Bethany Beach PD Led on Chase after Conducting Wellness Check

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – An individual was arrested on Wednesday morning after police say they led officers on a high speed chase.

At 8:54 a.m., officers from the Bethany Beach Police Department (BBPD) responded to the area of Kent Avenue and Collins Street to conduct a wellness check. Callers reported a construction crew flagger in the intersection appeared to be slumped over while performing his duties.

Upon arrival on scene, police say the subject entered a vehicle in the immediate vicinity before fleeing from officers. At the same time, another construction crew member advised police that the subject was involved in a domestic related incident on scene with another crew member.

Officers attempted to apprehend the vehicle, which began a pursuit. The vehicle traveled towards Fenwick Island and turned its direction north, towards Bethany Beach. Officers discontinued the chase once the pursuit approached unsafe speeds and traveled towards an area with known pedestrians.

After the officers disengaged, the suspect reportedly entered the South Coastal Library parking lot. While traveling through private property, the suspect struck a house with the vehicle before fleeing on foot in a nearby cul-de-sac. BBPD were able to renengage with the suspect in the Bethany West development and narrow down their location with assistance of Delaware State Police Aviation.

At 11:04 a.m., police were able to apprehend the suspect on Pebble Court. Witnessing neighbors communicated suspicious activity to BBPD officers, who were able to locate the suspect hiding under a residence.

During the length of the established perimeter, Lord Baltimore Elementary School in Ocean View was placed into a precautionary lockdown, to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

Police say they are continuing to investigate this incident, and further information will be relaeased at a later date.