Dewey Beach police arrest Wilmington man after high-speed chase

DEWEY BEACH, Del. — A Wilmington man was arrested Friday night after police said he led officers on a high-speed pursuit through Dewey Beach that endangered several pedestrians and drivers.

Dewey Beach police said Louis J. Fedele, 29, was taken into custody around 9:35 p.m. on Aug. 29 following a chase that reached speeds of more than 100 mph.

A motorcycle officer first spotted a black Acura SUV near New Orleans Street and Coastal Highway passing stopped cars and running a stop sign, according to police. When officers tried to pull the driver over, he allegedly fled southbound at 60 to 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.

At Dickinson Avenue, police said Fedele ran a red light and nearly struck three pedestrians crossing the highway. The pedestrians jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.

The chase continued toward the Indian River Inlet Bridge, where officers conducted a felony stop and arrested the driver without further incident.

Police said Fedele admitted to drinking alcohol before driving and told officers he fled to avoid a DUI arrest. A blood search warrant was executed, and toxicology results are pending.

Fedele is charged with three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, disregarding a police officer’s signal, driving under the influence of alcohol, aggressive driving and multiple traffic violations. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $4,306 secured bail.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Dewey Beach police at 302-227-1110. The case remains under investigation.