Wilmington, DE – A 4-month-old boy tragically died early Tuesday morning after the vehicle he was riding in fled a traffic stop and crashed, according to the Wilmington Police Department. The crash also sent three others to the hospital, with the driver reported in critical condition.
Traffic Stop Leads to Fatal Crash
The incident began just after 1 a.m. near the Marsh Road exit of I-95. Police attempted to pull over the vehicle, driven by a 33-year-old man who was reportedly wanted for several offenses. Instead of stopping, the driver fled the traffic stop, heading off the highway via the Marsh Road exit and into the intersection of Marsh and Edgemoor roads.
Surveillance footage provided to FOX 29 shows the SUV moving at a high speed as it passed through the intersection moments before the crash. Two Wilmington Police vehicles arrived at the scene seconds later.
Victims and Injuries
Four people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, including:
- Maurice Brown Jr., 4 months old – unrestrained in the car, later pronounced dead at a hospital
- 10-year-old girl – hospitalized in stable condition
- 32-year-old woman – hospitalized in stable condition
- 33-year-old driver – admitted in critical condition
Authorities noted that the infant was unrestrained in the car, raising questions about child safety practices during the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents described the chaotic scene:
- John Townsend, owner of Luv My Car Mobile, saw police attempting a stop near his shop moments before the crash. “It was so late at night… probably should’ve been cut somewhere along the line, but same time, not sure of the circumstances,” Townsend said.
- Cassandra Kauffman, a nearby resident, witnessed emergency responders remove the car seat. “I know that he wasn’t strapped in… it really broke me. Everybody in the car above adult age needs to be charged for what happened,” she said, expressing concern for the 10-year-old girl’s recovery.
The crash caused significant property damage, including part of a fence at a condo community, along with debris and spilled oil along the sidewalk.
Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Authorities have not yet disclosed what the driver was wanted for prior to the traffic stop. No official charges have been announced as of now. Police are continuing their investigation into the crash, including possible reckless driving, endangerment, or other related offenses.
The Wilmington Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact them.
What measures do you think can prevent tragedies like this, especially involving unrestrained children in vehicles? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
