A 17-year-old who was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle that had fled from Wilmington Police has died from his injuries.
The collision occurred on August 23 after Wilmington Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle near 33rd and Washington streets at approximately 7:40 p.m. after officers observed the vehicle disregard a stop sign.
The vehicle initially failed to stop before eventually pulling over in the 3000 block of North Madison Street. As officers spoke with the driver and occupants, police said the 17-year-old driver suddenly accelerated and fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle for a short time before a supervisor terminated the pursuit.
A short time later, police learned the vehicle had struck the victim in the area of Taylor and Spruce streets. Officers provided emergency medical assistance before he was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Police announced Monday that the victim had succumbed to his injuries.
The vehicle was later located near 8th and Spruce streets. Two 17-year-old males fled on foot and were taken into custody following brief foot pursuits. Police said each was found in possession of a loaded handgun, including one handgun loaded with an extended magazine.
The 17-year-old driver was initially charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, disregarding a police officer signal, reckless driving and failure to stop at a stop sign.
Police said the driver was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree assault and additional traffic-related offenses. He remains held at the New Castle County Detention Center on $79,000 cash-only bail.
Following the victim’s death, police said the driver’s charges are expected to be upgraded. Investigators are working with the Delaware Department of Justice in connection with the case.
The second 17-year-old was charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
