Newark, DE – A road rage incident near a Newark school Tuesday afternoon ended with a woman hospitalized and a 49-year-old man facing a felony assault charge, according to Delaware State Police.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday to a reported assault in a parking lot outside Aspira Delaware Charter School, located at 326 Ruthar Drive in Newark. Investigators said the incident stemmed from a road rage encounter that began on Ruthar Drive near Red Mill Road.
Police said James Atkins, 49, of Newark, allegedly followed a woman from the roadway into the school parking lot. Once there, troopers said Atkins blocked the only exit with his truck, preventing the woman from leaving. The woman reportedly sought help from nearby school staff.
According to police, when the woman returned to her vehicle, Atkins allegedly pepper-sprayed her before returning to his truck. Authorities said the woman then followed Atkins to his vehicle, where a second confrontation occurred. During that encounter, Atkins’ truck was reportedly damaged.
Troopers arrested Atkins at the scene without further incident.
The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Atkins was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 6, where he was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a felony. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $10,000 cash bond.
Police have not released additional details about the victim, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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