Two Philadelphia residents were arrested after Delaware State Police say they led troopers on a reckless pursuit in a stolen vehicle through Kent County, striking a police SUV before crashing on Route 1.
A 19-year-old man and a teenage passenger from Philadelphia are facing charges after an attempted traffic stop escalated into a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle across several Kent County roadways.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers spotted a Nissan Altima reported stolen in Pennsylvania traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway near Walnut Shade Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
When troopers attempted a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and fled, prompting a pursuit.
Pursuit Moved Through Residential Community
Investigators said the stolen Altima sped through the Canterbury Crossing community and drove recklessly on multiple roads throughout Kent County.
During the chase, the vehicle collided with a Delaware State Police Tahoe before continuing to flee.
Authorities said the driver maintained a high rate of speed while attempting to evade law enforcement.
Stop Sticks End Chase on Route 1
The pursuit came to an end after troopers deployed stop sticks.
Police said the Nissan eventually struck a wire-rope median barrier on Route 1 near Twin Willows Road and came to a stop.
The driver, identified as 19-year-old Aveion Edwards-Thomas of Philadelphia, and a 16-year-old passenger were taken into custody without incident.
Neither occupant was injured during the pursuit.
Charges Filed Against Driver
Edwards-Thomas was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where he was charged with multiple offenses related to the pursuit and stolen vehicle investigation.
He was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $2,900 cash bond.
State police did not immediately release the complete list of charges in the initial announcement.
Information regarding charges against the juvenile passenger was not released.
Investigation Continues
The incident remains under investigation by Delaware State Police.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the case proceeds.
Key Points
• Delaware State Police arrested two Philadelphia residents after a pursuit involving a stolen Nissan Altima.
• Troopers said the fleeing vehicle struck a police SUV and drove recklessly through Kent County.
• The chase ended on Route 1 after stop sticks were deployed and the vehicle crashed into a median barrier.