Two Injured In Crash Following Pursuit

Location: SR 23 (Beaver Dam Road) at Church Street, Lewes, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 1:20 a.m.

Operators and Vehicles:
Operator #1: Craig Hicks, 25, Seaford, DE
Vehicle #1: 2009 Nissan Murano

Operator #2: Leonard Eley, 34, Lewes, DE
Vehicle #2: 1996 Volkswagen Passat

Resume:
Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a motor vehicle crash in which two people were injured following a short vehicle pursuit that occurred early this morning in Lewes.

The incident began at approximately 1:20 a.m. this morning as a Delaware State Trooper on routine patrol observed a Volkswagen Passat driving in an erratic manner on southbound DE Rt. 1 in the area of CR 264 in Lewes. The Trooper activated his emergency equipment and with the assistance of a second Trooper, attempted to stop the Volkswagen. However the operator of the vehicle refused to stop. He then led Troopers on a pursuit along DE Rt. 1, Nassau Park Road, and DE Rt. 9 in Lewes. The vehicle then turned onto Church Street and as it reached the intersection of Beaver Dam Road, it failed to stop at a sign. The Volkswagen was then struck on its driver’s side door by a 2009 Nissan Murano which was traveling on westbound Beaver Dam Road and which was being operated by Craig Hicks, 25, of Seaford.

The operator of the Volkswagen, later identified as Leonard Eley, 34, of Lewes, was trapped in his vehicle for a period of time until he could be extricated by responding emergency personnel. He was then transported by EMS to the Beebe Memorial Hospital and then to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition. Craig Hicks was not injured; however, a passenger in his vehicle, Danniell Long, 33, of Seaford was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Two other passengers in Hick’s vehicle were not injured.

Beaver Dam Road was closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

This crash remains under investigation at this time and charges are expected. Alcohol is being considered as a factor in the crash.