Laurel PD searching for pursuit suspect

LAUREL, Del. – Police are searching for a man who led them on a chase early Tuesday morning in Laurel.

Shortly before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, an officer was patrolling the area of County Seat Highway in Laurel when a silver/gray 2014 Ford Fusion was seen traveling westbound without proper headlights. The officer tried to stop the vehicle as it turned northbound on Sussex Highway, however the driver began accelerating in an attempt to flee from the officer, reaching speeds in excess of 120 mph in a 55 mph zone. The chase continued into Seaford, where Seaford Police officers tried deploying stop sticks but were not able to do so due to other traffic conditions. The vehicle continued driving in a reckless manner, failing to maintain a single lane, running red traffic signals, and putting the lives of other motorists in danger.

The officer discontinued the chase in the interest of public safety.

An extensive follow-up investigation was continued, with officers obtaining probable cause to obtain warrants for the driver, identified as 18-year-old Gary Leonard. Leonard is wanted for disregarding a police officer signal, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license, and multiple traffic offenses. Police say he is also wanted by Delaware State Police for an unrelated investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident or Leonard’s whereabouts is asked to contact Laurel PD at 302-875-2244 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.