Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrest Newark Man for Gun and Traffic Charges Following Crash Investigation

Date Posted: Thursday, February 15th, 2024

News Release

Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Chad Johnson of Newark, Delaware, for gun and traffic charges following a crash investigation that occurred last Thursday in Newark.

On February 8, 2024, at approximately 12:29 a.m., a trooper on Kirkwood Highway in the area of Harmony Road observed a motorcycle commit a traffic violation as it made a U-turn in the roadway to avoid a partial road closure. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, however, the motorcycle did not stop as it continued traveling at a high rate of speed in a reckless manner. The trooper discontinued the pursuit, shortly after which the motorcyclist failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and crashed. The trooper responded to the crash and made contact with the motorcyclist, identified as Chad Johnson. Before Johnson was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained from the crash, the trooper conducted a search of Johnson and located a loaded handgun in his pocket. A computer inquiry revealed Johnson is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Johnson was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $15,000 secured bond.

Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of Unfinished Firearm Frame with No Serial Number (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited for Prior Felony Violation (Felony)
Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited for Prior Felony Violation (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Driving While Suspended
Additional Traffic Violations