Delaware State Police arrested Demetrius Wright, 29, of Dover, Sunday morning after he fled from troopers in a stolen truck, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.
Pepper said on January 23, 2022, at approximately 7:25 a.m., troopers responded to southbound Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (SR 1) for a reported stolen vehicle located traveling on the roadway. The red Dodge RAM 1500 was reported stolen out of the City of Dover was traveling southbound in the area of I.G. Burton, north of Milford.
A traffic stop was initiated on the truck, but the operator failed to pull over and continued traveling on US 113. The operator accelerated as the Dodge continued to travel south through multiple intersections. Troopers attempted to deploy stop sticks in the area of Route 16 in Ellendale, but the truck swerved to avoid them and entered the right shoulder, striking the rear of a 2020 Dodge work van operated by a 43-year-old Bridgeton, New Jersey man.
After the collision, the driver of the Dodge RAM, identified as Demetrius Wright, exited through the right rear passenger door and was taken into custody. He was transported to a nearby hospital by EMS, where he was medically cleared. The investigation determined Wright was driving the stolen truck under the influence of drugs.
The operator of the Dodge work van had pulled to the shoulder before the collision to allow police to pass. EMS transported him to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
A 48-year-old Bridgeton, New Jersey man was seated in the front right passenger seat. He was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Demetrius Wright was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Driving While Suspended
Reckless Driving
Aggressive Driving
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
(Two Counts) Speeding in Excess of Posted Limit
Failure to Stop at Red Light
Speeding in Excess of 50mph on 2 Lane Road
(Two Counts) Speeding in Excess of 55mph on Divided Roadway
Failed to Remain Within a Single Lane
Wright was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $2,470.00 secured bond.
