Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Troopers Arrest New Castle Man after Pursuit – North Wilmington

Date Posted: Thursday, December 13th, 2018

Wilmington – The Delaware State Police have charged a New Castle man with multiple offenses after he led them on a pursuit while driving under the influence of drugs.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2018 when a Trooper observed a white Kia Spectra, displaying a fictitious PA registration, traveling US 202 northbound, south of Florence Ave., in Wilmington. The Trooper then activated his emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The operator failed to comply, accelerated and proceeded through a red light at the intersection with Florence Ave., before proceeding onto the southbound right shoulder of US 202 while still traveling northbound. The operator then ran a red light at the intersection of US 202 and Prospect Avenue before turning onto Mt. Lebanon Rd., westbound. Once on Mt. Lebanon Rd. the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a turn at the intersection with Rockland and in turn struck a stone wall head on. Upon impact, the engine compartment of the vehicle briefly caught fire. The Trooper immediately approached the Kia and removed the operator from the vehicle. The driver, who would later be identified as Justin R. Eckenroad, 33 of New Castle, was then transported to the Christiana Hospital by Delaware State Police helicopter Trooper 4, where he was admitted with serious injuries.

Warrants are currently on file charging Eckenroad with the below listed offenses. The warrants will be executed upon his discharge from the hospital.