Officials: Tuesday’s Route 40 Crash Caused By Suspect Fleeing From Police, Warrant Issued

New Castle County Police have charged a 19-year-old Wilmington man following a pursuit that sent two others to the hospital.

Police said that they have obtained an arrest warrant for Salvador Ayala of Wilmington following a pursuit and crash on Tuesday, November 29, 2022..

At 12:39 PM a New Castle County Patrol Officer observed a red Honda commit multiple traffic violations near the area of Route 273 and Route 1. The Honda also nearly caused multiple traffic accidents near the intersection while cutting off numerous drivers. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop however, the driver of the Honda failed to stop and then fled at a high rate of speed.

The officer continued to pursue the vehicle however, the pursuit was called off near the intersection of Appleby Road and Pulaski Highway due to safety concerns. After the pursuit was ended the driver of the Honda continued to drive down Pulaski Highway at a high rate of speed while committing additional traffic violations. The driver of the Honda then crashed into one vehicle causing it to flip numerous times near the intersection of Pulaski Highway and Walther Road according to police.

After the initial collision, the driver of the Honda drifted into oncoming traffic on Pulaski Highway striking a second vehicle. Officers responded to the crash scene at which time the driver of the Honda was taken into custody. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Salvador Ayala of Wilmington. While conducting the investigation officers located alcoholic beverage containers and drug paraphernalia in Ayala’s vehicle.

As a result of the accident, a 24-year-old female driver and a 15-year-old teenage passenger were transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Salvador Ayala was also transported to a local hospital in reference to treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Salvador Ayala was charged with two felony counts of assault in the second degree, one felony count of disregarding a police officer signal, six misdemeanor counts of reckless endangering in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of vehicular assault in the second degree driving under the influence, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use, driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, driving while suspended and revoked, and numerous traffic violations.   Ayala is pending arraignment upon his release from the hospital.

Police are asking anyone with information or anyone who was a witness to this incident to please contact Officer Wolfe at (302)395-8171

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