The Delaware State Police arrested 26-year-old Matthew Mellette of Newark, DE on multiple counts of reckless endangering and weapon charges after an incident early this morning.
Officials said on December 7, 2022, at approximately 12:40 a.m., Governor’s Task Force (GTF) members were conducting proactive patrol at the Wawa located at 2651 Stanton-Ogletown Road in Newark. Unit members observed a silver Chevrolet Equinox, parked in a marked handicapped spot not displaying a handicap placard or tag. Upon approaching the operator, later identified as Matthew Mellette, the vehicle sped in reverse towards a trooper as he was exiting his vehicle. The trooper was able to run out of the way from being struck, but the vehicle subsequently struck the left driver’s side door of a state police vehicle. Mallette, in an attempt to avoid apprehension then drove towards two additional troopers before striking a concrete post in front of the Wawa said police. The suspect’s vehicle became disabled due to the damage and Mellette was taken into custody without incident.
Troopers discovered a loaded handgun, approximately 40 grams of marijuana, 23 Ecstasy Pills, and two fraudulent identifications inside of the vehicle according to police. A computer search revealed the handgun was reported stolen out of Cheste,r Pennsylvania. Additionally, Mallette was also found to have active warrants out of New Castle County and Wilmington.
Mellette was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following:
- Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony)- 3 counts
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm If Previously Convicted of Violent Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Semi-Automatic Weapon by Person Prohibited (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance in Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest with Force (Felony)
- Criminal Impersonation- 2 Counts
- Possession of Marijuana
- Parking in a Handicap Space
- Careless Driving
He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $147,500 cash bond.