A motorcyclist has been arrested and charged in a crash that killed an 18-year-old University of Delaware freshman on August 27.
Brian Briddle, 27, was taken into custody at his Newark residence on August 29. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, among others.
Authorities reported that Briddle was speeding on a motorcycle near the University of Delaware’s campus at approximately 11:50 p.m. A University of Delaware police officer attempted to stop him for traffic violations, but Briddle ignored the emergency signals and fled westbound on East Main Street. The officer did not pursue.
While evading the officer, Briddle struck Noelia Gomez, a freshman crossing West Main Street, as well as four other pedestrians on the sidewalk and a light pole. Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, while three of the injured pedestrians refused hospital treatment. A fourth pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a medical facility.
Briddle also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. He has since been arraigned and is held on $362,005 cash bail at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
The Newark Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 302-366-7100, extension 3414.