A Maryland man is facing multiple felony charges after Newark Police said a road rage confrontation escalated into a firearm threat.
According to Newark Police, officers responded on May 14, 2026, at about 1:59 p.m., to a report of aggravated menacing in the area of South College Avenue and Welsh Tract Road. Investigators said the victim reported becoming involved in a road rage encounter with another driver during which the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun, racked the slide, and threatened him before leaving the scene.
The investigation was continued by members of the Newark Police Street Crimes Unit, who identified the suspect as 26-year-old Michael Matthews of Elkton, Maryland, along with the vehicle allegedly involved.
Detectives located Matthews in Maryland on May 15 and observed him entering the vehicle. Investigators followed the vehicle into Newark, Delaware, where they attempted to take him into custody.
According to police, Matthews fled on foot as detectives approached him. After a brief chase, he was taken into custody. During the arrest, detectives said Matthews was found carrying a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband and was also in possession of a small quantity of suspected crack cocaine.
Matthews was transported to Newark Police headquarters and charged with aggravated menacing, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon involving a firearm, possession of cocaine, resisting arrest, and multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Following arraignment by video before Justice of the Peace Court 11, Matthews was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $100,500 cash bail.
