Delaware State Police arrested a 23-year-old Matthias Perez and 27 years old Veronica Colemanboth of New Castle, on several charges, including aggravated menacing, following an altercation at a Dollar General store in New Castle on Sunday afternoon.
On August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:17 p.m., police officers were dispatched to Dollar General at 1403 Dupont Parkway for a report of a fight. Investigation revealed that Perez and Coleman were banned from the store due to a previous shoplifting incident. As they were being escorted outside, Perez became aggressive toward the store employee and threatened violence.
When the employee attempted to leave by walking to the rear of the complex, Perez pursued him on foot while Coleman followed in a black Buick sedan. Coleman then released a dog from the vehicle, which attacked the employee. Perez, armed with a large knife, continued to threaten the employee as they attempted to flee. Coleman also attempted to attack the employee with the vehicle.
During this altercation, a 12-year-old bystander who attempted to verbally intervene was threatened by Coleman, who drove the vehicle toward the child. The child was able to evade the attack and witnessed the employee’s ongoing assault. A 15-year-old who was also in the parking lot was nearly struck by the vehicle. Eventually, the employee was able to run back to the store, where officers arrived on the scene.
After initially resisting, Perez was taken into custody without incident. Coleman was also taken into custody without incident. A search of their vehicle uncovered a large fixed blade knife. The dog involved was turned over to animal control. The employee sustained non-life threatening injuries and no other injuries were reported from this incident. Perez and Coleman were transported to Squad 2 where they were charged with multiple misdemeanors.
Perez was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned before the Justice of the Peace of 11th Court, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $25,500 bail.
- Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime (felony)
- Serious threat (crime)
- Terrorist threats
- Endangerment of the child’s welfare
- Resisting arrest
- Improper conduct
Coleman was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned before the Justice of the Peace of 11th Court, and committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $9,000 bail.
- Second degree assault (serious crime)
- First degree reckless endangerment (felony)
- Aggravated Threat – 2 counts (felony)
- Terrorist threats
- Endangerment of the child’s welfare
- Reckless driving
- Trespassing
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