DSP News Release: Man Charged after Fleeing in Stolen Vehicle 

Location:

·         3601 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:

·         Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 8:45 p.m.

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:

·         Michael E. Roark Jr.-20 of New Castle, DE (photo attached)

·         Disregarding a Police Officer Signal

·         Receiving Stolen Property

·         Resisting Arrest

·         Vehicular Assault Second Degree (2 counts)

·         Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

·         Aggressive Driving

·         Reckless Driving

·         Other traffic related offenses

·         Committed to HRYCI on $16,000 Secure Bond

Victims:

·         36 year old male from New Castle, DE

·         16 year old male from New Castle, DE

Resume:

New Castle-The Delaware State Police have charged Michael E. Roark Jr.-20 of New Castle, DE after attempting to elude police in a stolen vehicle.

The incident occurred last evening at approximately 8:30 p.m. when a Wilmington Police Officer on routine patrol attempted to stop a 2007 GMC box type van with New Jersey registration on Northeast Boulevard in the City of Wilmington. The van was reported stolen earlier the same day from the 100 block of North Dupont Highway, New Castle. The vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound on Governor Printz Boulevard, outside the City of Wilmington limits.  A Trooper in a fully marked patrol vehicle activated the emergency equipment in an attempt to conduct a vehicle stop. The van’s operator later identified as Michael E. Roark Jr. of New Castle, disregarded the attempt and continued northbound on Governor Printz Boulevard.  The van made a u-turn in the area of Governor Printz Boulevard and Rolling Drive and continued southbound.  Additional Troopers joined the pursuit which travelled along US 13 southbound to RT 141 southbound to RT 9 in New Castle.  Delaware State Police Helicopter Trooper 4 joined the pursuit in the area of RT 9 in Dobbinsville and continued aerial observation of the van. The State Police patrol vehicles deactivated their emergency lights and sirens and continued at a safe distance behind the van, while the helicopter monitored the direction of travel.  The van continued RT 9 to the area of Delaware City onto DE 71.  The van continued to travel on DE 71 and made its way to Frazer Road in Bear. Troopers were able to deploy disabling stop stick devices in the area of Frenchtown Road, deflating 2 of the van’s tires.  The van riding on 2 rims, continued onto US 40 eastbound, and then onto US 13 northbound. At approximately 9:30 p.m. the van travelled through a red light at the intersection of US 13 northbound at Wildel Avenue, New Castle.  The front of the van struck the driver’s side of a 2003 Nissan Maxima that was travelling westbound through the intersection with a green signal. The Maxima was being operated by a 36 year old male from New Castle.  After the crash, the van was disabled, and Roark attempted to flee on foot, and was quickly apprehended by Troopers.

The 36 year old male operator of the Maxima and a 16 year old male passenger of the Maxima were transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.  

Investigation revealed that Roark was wanted on active escape charges from a November 18, 2011 escape from the John L. Webb Correctional Facility, Greenbank Road (Prices Corner), Wilmington, DE.  

Roark was charged with the above crimes and committed to HRYCI on $16,000 Secured Bond. 

Released: 120211 1545