WILMINGTON, DE — What began as a routine patrol near Maryland Avenue escalated into a multi-agency arrest Sunday afternoon after officers encountered a vehicle reported stolen just one day earlier, authorities said.
According to police, at approximately 12:40 p.m. on December 21, an officer assigned to D-Squad observed a white Acura TLX traveling toward the City of Wilmington. A registration check allegedly revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen on December 20 and was under investigation by the Delaware State Police.
When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, police allege the driver — later identified as 43-year-old David Smith of Wilmington — fled at a high rate of speed into the city. During the pursuit, the officer reportedly observed the Acura disregard multiple traffic control devices, including several stop signs. Due to the alleged reckless speed through residential neighborhoods, the officer ultimately lost sight of the vehicle.
A short time later, a New Castle County police officer located the Acura abandoned at the intersection of West 2nd Street and North Union Street. A description of the driver was broadcast to responding units. Police said a Delaware State Trooper soon spotted an individual matching that description on South Union Street and took Smith into custody without further incident.
Investigators allege Smith was already being sought by the New Castle County Police Department in connection with a separate burglary investigation. Police said that on December 5, at approximately 4:10 a.m., a business in the 3300 block of Old Capitol Trail was forcibly entered, with cash and more than 30 cartons of cigarettes reported stolen. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit had identified Smith as the alleged suspect and had been actively searching for him prior to Sunday’s arrest.
Smith was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters and charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including allegations of disregarding a police officer’s signal, wearing a disguise during a felony, third-degree burglary, theft under $1500, reckless driving, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and driving while suspended or revoked. Police also cited Smith for multiple traffic violations, including seven alleged failures to stop at posted stop signs and an unattended motor vehicle violation.
Authorities further reported that Smith had an outstanding warrant related to motor vehicle theft and other charges issued by the Delaware State Police. He was arraigned on all charges from both agencies by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $23,000 cash bail.
Police emphasized that all charges stem from allegations outlined in criminal complaints. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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