(Newark, DE 19702) – On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Detectives from the Active Crime Trends Team were conducting proactive patrols along the Pulaski Highway (Route 40) corridor when they observed a green Dodge Challenger rapidly accelerating, spinning its tires, and traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph while committing multiple traffic violations.
Detectives followed the vehicle and safely caught up to it at a red light at Pulaski Highway and Bear Corbitt Road (Route 7). The Dodge Challenger continued to spin its tires and produce smoke. When the light turned green, the vehicle accelerated rapidly. Detectives activated their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, and the vehicle ultimately stopped near the Route 1 overpass.
The driver, 35-year-old Curtis Maxwell of Newark, Delaware, was contacted by Detectives. During the interaction, officers observed signs of intoxication and discovered a loaded firearm concealed in the driver’s side door, which was recovered with a 10-round magazine.
Maxwell was taken into custody and transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with:
- One felony count of carrying a concealed deadly weapon (firearm)
- One felony count of disregarding a police officer’s signal
- One misdemeanor count of possession of a firearm while under the influence
- One misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol
- One misdemeanor count of willfully spinning tires to produce smoke or leave marks
- One misdemeanor count of reckless driving
- One misdemeanor count of speed exhibition
- One violation of improper lane change
- One violation of driving at an unreasonable or imprudent speed
Maxwell was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $2,003 secured bail.
Curtis Maxwell – 35
