Newark man facing multiple charges after domestic assault in Smyrna

Damon Johniken

SMYRNA, Del. – A Newark man is facing multiple charges after a domestic dispute early Saturday morning. Delaware State Police arrested 26-year-old Damon Johniken.

Police say around 2:28 a.m., troopers responded to a home on Ivy Glen Court for a physical domestic incident involving a weapon. Investigators say Johniken went into a female acquaintance’s home, where an argument unfolded. Johniken pointed a firearm at the victim, and a physical altercation ensued. Police say the victim sustained minor facial injuries during the fight, before Johniken threatened her with the gun for a second time.

Before police arrived, Johniken fled the scene with the firearm in a vehicle. A trooper later saw Johniken driving northbound on Route 13 near where the incident happened. Johniken was pulled over, and arrested without incident. During a search of his vehicle, police found an unloaded handgun and a magazine with ten bullets. Police say Johniken does not have a concealed weapon permit.

Johniken was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 9. He was charged with third degree assault, aggravated menacing, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Johniken is also facing charges for possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, expired temporary registration plates, and third degree conspiracy. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #7, and released on $25,500 unsecured bond.