NEW CASTLE, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested two teenagers from New Jersey after a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash Sunday evening, authorities said.
The incident began around 4:50 p.m. on December 29, when troopers on patrol near State Route 1 southbound and Christiana Road observed a white 2012 Kia Optima with New Jersey tags. A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed it had been reported stolen earlier that day to Carneys Point Police in New Jersey.
Troopers attempted a traffic stop, but the Kia fled, speeding across the lawn of a residence on Lanford Road, narrowly missing a pedestrian, and striking a mailbox. The vehicle continued to evade law enforcement, committing multiple traffic violations, before colliding with a Nissan Maxima at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane.
Following the crash, the driver, a 14-year-old male from Penns Grove, exited the Kia and attempted to flee on foot but was captured after a brief chase. The passenger, a 16-year-old male from Deepwater, remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
The driver of the Nissan Maxima was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Charges against the teens include multiple felony offenses, and the investigation is ongoing.