Delaware State Police Arrest Hockessin Man After Wawa Stabbing

State of DE - On August 16, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Delaware State Police responded to the Wawa at 605 Yorklyn Road in Hockessin for a report of a stabbing. When troopers arrived, they found the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Matthew Ralston of Hockessin, being restrained by Wawa employees.

Ralston was taken into custody without incident. Troopers say the investigation showed he entered the store, made a purchase, then left but stayed in the parking lot.

A short time later, Ralston went back into the store and walked behind the counter. Police say he pulled a knife and threatened an employee before trying to stab her.

Ralston then left the knife on the counter and walked out of the store. He came back in a second time, grabbed the knife, and waved it over his head before leaving again.

Ralston entered the store a third time and approached an employee who was on the phone with 9-1-1. Police say he lunged at her and swung the knife, cutting her hand.

Other Wawa employees stepped in and disarmed Ralston, holding him until troopers arrived.

The victim was taken to an area hospital with injuries that are not considered life threatening.

Ralston was taken to Troop 6, where he was charged with three counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, assault second degree, attempted assault second degree, and aggravated menacing. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace and committed to the Department of Correction on a $46,000 cash bond.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.