NEWARK, Del. (TCN) — A 22-year-old man is behind bars for reportedly killing a college student and critically injuring another after he crashed a stolen and overdue U-Haul truck into a crowd of people.
According to the Newark Police Department, on April 29 at 3:49 p.m., officers received an alert about a stolen U-Haul van near South Main Street that was supposed to be returned in March 18. Police found the van at a shopping mall nearby on East Main Street and waited for the driver, Gordon Turner. Turner and another passenger got into the U-Haul at 4:34 p.m., and as officers approached the vehicle to arrest him, he reportedly drove over a curb, hit a police car, and fled “at a high rate of speed.”
Police emphasized in their statement that they “did not initiate a pursuit,” and instead remained in the shopping center parking lot. Turner allegedly continued driving fast on East Main Street until he lost control of the van and hit two pedestrians. The U-Haul reportedly also struck several parked cars, including one with four passengers in it and another with one person. Newark Police said the incident “caused a chain reaction where a third pedestrian was injured after being struck by a parked vehicle that was pushed during the collision.”
The Newark Police Communications Center became “inundated with 911 calls related to the crash,” and officers immediately arrived at the scene. They rendered aid to the victims, but a 24-year-old University of Delaware graduate school student was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another grad student, also 24, was hospitalized with serious injuries. That victim is reportedly in stable condition.
Paramedics transported Turner to a hospital for evaluation before he was turned over to police custody. The passenger in the U-Haul was also taken to Newark Police Headquarters but has not had any charges filed against them.
Turner was arrested on charges of second-degree murder — death caused during commission of a felony, second-degree murder — reckless conduct showing indifference to human life, first-degree assault — conduct creating risk of death or serious injury, disregarding a police officer’s signal, and possession/consumption of marijuana in excess of personal use quantity. Newark Police said Turner has warrants out for his arrest in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
Police towed the U-Haul for processing and reportedly found a handgun inside. Turner could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
University of Delaware president Dennis Assanis, provost Laura Carlson, and vice president for student life José-Luis Riera said in a statement, “Main Street is where we eat, shop, and share our lives with our friends, families, and classmates. Because it is part of the state’s roadway systems, we have been working with local and state officials this year, including our partners at Delaware Department of Transportation, to address traffic safety on and around Main Street. In the wake of this tragedy, we will reinforce and accelerate those efforts.”
It continued, “We recognize there isn’t a simple solution, particularly when these tragedies involve actions taken by individuals that may not be stopped by changes to roadways or infrastructure. However, this incident underscores that our collective efforts must take on renewed urgency.”