mikulcik, according to police.
Officials said Mikulcik then exited the restaurant, obtained disabling chemical spray from his vehicle, and returned inside the restaurant, according to Bryda. Once back inside the restaurant, Mikulcik attacked the boyfriend and other patrons by spraying them with the disabling chemical spray and punching them, according to Bryda.
[media-credit name=”Mikulcik / NPD” align=”aligncenter” width=”400″]
[/media-credit]
Two patrons of the restaurant, an off-duty Trooper and a retired Trooper from the Delaware State Police, intervened and were able to disarm Mikulcik and physically detained him until the arrival of the Newark Police Department. Numerous ambulance crews responded to the location to treat the victims, 3 of whom were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Charges:
Assault 2nd Degree (4 counts)
Offensive Touching (7 counts)
Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree (6 counts)
Disorderly Conduct (2 counts)
Mikulcik was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released after posting $12,500 secured bond.
A warrant for Elbert Woodson is on file for Assault 3rd Degree and Disorderly Conduct, according to Bryda.
The warrant has not been served as of this release. (Wednesday June 20, 2018)
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Officer Justin Roberts, 302-366-7100 x3493, or [email protected]
Breaking Report
Just before 1:00 this afternoon, Newark Police Officers responded to the McDonald’s on Route 896 for reports of an fight in progress.
Upon his arrival, the first officer took control of the situation and requested multiple ambulances to the scene. Early reports indicate that several people were suffering from mace exposure and lacerations to the face.
Several of the restaurant’s employees were observed standing outside using their phones. It’s not clear if any of the employees were injured.
At least one person has been taken into custody and is currently being processed by Newark Police.
Multiple patients have been transported to the Christiana Hospital.
