WILMINGTON, DE — A 17-year-old driver has been indicted on first- and second-degree murder charges following an August police pursuit and crash that Wilmington police said ultimately claimed the life of another 17-year-old.
Corporal Amir Young presented the case to a New Castle County grand jury on Sept. 28. The teenage driver was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, reckless endangering, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited and disregarding a police officer signal, according to Wilmington police. He also faces traffic-related charges.
The charges stem from an Aug. 23 incident that began at approximately 7:40 p.m., when officers attempted to stop a vehicle after police said they saw it disregard a stop sign near 33rd and Washington streets.
According to police, the vehicle initially failed to stop before pulling over in the 3000 block of North Madison Street. As officers spoke with the driver and occupants, police said the driver accelerated away.
Officers pursued the vehicle briefly before a supervisor terminated the pursuit, according to police.
A short time later, police learned the vehicle had struck 17-year-old pedestrian Brian Mondragon near Taylor and Spruce streets. Officers provided emergency medical assistance before Mondragon was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Police later reported that Mondragon died from his injuries.
Investigators located the vehicle near Eighth and Spruce streets. Police said two 17-year-old males fled on foot and were taken into custody after brief foot pursuits. Officers reported finding each teenager in possession of a loaded handgun, including one firearm loaded with an extended magazine.
The driver was initially charged with firearm and traffic offenses before police added two counts of first-degree assault. Following Mondragon’s death, investigators worked with the Delaware Department of Justice before the case was presented to the grand jury.
The 17-year-old driver remains committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $69,000 cash-only bail, according to police.
The second 17-year-old was charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon and resisting arrest in connection with the Aug. 23 incident. He was initially 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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