The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday night in Milford after a suspect fled from a traffic stop.
On January 11, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation on Johnson Road near North Old State Road in Lincoln. A computer check also showed a registration violation for the vehicle. The trooper pulled the Altima over on North Old State Road, but after stopping, it sped away for unknown reasons before the trooper had exited their vehicle. During the ensuing pursuit, the Altima drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed on several area roads, and the pursuit was ultimately canceled for the safety of other motorists. Shortly after the pursuit was canceled, the Altima crashed on Lakeview Avenue within the city limits of Milford.
The preliminary crash investigation showed that, while traveling at a high rate of speed, the Altima left the roadway on the south side of Lakeview Avenue and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle then crossed West Clarke Avenue, striking a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard before spinning and ultimately colliding with a large tree.
The driver of the Altima, a 37-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
Lakeview Avenue was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.