Man killed in Blades crash after police pursuit ends in fatal wreck
BLADES, DE – A 58-year-old man from Seaford was killed Saturday night when a police pursuit ended in a violent crash in Blades, prompting an ongoing investigation by Delaware State Police.
The crash occurred following a pursuit that began under undisclosed circumstances. The driver, now identified as Purnell Collins, was pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle he was operating crashed during or shortly after the police chase. Officials have not released details about the reason for the pursuit or whether other vehicles or individuals were involved.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation. Troopers are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.
Authorities have not confirmed whether law enforcement was in active pursuit at the exact moment of the crash or if the pursuit had already been terminated. The precise cause of the crash and contributing factors remain under investigation.
Collins was the only reported fatality in the incident. It is unclear whether he was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit is providing support to those affected by the incident and is available 24/7 for those in need of assistance.
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Key Points
- Purnell Collins, 58, of Seaford, died in a crash following a police pursuit in Blades
- Delaware State Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash
- Witnesses are urged to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit with information
