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Newark – A Florida man was taken into custody following a high speed pursuit that ended in Newark yesterday afternoon, June 20.
The incident began in Maryland at around 4:40 p.m., when Maryland State Police (MSP) attempted to stop a vehicle on I-95 in the area of mile marker 108.7, in Cecil County. The driver, believed to be Marcus Heath, 26, of Jacksonville, Florida fled into Delaware where MSP Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, near the Delaware Service Center.
As MSP Troopers approached the state line they advised the Delaware State Police (DSP) that a stolen, silver, 2006 Mercedes Benz with Florida tags was coming their way. Delaware State Troopers (DSP) and Trooper 4 (Delaware State Police Aviation) were notified and began to converge on the area.
Delaware Troopers, along with New Castle County Police (NCCPD) Officers armed with the description of the suspect’s vehicle began a search northern Delaware. Trooper 4 initially covered I-95 from the service center all the way into New Jersey. Not finding the suspect vehicle on I-95, the helicopter began to focus on the Newark and Hockession areas.
Just after 5:40 p.m., as the search was underway, firefighters in Claymont made an urgent request for the helicopter. A man was badly injured in a house fire and needed to be transported to the trauma center immediately.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., a 911 call was made by a resident in the Hillside Heights neighborhood advising that an unoccupied, silver Mercedes Benz with Florida tags was parked in their driveway, and that they were not familiar with the vehicle.
Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies began searching the area and at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Delaware Trooper observed a subject matching the description of Heath in the area of Christiana Road (DE Rt. 273) and McIntosh Plaza, Newark. As the Trooper approached, Heath attempted to flee, however he was taken in to custody without incident after a brief foot pursuit.
Heath is currently being held as an out of state fugitive. Police have yet to release what state has a hold on him and why.
Correction: Our breaking report stated “it’s believed that he may be wanted out of Pennsylvania.” that was incorrect.
Breaking Report
Police from multiple Delaware agencies have just ended a pursuit near Route 273 and Harmony Road.
Not much is known about the reason for the pursuit or the suspect at this time but, it’s believed that he may be wanted out of Pennsylvania.
Over 20 police vehicles were observed converging on the Hillside Heights neighborhood, near the Christiana Hospital. When Troopers made contact with the suspect, he fled the scene.
It’s believed that he fled on foot and Troopers gave chase, ultimately holding him at gunpoint until backup arrived.
Developing