Police chase through parts of Sussex County ends with arrest of wanted Wilmington man

Delaware State Police arrested a Wilmington man after he led them on a vehicle pursuit in a stolen truck through parts of Sussex County.

According to the Delaware State Police Department, shortly after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, troopers witnessed a Dodge Ram Pickup traveling at a high rate of speed on Broadkill Road approaching Coastal Highway near Milton.

Troopers attempted to pull the truck over at which time the driver continued to accelerate, traveling at a high rate of speed, and committing multiple traffic violations, police said. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Herring Branch Road after traveling through a field and damaging multiple crops.

The driver, identified as 55-year-old Joseph S. Sanders, of Wilmington, got out of the vehicle and tried to flee on foot, according to police. Troopers were able to apprehend Sanders a short distance away without further incident.

Police learned that the vehicle Sanders was driving was reported stolen and that he was wanted out of Troop 3 in connection with two alleged thefts from motor vehicles in the Milton-area where he reportedly forced his way inside, causing damage.

Sanders also had active warrants for Burglary out of the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Department, according to police. An inquiry also revealed that Sanders’ drivers license was suspended and that he had an active capias out of the Sussex County Family Court.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.4 grams of marijuana.

Sanders was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony), Theft (2 counts), Criminal Mischief (3 counts), Resisting Arrest, Driving While Suspended, Reckless Driving, Aggressive Driving, Failure to Stop At a Red Light (4 counts), Failure to Stop At a Stop Sign (6 counts), Driving Vehicle at Unreasonable or Imprudent Speed (15 counts), Possession of Marijuana, and other Traffic Related Offenses.

Sanders was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $15,093 cash only bond.