Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian and Motorcycle on West Main Street
On August 27, 2024, at about 2353 hours, a University of Delaware police officer attempted to stop a motorcycle for the commission of a traffic offense. The attempted stop occurred on East Main Street just west of South Chapel Street. The motorcycle disregarded the police officer’s emergency lights and fled at a high rate of speed westbound on East Main Street. The University of Delaware police officer did not engage in a pursuit with the motorcycle and extinguished his emergency lights when the motorcycle fled at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle continued westbound on East Main Street at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk on West Main Street, just west of North College Avenue. This crash occurred within one minute of the attempt to stop the motorcycle. The motorcyclist came off of the motorcycle as a result of the crash. The motorcycle continued onto the sidewalk on the north side of West Main Street and struck four pedestrians on the sidewalk, along with a light pole.
Bystanders attempted lifesaving measures on the pedestrian in the crosswalk, however they were unsuccessful. The crosswalk pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim, an 18 year-old female from New Jersey, is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
Three of the pedestrians on the sidewalk suffered minor injuries for which they refused transportation to a hospital. One of the sidewalk pedestrians suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider also suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider has not been charged with any offenses at this time while the case remains under investigation.
The Newark Police Department was assisted at the scene by the University of Delaware Police Department, Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit and New Castle County EMS paramedics.
The roadway was closed for about four hours while the scene was investigated and the pole and wires were cleared by the City of Newark Electric Department.
This crash remains under investigation by the Newark Police Department Traffic Unit. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact M/Cpl W. Aston at (302) 366-7100 x. 3414 or waston@newark.de.us. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
Victims of crime in Newark may contact our Victim Services Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Pennachi, at (302) 366-7100 x. 3137 or mpennachi@newark.de.us. Our Victim Services Coordinator is available to provide resources to victims of crime and assist them through the investigation and prosecution process.
Prior Releases:
Traffic Alert – Roadway Open
Traffic Alert – Roadway Closed
