*Update – Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigating Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Laurel

Date Posted: Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

The Delaware State Police have arrested 63-year-old James Elliott, of Laurel, Delaware, for vehicular homicide, and related charges, following the fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred in Laurel on August 27, 2026.

During the crash investigation, troopers contacted the driver of the Nissan Frontier, identified as James Elliott, at the hospital. During their contact, Elliott showed signs of impairment and troopers subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant for a sample of his blood at the hospital.

On September 3, 2026, Elliott was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace, and committed to the Department of Correction on a $21,500 cash bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Vehicular Homicide Second Degree – Driving Under the Influence – Negligent Causing Death (Felony)
• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol
• Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or has related video, to contact Sergeant A. Mitchell by calling (302) 703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (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.

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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