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
