State Police Arrest New Castle Man for Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in New Castle

Date Posted: Thursday, May 7th, 2026

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 28-year-old Cole Burgess of New Castle, Delaware, following a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian crash in New Castle on Wednesday.

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 12:20 a.m., a Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on Airport Road near East Edinburgh Drive in New Castle. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking northbound on Airport Road at the same location. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Jeep struck the pedestrian and then fled the scene without stopping.

The pedestrian, 60-year-old Teddy Huff Jr., of New Castle, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through investigative means, the Jeep was identified as belonging to Cole Burgess and was found in the backyard of his residence with damage consistent with the collision. Troopers took Burgess into custody during a traffic stop for an unrelated traffic violation, during which he was also found to be in possession of a concealed handgun.

Burgess was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below related to the crash, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $5,100 unsecured bond.

Mugshot of Cole Burgess

Leaving Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death (Felony)
Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury or Death

Burgess was also charged with the crimes listed below related to the unrelated traffic stop, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.

Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony)
Traffic Violation

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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.