Delaware State Police say a South Jersey man fled the scene after striking and killing two 17-year-olds on Dupont Parkway before being stopped miles away in Smyrna.
TOWNSEND, Del. — A New Jersey man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the lives of two Delaware teenagers early Saturday morning.
Delaware State Police identified the driver as 23-year-old Nizaiah Ellis of Newfield, New Jersey. Investigators say Ellis left the scene after his vehicle struck two pedestrians who were walking an electric bicycle along Dupont Parkway in Townsend.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:10 a.m. on June 20 on southbound Dupont Parkway south of Denny Lynn Drive.
Two teenagers killed at scene
According to the preliminary investigation, a 17-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, both from Townsend, were walking an e-bike in or near the left lane of southbound Dupont Parkway.
At the same time, a Nissan Altima was traveling southbound toward the teenagers.
State police said the front of the Nissan struck both pedestrians. Investigators determined the driver initially stopped following the collision but then continued southbound, leaving the scene.
Both teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are withholding their identities pending notification of family members.
Troopers locate damaged vehicle
A short time later, troopers located the Nissan traveling southbound on Dupont Parkway near Paddock Road in Smyrna.
Police conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Ellis.
According to investigators, troopers observed damage to the Nissan that was consistent with the fatal collision. Through the investigation, police confirmed the vehicle had been involved in the crash.
Ellis was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 9 for processing.
Charges filed, bond set
State police said Ellis was charged with multiple offenses related to the fatal crash and subsequent hit-and-run.
Following arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court, Ellis was committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $12,050 secured bond.
Authorities did not immediately release a complete list of charges in the initial announcement.
The roadway remained closed for approximately four hours while investigators documented the scene and cleared the area.
The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the crash.
Key Points
• Nizaiah Ellis, 23, of Newfield, New Jersey, was arrested following a fatal hit-and-run crash in Townsend, Delaware.
• Two 17-year-old pedestrians walking an electric bicycle were struck and killed on Dupont Parkway.
• Troopers later stopped Ellis in Smyrna and found vehicle damage consistent with the collision.
