Delaware State Police arrested 23-year-old Matthew Perez and 27-year-old Veronica Coleman, both of New Castle, on multiple charges, including aggravated menacing, following an altercation at Dollar General store in New Castle Sunday afternoon.
On August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:17 p.m., troopers were dispatched to Dollar General at 1403 Dupont Parkway for a report of a fight. The investigation revealed that Perez and Coleman had been banned from the store due to a prior shoplifting incident. As they were escorted outside, Perez became aggressive with the store employee and threatened harm.
As the employee attempted to distance themselves by walking toward the back of the complex, Perez pursued on foot while Coleman followed in a black Buick Sedan. Coleman then released a dog from the vehicle, and it began attacking the employee. Perez, armed with a large knife, continued to threaten the employee as they tried to escape. Coleman also attempted to strike the employee with the vehicle.
During this altercation, a 12-year-old bystander, who attempted to intervene verbally, was threatened by Coleman, who accelerated the vehicle towards the child. The child was able to avoid being struck and witnessed the ongoing attack of the employee. A 15-year-old, who was also present in the parking lot, was nearly hit by the vehicle. Eventually, the employee was able to run back toward 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 led to the discovery of a large fixed-blade knife. The dog involved was turned over to animal control. The employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and there have been no other reported injuries from this incident. Perez and Coleman were transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with multiple offenses.
Perez was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $25,500 cash bond.
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
- Terroristic Threatening
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct
Coleman was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $9,000 secured bond.
- Assault Second Degree (Felony)
- Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing- 2 counts (Felony)
- Terroristic Threatening
- Endangering the welfare of a Child
- Reckless Driving
- Criminal Trespass