NEW CASTLE, DE – A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen SUV ended in a crash along Route 1 Thursday morning, leaving four suspects in custody and a stolen handgun recovered, according to Delaware State Police.
The incident began around 9:50 a.m. when a trooper assigned to the Highway Safety Unit observed a Kia Sportage traveling southbound near School House Road at what police described as a high rate of speed. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and refused to pull over, prompting a brief pursuit that was later discontinued due to public safety concerns just south of the William V. Roth Jr. Bridge.
Crash follows discontinued pursuit
The vehicle’s description was broadcast to other law enforcement units in the area. A short time later, troopers searching near Route 1 and Middletown Odessa Road spotted the Kia as it approached at a high rate of speed before striking a tractor-trailer and overturning in the center median.
Troopers responded to the crash scene and took all four occupants into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen from Alabama. Investigators also confirmed the Kia Sportage had been reported stolen by the Dover Police Department.
Charges and custody details
The driver, identified as 24-year-old Xavier Lamour of Dover, was transported to Troop 9, where he was charged with multiple felonies, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, receiving a stolen firearm, receiving stolen property, and disregarding a police officer signal, along with related traffic offenses.
Lamour was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $50,504 secured bond.
Three additional suspects — a 16-year-old male from Dover, a 15-year-old male from Dover, and a 15-year-old male from Harrington — were also taken to Troop 9. Each was charged with the same felony offenses and related traffic violations. They were arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families on $55,000 secured bonds.
Delaware State Police continue to investigate the incident.
Delaware State Police pursuit, Route 1 crash New Castle, stolen firearm recovery Delaware, Kia Sportage stolen Dover, Xavier Lamour arrest
