4-month-old dies after driver crashes while fleeing from police in Delaware

In Wilmington, Delaware, a tragic incident occurred early in the morning of September 16, 2025, involving a police pursuit that ended in a fatal crash. According to police reports, officers initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 95 around 1:15 AM on a vehicle driven by a man, identified as 33 years old, who was wanted for various offenses. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated away from officers, veering toward the Marsh Road exit. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, struck another car near the junction of Marsh and Edgemoor roads shortly thereafter. The aftermath of the crash revealed the severe consequences of the driver's actions. Inside the vehicle, a 4-month-old infant, Maurice Brown Jr., was found unrestrained and suffered critical injuries; he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver also sustained critical injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Alongside the infant, two other passengers, a 32-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl, were transported to the hospital but were reported to be in stable condition. As the incident unfolded, surveillance footage obtained by local news outlets showed the fleeing SUV navigating through an intersection at high speeds before colliding with another vehicle. The Wilmington Police Department is currently investigating the incident, with the driver expected to face criminal charges not only for the crash itself but also for the death of the infant. Such pursuits often raise significant questions regarding police protocol and the safety of pursuits, especially when innocent lives are impacted. The Wilmington police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and public sentiment concerning the pursuit and the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is likely to be a topic of discussion. The outcome of the investigation and any potential charges could play a substantial role in shaping responses from both law enforcement and the community as a whole. This incident highlights critical issues surrounding public safety, vehicular regulations, and the responsibilities of drivers when they attempt to evade law enforcement. Especially during high-speed pursuits, the risks to passengers, including minors, increase exponentially. The absence of seatbelts in the case of Maurice Brown Jr. reflects the ever-pressing need for public awareness regarding vehicle safety, particularly for young passengers. Law enforcement agencies may also be compelled to reevaluate their pursuit policies and the associated risks to civilians in such situations.