The Newark Police remain on scene in the area of East Main Street and Haines Street following a fatal motor vehicle crash involving multiple pedestrians.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Newark Police officers located a U-Haul truck that had been reported as an unauthorized use vehicle on April 28, 2025. The vehicle had originally been rented but was not returned when it was due on March 18, 2025 police said. The truck was occupied by two suspects and was found parked in a lot in the 200 block of East Main Street.
As officers moved in to arrest the suspects, the truck fled the scene, driving over a curb and striking a marked police vehicle according to police. The suspects disregarded officer commands and exited the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Newark officers did not engage in a vehicle pursuit and remained in the shopping center.
At approximately 4:35 p.m., the suspect vehicle continued westbound on East Main Street at a high rate of speed and struck two pedestrians who were alongside a parked vehicle police said. The truck then struck multiple parked vehicles before becoming disabled further west on Main Street.
Officers were soon notified of the crash and immediately responded to render aid. Life-saving measures were attempted on the first pedestrian victim, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. although the University said the victim is a student, officials said they are withholding the name pending next-of-kin notification.
The second pedestrian sustained serious injuries. Newark Police officers provided initial care until personnel from Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, the University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit, Christiana Fire Company, and New Castle County Paramedics arrived. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, accompanied by paramedics. Their identity is also being withheld at this time.
Responding officers located the disabled U-Haul truck and detained both the driver and the passenger. The driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
According to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, three additional individuals were transported to a local emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries. Three others were treated on scene for minor injuries and declined further medical treatment or transport.
Police tell FSU that rumors of a chase on Capitol Trail and gunfire exchanged with officers at the crash scene were not true.
This incident is under active investigation by the Newark Police Department Traffic Unit. East Main Street remains closed in the area of South Chapel Street, and traffic is being diverted. The roadway is expected to remain closed for an extended period as the investigation continues.
At this time, this appears to be an isolated criminal and traffic incident. There is no known ongoing threat to the public police said.