Delaware State Police arrested 20-year-old Noah Howell, of Seaford, after a domestic altercation escalated into a pursuit in New Castle County on April 26, 2024.
Officials said the incident began just before 11:40 Thursday evening, when a woman reported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Newark that she was being pursued by her ex-boyfriend, Noah Howell, in a blue Hyundai Santa Fe. The woman said Howell had repeatedly struck her vehicle as she made her way to Troop 2.
Upon arriving at Troop 2’s parking lot, Howell struck the victim’s vehicle again and climbed onto the hood. Despite police commands, Howell ignored them and began to flee, causing a trooper to be thrown from his SUV after trying to stop him through the open driver’s side window, according to police. Howell’s escape led to a collision with two barrier posts in front of Troop 2 and he fled the scene, crashing through a fence at William Keene Elementary School before driving towards Pulaski Highway.
During the ensuing pursuit, Howell drove recklessly and committed numerous traffic violations, culminating in a collision with a DART bus at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 72. After the crash, Howell attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by police. Upon arrest, officers detected an odor of alcohol on Howell and a search of his vehicle found several empty liquor bottles police said.
Following the arrest, Howell was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The DART bus driver and the victim were unharmed, while three troopers sustained injuries, though they were treated and released. After receiving medical clearance, Howell was returned to Troop 2 for processing, then transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, where he was held on a $32,700 cash bond.
Howell was charged with several felony offenses, including Criminal Mischief over $5,000, Disregarding a Police Officer Signal, Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence, and multiple counts of Reckless Endangering, among other charges. Additional traffic violations and a charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol were also filed against him.