Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Chad Johnson of Newark for gun and traffic charges following a crash investigation that occurred last Thursday in Newark.
Officials said on February 8, 2024, at approximately 12:29 a.m., a trooper on Kirkwood Highway in the area of Harmony Road observed a motorcycle commit a traffic violation as it made a U-turn in the roadway to avoid a partial road closure.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop, however, the motorcycle did not stop as it continued traveling at a high rate of speed in a reckless manner police said. The trooper discontinued the pursuit, shortly after which the motorcyclist failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and crashed. The trooper responded to the crash and made contact with the motorcyclist, identified as Chad Johnson. Before Johnson was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained from the crash, the trooper conducted a search of Johnson and located a loaded handgun in his pocket according to police. Officials said a computer inquiry revealed Johnson is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Johnson was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $15,000 secured bond.