Delaware State Police
News Release

Parents of Fleeing Driver Arrested for Falsely Reporting Incident

Released Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police have arrested the parents of Reagan M. Ogden for their participation in reporting the vehicle driven by their son in the fatal crash as stolen.

Today, investigators arrested Regan M. Ogden and Mary E. Ogden, both 53 of Greenwood for Hindering Prosecution (F), Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (F) and Falsely Reporting an Incident (M). In addition, Ms. Ogden was also charged with Knowingly Permitting an Unlicensed Driver to Operate a Vehicle.

These charges stem from the fact that both persons had falsified the report of the stolen vehicle and hindered the police investigation by providing false information to police as to their son’s involvement. Investigators were able to determine that these persons were aware of what their son was involved in and knowingly attempted to defraud investigators in their efforts.

Investigators also learned that Ms. Ogden knew her son did not possess a valid driver’s license and allowed him to drive the vehicle. Both were arrested after they voluntarily surrendered to police at Troop 5 in Bridgeville. Mr. Ogden was released on a $1250.00 unsecured bond and Ms. Ogden was released on a $1350.00 unsecured bond.

Note: the spelling of the names is correct. The father and son gave similar names.

 

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Update #4 on Bridgeville Fatal Crash

Members of the Collision Reconstruction Unit have completed their examination of the van involved in the crash. They have confirmed that the van had 3 rear bench seats that were equipped with functioning seatbelts to accommodate 3 persons in each row.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Update #3 – Identities of Deceased Released

The Delaware State Police are providing additional information on the crash. Kayla Tate, 12 of Lewes and Tashaun Mallory, 10 of Laurel were the two persons killed in the crash. As previously reported they were not wearing seatbelts.

The other passengers in the van include: 27 year old Bridgeville woman, 23 year old Laurel woman, 17 year old Lewes male, 14 year old Seaford male, 13 year old Laurel female, 13 year old Laurel female, 10 year old Seaford male, 9 year old Laurel male, 9 year old Bridgeville male, 7 year old Lewes female and a 3 year old Laurel female.

Investigators are continuing the investigation and will conduct a thorough examination of the van to ascertain what seatbelts, if any, were available to the 11 persons unsecured in the rear of the van.

Additional investigation surrounding the falsely reporting of the stolen vehicle is underway. When and if any charges are filed in regards to that portion of the investigation an update will be provided.

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Update #2 Bridgeville Crash – Greenwood Man Arrested after Investigation Revealed Stolen Vehicle Falsely Reported

Released Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 33 year old Greenwood man for two counts of Vehicular Homicide and additional charges after an investigation into the crash and a reported stolen vehicle revealed Reagan M. Ogden was the operator driving the Dodge Neon and the car was falsely reported stolen.

This resulted after investigators questioned the validity of the reported stolen Neon, which was reported at 9:06 pm and understanding the crash occurred at approximately 8:46 pm. Investigators learned the person reporting the vehicle stolen to police was the mother of Reagan Ogden. Police learned she had a son who resided at the home with her and suspected that the alleged stolen vehicle report may be fictitious and potentially he was the operator.

Last evening at approximately 12:30 am, troopers continuing the investigation contacted Ogden at the Gray Stone lane residence and observed an abrasion to his nose. Initially, Ogden informed police the vehicle was stolen and he was not the operator. After additional questioning he admitted to police he was involved in the crash and fled the scene. Investigators learned after the crash Ogden ran to a convenience store in Bridgeville and called a person who picked him up and gave him a ride to his mother’s residence.

The investigation also revealed Tonekia Townsend, 26 of Lewes was the operator of the van. She and an additional front seat passenger were the only occupants wearing seatbelts. The 11 rear passengers, including a 10 year old female and a 12 year old female who died in the crash, did not have a seatbelt available to them. Because of this the 12 year old was partially ejected and the 10 year old was fully ejected.

Reagan M. Ogden was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death and Driving after Judgment Prohibited. He was remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of a $55,000 cash bail.

The identities of the persons killed will be released later this morning. All of the other persons injured in the crash have sustained non-life threatening injuries. Information regarding their age and sex will be released later today.

This crash remains under investigation.

Update #1 on Bridgeville Fatal Crash – Two Confirmed Deceased

Released Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are providing additional details surrounding the fatal crash that occurred earlier tonight on US 13. It has been confirmed that two female juveniles have died in the crash. Their ages have not been confirmed as of the time of this release.

Investigators have learned that a 1997 Dodge Neon was reported stolen from a residence in the 8100 block of Gray Stone Lane, Greenwood shortly after 9:00 pm. In this case it was reported the vehicle was parked in the driveway of the home with the engine running and doors unsecured. An unknown subject entered the vehicle and fled the area.

Investigators learned the stolen Dodge was traveling southbound on US 13 in the left lane at a high rate of speed when it approached a 1997 Ford Van that was occupied by 13 persons. The van was registered to the Grace-N-Mercy Ministries in Georgetown and was also traveling southbound in the left lane ahead of the Dodge. 

Preliminary investigation reveals the Dodge, traveling at a high rate of speed, came upon the van and attempted to swerve to the right just prior to impacting the van when it struck the rear of the van casing the van to lose control and enter the center grass median. The van then overturned eventually coming to rest in the northbound lanes on its passenger side.

As a result two juvenile female passengers were killed and 10 other persons were injured and taken to area hospitals for injuries sustained in the crash. Their status is currently unknown. Witnesses informed investigators they observed a single male subject exit the Dodge and run westbound from the crash site into a wooded area. The only description provided was a white male or Hispanic male.

An area search conducted by DSP and Maryland State Police Helicopters, K-9’s and several municipal police officers proved futile as they were unable to locate the fleeing subject. The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding the operator of the Dodge Neon to contact investigators at 302.645.8221, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333.

Additional details will be released tomorrow morning. The roadway is expected to be reopened at 12:30 am.

 

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Preliminary Release – Fatal Crash near Bridgeville

Released Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a fatal crash involving two vehicles in the area of US 13 and Laverty Lane near Bridgeville. There is one confirmed fatality with several other persons reported injured.

Preliminary reports indicate a van and a car were involved and after the crash occurred the operator of the car fled the scene on foot. As a result of the crash US 13 has been closed in both directions.

This crash occurred at approximately 8:46 pm. When additional details are available they will be provided. Currently, there is no information available on the fleeing operator.