2 arrested after McDonald's dispute escalates to punches, chemical spray, police say

Newark Police have charged two in a Sunday afternoon McDonald's melee.

Just after 12:30 p.m., Newark police responded to the McDonald’s at 815 South College Avenue for a report of a fight in which a disabling chemical spray was used, police said. They arrested 62-year-old Newark resident Stephen Mikulcik.

Police said Mikulcik got into an altercation with a woman in the restaurant, who went outside and told her boyfriend, 59-year-old Elbert Woodson of Wilmington.

Police said Woodson came inside and attacked Mikulcik. The attack left Mikulcik with a badly bruised left eye, police said.

Then Mikulcik went outside to his car and brought in a chemical spray, police said, which he used on Woodson and other patrons. Police said Mikulcik also punched people. 

Two state troopers, one off-duty and the other retired, intervened and disarmed Mikulcik, police said. They restrained him until Newark police arrived. 

Emergency responders treated the victims, three of whom were taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. 

Mikulcik was charged with four counts of second-degree assault; seven counts of offensive touching; six counts of second-degree reckless endangering; and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was released after posting a $12,500 secured bond.

Police have issued a warrant for Woodson on charges of third-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Police had not yet served the warrant on Wednesday.