Police: Man tried to break into west Rehoboth home, threatens resident with knife before fleeing police

A Dover man faces burglary and other charges after police say he tried to break into a west Rehoboth Beach home and threatened a resident with a knife.

Police were called at 3:14 a.m. Dec. 2 to a home in the 19000 block of Norwood Street for a report of a man trying to break into a home, said Sr. Cpl. Leonard DeMalto of the Delaware State Police.

Police learned Matthew Jester, 44, had tried to force his way into the home and he threatened the resident with a large knife, DeMalto said. Troopers found Jester sitting in his pickup truck at the home, DeMalto said, but he drove away and nearly struck a trooper standing nearby. 

Jester continued northbound onto Coastal Highway at a high rate of speed and committed numerous traffic violations while troopers pursued him into the Milton area, DeMalto said. The vehicle eventually stopped on Union Street extension near Williams Farm Road after a Milton police officer successfully deployed a tire deflation device. Jester was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody after physically struggling with troopers on the roadside. A search of Jester’s vehicle led to the discovery of a large fixed-blade knife and drug paraphernalia. Jester also showed signs of impairment.

Jester was transported to Troop 7 and charged with felony first-degree attempted burglary, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, first-degree reckless endangering, aggravated menacing, second-degree criminal solicitation, criminal mischief over $5,000, resisting arrest with force or violence, disregarding a police officer signal, sixth offense DUI, and other charges.

Jester was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $81,700 cash bond.