NEW CASTLE, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested two New Castle residents following a violent altercation at a Dollar General store on Sunday afternoon. Matthew Perez, 23, and Veronica Coleman, 27, face multiple charges, including aggravated menacing, after an incident that involved threats with a knife, a vehicle, and an attack by a dog.
At approximately 4:17 p.m. on August 18, troopers were dispatched to the Dollar General at 1403 Dupont Parkway in response to a report of a fight. The investigation revealed that Perez and Coleman, who had been previously banned from the store due to a prior shoplifting incident, became aggressive after being escorted outside by a store employee.
Perez reportedly pursued the employee on foot while Coleman followed in a black Buick Sedan. Coleman then released a dog from the vehicle, which began attacking the employee. As the employee attempted to escape, Perez, armed with a large knife, continued to threaten them. Coleman also allegedly tried to strike the employee with her vehicle.
During the altercation, a 12-year-old bystander, who tried to intervene verbally, was threatened by Coleman, who accelerated the vehicle toward the child. The child managed to avoid being struck, while a 15-year-old in the parking lot was also nearly hit by the vehicle. The employee eventually managed to run back toward the store, where officers arrived and took control of the situation.
Perez and Coleman initially resisted but were taken into custody without further incident. A search of their vehicle led to the discovery of a large fixed-blade knife. The dog involved in the attack was handed over to animal control authorities. The employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and no other injuries were reported.
Perez was charged with aggravated menacing, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, terroristic threatening, and related offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $25,500 cash bond. Coleman faces similar charges and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
