NEW CASTLE, DE — Delaware State Police have charged a New Castle man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian early Wednesday morning.
According to the Delaware State Police, the crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Airport Road near East Edinburgh Drive.
Investigators said a Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on Airport Road when it allegedly struck a pedestrian who was also walking northbound in the area.
Police alleged the driver fled the scene without stopping or reporting the crash.
Authorities identified the victim as 60-year-old Teddy Huff Jr. of New Castle. Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, troopers later identified the Jeep as belonging to Cole Burgess, 28, of New Castle. Police said the vehicle was found in the backyard of Burgess’ residence with damage consistent with the collision.
Troopers later took Burgess into custody during what police described as an unrelated traffic stop. According to investigators, Burgess was also allegedly found in possession of a concealed handgun during the stop.
Police said Burgess was charged in connection with the crash with leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, a felony, and failure to report a collision resulting in injury or death.
Authorities also charged Burgess with carrying a concealed deadly weapon involving a firearm, along with a traffic violation, related to the separate traffic stop.
According to police, Burgess was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $5,100 unsecured bond for the crash-related charges. He was also released on his own recognizance for the weapons and traffic-related charges.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the crash. Troopers asked anyone who witnessed the collision or has video footage to contact Cpl. K. Oakes at 302-365-8483 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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