NEWARK POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS IN 2025 CRASH INTO CHURCH
The Newark Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a January 13, 2025 incident that resulted in a vehicle crashing into a church.
Following the crash, both suspects were transported to a local hospital and admitted for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident. As Newark Police detectives continued their investigation, both suspects left the hospital before detectives could obtain warrants for their arrests.
Detectives subsequently obtained arrest warrants for both suspects. Since that time, Newark Police have continued efforts to locate them, including searches in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Those efforts continued until both suspects recently surrendered to Newark Police.
Brandon Mayes, 22, of Philadelphia, turned himself in to Newark Police on August 18, 2026. Mayes was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle – 2 counts
- Receiving Stolen Property Valued Over $1,500
- Criminal Mischief – $5,000 or More Damage to Property – 2 counts
- Disregarding a Police Officer Signal – First Offense
- Conspiracy Second Degree – Agreement to Engage in Felony Criminal Conduct
- Criminal Mischief – $1,000 but Less Than $5,000 Damage to Property
- Criminal Mischief – Under $1,000 Damage to Property
- Speeding in Excess of Posted Limits
- Overtaking a Vehicle on the Left
- Driving in Proper Lane and Direction
Mayes was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $3,703 unsecured bail.
Kasim Coleman, 25, of Philadelphia, turned himself in to the Newark Police on August 31, 2026. Coleman was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Assault First Degree – Intentional/Reckless Serious Injury During Commission of a Felony
- Reckless Endangering First Degree – Creating a Substantial Risk of Death to Another
- Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle – 2 counts
- Receiving Stolen Property Valued Over $1,500
- Criminal Mischief – $5,000 or More Damage to Property – 2 counts
- Disregarding a Police Officer Signal – First Offense
- Conspiracy Second Degree – Agreement to Engage in Felony Criminal Conduct
- Criminal Mischief – $1,000 but Less Than $5,000 Damage to Property
- Criminal Mischief – Under $1,000 Damage to Property
- Speeding in Excess of Posted Limits
- Overtaking a Vehicle on the Left
- Driving in Proper Lane and Direction
Coleman was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed in default of $50,004 cash bail.
These arrests stem from the investigation of the January 13, 2025 incident involving a vehicle that crashed into a church in Newark.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective James Skinner at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3135 or via email at jskinner@newark.de.us. Additional methods for submitting tips, including information on potential rewards, are available on the Newark Police Department’s tips page.
Brandon Mayes Kasim Coleman
Newark Police Investigate Fatal Crash at Elkton Rd and Thorn Lane
At approximately 09:01 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, Newark Police officers responded to Elkton Road at the intersection of Thorn Lane for a report of a crash involving a motorcycle and a sedan.
Upon arrival, officers located the vehicles. Personnel from Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Fire Company, and New Castle County Paramedics provided medical treatment. Emergency responders located one patient, the driver of the sedan, and transported them to a local hospital via ambulance. The driver was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries.
The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene.
It was determined that the motorcycle was traveling southwest on Elkton Rd and that the sedan was traveling northeast on the same roadway. The sedan turned left towards Thorn Lane, and as it did, the motorcycle struck the passenger side of the sedan.
The Newark Police Department’s Traffic Response Unit responded to the scene to investigate the crash. The roadway remained closed between Elkton Road and Thorne Lane overnight for approximately 4 hours.
The Newark Police Traffic Response Unit is conducting an ongoing crash investigation. The deceased driver’s name is being withheld pending family notification.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cpl. Jon Lee at (302) 366-7100 x 3462 or jlee@newark.de.us.
Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
