Friday Night Fatal Accident at Route 8 and Independence Blvd. 7-6-2019

Incident/Complaint#:  50-19-21175

Date/Time:  Friday, July 5th, 2019 at 8:48PM

Location: Forrest Avenue, just west of Independence Blvd., Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Friday, July 5th and is also seeking a second driver involved in the incident.  At approximately 8:48PM, Brandon Pleines (21, Dover), was operating a Toyota Rav-4, eastbound on Route 8/Forrest Avenue, approaching Independence Blvd.  According to witnesses, an unknown large dark blue or black sedan was in the left lane, to the side of Pleines vehicle when it merged into the right lane, striking the driver side of Pleines vehicle.  The initial collision caused the Pleines’ Rav-4 to swerve to the right, striking a curb which then caused the vehicle to roll over several times, striking a light pole and a mailbox.  The second driver (described as being a black male) then turned off the headlights to his vehicle and fled the area in an eastbound direction.

As a result of the incident, Brandon Pleines succumbed to his injuries.  Pleines’ passenger also suffered non life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111 and ask for Officer Nicolosi. Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com; a cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.