Troopers: Thief Fleeing Police Leaves Path Of Destruction Before Being Ejected

Ocean View- The Delaware State Police have apprehended 30-year-old Bryan Denegal of Dover, DE after he stole items from several vehicles and led police in pursuit, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on February 3, 2020, at approximately 10:59 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 30000 block of Teal Court, Ocean View, for a report of a theft in progress. Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with a victim who advised he witnessed a suspect, Bryan Denegal, enter his vehicle and proceed to take items, according to Jaffe. The victim approached Denegal, when Denegal took off running towards his vehicle, a 2007 black Chevy Cobalt.

A black Chevy Cobalt was observed driving westbound on Waterway Drive, with the driver matching the description of the suspect (Denegal). A traffic stop was initiated when Denegal failed to stop and continued to flee, traveling at a high rate of speed and committing multiple traffic violations. Denegal continued onto Island Drive, where he drove onto the front yard of a residence and almost struck a 53-year-old male resident who was outside.

Denegal continued to flee and struck a concrete fence pole before driving into the front yard of a residence on Teal Court, causing minor damage to the yard. While continuing to flee, Denegal struck a mailbox on Marlington Road. He then headed south on Cedar Neck Road at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit, when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a telephone pole and a tree. Denegal was not properly restrained and was ejected from the vehicle.

Upon contact with Denegal, the Trooper observed a strong odor of alcohol. Denegal was transported to the Beebe Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

A search of Denegal’s vehicle was conducted and multiple stolen items from vehicles in the area were recovered, said Jaffe.

Upon Denegal’s release from the hospital, he will be charged with the following:

Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Reckless Endanger First Degree
Reckless Endangering Second Degree
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
Theft (4 counts)
Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident (4 counts)
Criminal Mischief
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence

He is also facing multiple traffic-related offenses.

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 →