Newark Police have arrested a Maryland man following an investigation into a road rage incident during which a firearm was displayed.

On May 14, 2026, at about 1:59 p.m., Newark Police responded to a report of an aggravated menacing that occurred in the area of South College Avenue and Welsh Tract Road. The victim reported that he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle. During the incident, the driver displayed a handgun, racked the slide of the firearm, and threatened the victim before leaving the area.

Members of the Newark Police Street Crimes Unit continued the investigation and identified the suspect as Michael Matthews, 26, of Elkton, Maryland. Detectives also identified the vehicle involved in the incident.

On May 15, 2026, detectives located Matthews in Maryland, who was observed entering the vehicle.  The vehicle was then followed into Newark, Delaware, where detectives attempted to take Matthews into custody.

As detectives approached Matthews, he fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Matthews was taken into custody. During the arrest, Matthews was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, which was concealed in his waistband. He was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine.

Matthews was transported to Newark Police headquarters and charged with the following offenses:

• Aggravated Menacing
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon — A Firearm
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child — 2 counts
• Possession of Cocaine
• Resisting Arrest

Matthews appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $100,500 cash bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Ryan Hultberg at the Newark Police Department at 302-366-7100 x. 3482 or rhultberg@newark.de.us. Crime Stoppers may be contacted at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Matthews, Michael