On Tuesday evening, at about 11:53, a University of Delaware police officer attempted to stop a motorcycle for the commission of a traffic offense. The attempted stop occurred on East Main Street just west of South Chapel Street.
Officials said the motorcycle disregarded the police officer’s emergency lights and fled at a high rate of speed westbound on East Main Street. The University of Delaware police officer did not engage in a pursuit with the motorcycle and extinguished his emergency lights when the motorcycle fled at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle continued westbound on East Main Street at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk on West Main Street, just west of North College Avenue. This crash occurred within one minute of the attempt to stop the motorcycle. The motorcyclist came off of the motorcycle as a result of the crash. The motorcycle continued onto the sidewalk on the north side of West Main Street and struck four pedestrians on the sidewalk, along with a light pole.
Bystanders attempted lifesaving measures on the pedestrian in the crosswalk, however they were unsuccessful. The crosswalk pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim, an 18 year-old female from New Jersey, is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
Three of the pedestrians on the sidewalk suffered minor injuries for which they refused transportation to a hospital. One of the sidewalk pedestrians suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider also suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider has not been charged with any offenses at this time while the case remains under investigation.
The Newark Police Department was assisted at the scene by the University of Delaware Police Department, Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit and New Castle County EMS paramedics.
The roadway was closed for about four hours while the scene was investigated and the pole and wires were cleared by the City of Newark Electric Department.
Victims of crime in Newark may contact our Victim Services Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Pennachi, at (302) 366-7100 x. 3137 or [email protected]. Our Victim Services Coordinator is available to provide resources to victims of crime and assist them through the investigation and prosecution process.
Breaking Report
The Newark Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday evening.
Late Tuesday evening, emergency crews responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Main Street in Newark, near the Deer Park Tavern. The incident occurred shortly after 11:50 PM and involved a motorcycle according to police,
Upon arrival, first responders found a woman in her 20s suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
A male, also in his 20s, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Christiana Hospital. The extent of his injuries remains undetermined.
Details surrounding the incident are still unclear. However, initial reports indicate that the woman may have been struck by the motorcycle at a high rate of speed. We are working to confirm those details.
Newark Police have issued a statement regarding the closure of West Main Street west of South College Avenue due to the severity of the crash.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.