On Tuesday, a University of Delaware student was killed and eight others injured after a stolen U-Haul truck struck both pedestrians and vehicles while fleeing police in downtown Newark.
Officials said Newark police officers located the missing U-Haul parked in a lot on the 200 block of East Main Street around 4:30 p.m. The truck had been reported stolen after not being returned on its March 18th due date.
As officers approached the truck to take two occupants into custody, the driver sped out of the lot, jumped a curb, and struck a marked Newark police vehicle before fleeing westbound on East Main Street. Officers did not pursue the truck.
Approximately five minutes later and traveling at a high rate of speed, the U-Haul struck two pedestrians standing near a parked car then collided with several other parked vehicles before breaking down and stopping, police said.
Responding officers administered life-saving efforts to the University of Delaware student, one of the pedestrians, who died from their injuries. One other pedestrian suffered serious injuries and three others were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. An additional three people suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment.
The U-Haul driver and passenger were arrested at the scene. The driver, who sustained serious injuries, was also transported to a local hospital.
The University of Delaware released a statement assuring students there was no ongoing threat to campus. Students reported receiving safety alerts about the incident.
Tuesday’s fatality marks the second deadly crash in Newark in two days and the second pedestrian crash on Main Street involving a fleeing suspect in the current academic year. In late August 2024, a university freshman was fatally struck by a motorcyclist running from police. Authorities said no pursuit occurred in that case either.
East Main Street was closed near South Chapel Street for several hours Tuesday evening. The accident remains under investigation by the Newark Police Department Traffic Unit.
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