It was a Memorial Day Weekend to remember (or forget) for one Delaware man, according to police.
On Sunday around noon, 52-year-old Hipolito Melendez of Milton allegedly walked into the Lewes Church of Christ on Coastal Highway.
Investigators are unsure of why he went inside the church though they believe that he was drunk.
While inside, police claim that Melendez was bumped by an autistic man. A witness then convinced Melendez to come to an area of the church away from the other church members.
While in the area, investigators then say that Melendez got into an altercation with the autistic man’s guardian, a 71-year-old man from Harbeson.
Melendez allegedly yelled at the man, telling him that he had a gun. Police say that he then fled the church and entered his Kia Optima.
As he drove away, witnesses called the Delaware State Police and reported the incident. A trooper spotted Melendez driving on Coastal Highway and pursued him.
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After allegedly increasing his speed and making several illegal lane changes, Melendez finally stopped at Round Pole Bridge Road and Hudson Road.
He was taken into custody and searched, though no weapons were found.
He was then taken to Beebe Hospital for bruises that police say he suffered during the fight with the churchgoer.
Melendez is charged with terroristic threatening, driving under the influence and other related offenses.
He was remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $6,800 secured bond.
