WILMINGTON, DE — A 17-year-old pedestrian has died from injuries suffered after police allege another 17-year-old struck him with a vehicle following a traffic stop and brief police pursuit in Wilmington.
Wilmington police identified the victim as Brian Mondragon, 17. Police reported that Mondragon had been hospitalized in critical condition following the Aug. 23 collision near Taylor and Spruce streets and later died from his injuries.
The incident began at approximately 7:40 p.m. Aug. 23, when officers patrolling near 33rd and Washington streets observed a vehicle allegedly disregard a stop sign and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, according to police.
Police reported that the vehicle initially failed to stop before eventually pulling over in the 3000 block of North Madison Street. As officers spoke with the driver and occupants, the 17-year-old driver allegedly accelerated and fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle briefly before a supervisor terminated the pursuit, according to police.
A short time later, authorities learned that the vehicle had allegedly struck Mondragon near Taylor and Spruce streets. Officers provided emergency medical assistance before he was transported to a hospital in critical condition, police reported.
According to police, officers subsequently located the vehicle near Eighth and Spruce streets. Two 17-year-old males allegedly fled on foot and were taken into custody following brief foot pursuits.
Police reported that each teen was allegedly found carrying a loaded handgun, one of which was equipped with an extended magazine.
The 17-year-old accused of driving was initially charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, disregarding a police officer’s signal, reckless driving and failure to stop at a stop sign. Police later charged him with two counts of first-degree assault and additional traffic offenses.
Following Mondragon’s death, police reported that additional or upgraded charges are expected. Investigators are working with the Delaware Department of Justice.
The accused driver remains at the New Castle County Detention Center on $79,000 cash-only bail, according to police.
The second 17-year-old was charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon and resisting arrest. Police reported that he was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $11,000 cash-only bail.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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