SMYRNA — A 26-year-old man from Newark was arrested by Delaware State Police on multiple criminal charges following an alleged domestic incident involving a weapon early Saturday morning.

Master Cpl. Heather Pepper, police spokesperson, said troopers were dispatched to a home on Ivy Glen Court at around 2:30 a.m. for a fight.

Before police arrived, the suspect, later identified as Damon Johniken, fled with a firearm in his vehicle.

As troopers were headed to the residence, a trooper saw Mr. Johniken driving northbound on U.S. 13 in the area where the fight occurred.

Police pulled Mr. Johniken over and he was taken into custody without incident.

During a vehicle search, troopers found an unloaded Smith and Wesson MP22 Compact handgun and a magazine with 10 bullets. A computer check revealed that Mr. Johniken does not have a concealed weapon permit.

An ensuing investigation determined that Mr. Johniken entered a female acquaintance’s residence and got in an altercation. As he entered the home, he allegedly pointed a firearm at the female, and a fight took place.

The victim sustained minor facial injuries during the fight before Mr. Johniken allegedly threatened her with the gun for a second time before fleeing.

Mr. Johniken was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 9 in Odessa and charged with third-degree assault; aggravated menacing; carrying a concealed deadly weapon; possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony; expired temporary registration plate and third-degree conspiracy.

He was released on a $25,500 unsecured bond.