NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. DDN – A 22-year-old man from West Chester, Pennsylvania, led Delaware State Police on a high-speed chase spanning over 45 miles before crashing near Frederica and being taken into custody.
The pursuit began Friday around 12:45 p.m. when New Castle County Police attempted to stop Thomas Casey, who was driving a BMW with Pennsylvania plates on a bare rim. Delaware State Police joined the chase as Casey headed south on State Route 1 through Middletown.
During the pursuit, debris from the damaged vehicle caused multiple hazards. A metal brake caliper detached and struck the windshield of a DSP vehicle, narrowly missing the trooper inside. Further south, Casey swerved to avoid traffic spikes twice, nearly hitting officers attempting to deploy them.
The chase ended when Casey crashed into a utility pole near Frederica after colliding with a traffic sign. He attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended, though he resisted, causing minor injuries to the troopers. Authorities observed signs of impairment, and a legal blood test was conducted.
Casey faces multiple charges, including assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest with force, and driving under the influence of drugs. He is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on a $50,877 cash bond.