Troopers: Crash That Trapped Driver May Have Been Caused By Intentional Stop Sign Removal

Bridgeville– The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a single vehicle that occurred last evening, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on January 23, 2020, at approximately 11:20 p.m., when a 2019 International Box Truck was traveling eastbound on Federalsburg Road approaching the intersection with Barnes Road. As the operator approached this intersection, he encountered a stop sign with post lying in the middle of the eastbound lane of travel within the intersection. To avoid this sign, the operator swerved causing the truck to strike a ditch and overturn.

The operator of the box truck, a 32-year-old Seaford man was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The eastbound lane of Federalsburg Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Through further investigation, it was determined that the stop sign did not sustain damage and appeared to have been pulled from its posted location and intentionally thrown in the roadway prior to this crash.  The Delaware State Police, Troop 5 has been made aware of two other signs being removed from the ground and placed either in the roadway or on the shoulder.  All three incidents have occurred in the area of Bridgeville west of US 13.

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone that has information in reference to this crash or the removal of the signs in the Bridgeville area to please contact Troop 5, TFC. K. Marvel at 302-337-8253.

Details surrounding the rescue can be found here.

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →