Teens hurt in hit-and-run crash in Wilmington

Wilmington police are searching for an SUV that injured two teens Sunday in a hit-and-run crash in the city's Southbridge neighborhood.

The two teens – brothers, according to neighbors – were riding a dirt bike when they entered the intersection of A and Townsend streets before being struck by a black or dark blue Tahoe or Yukon, according Wilmington police.

Both children were ejected from the bike and taken to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Rockland, police department spokesman Master Sgt. Don Bluestein said.

A 13-year-old boy sustained multi-system injuries, including a head injury and seriously injured his lower leg, Sgt. Michael A. McColley of New Castle County paramedics said. The boy was taken by a Delaware State Police helicopter to the hospital and was in critical condition, he said.

A 16-year-old boy was in serious condition with a head injury, McColley said.

Nicole Martin, 31, of Wilmington, said she witnessed the accident from her cousin's steps on Townsend Street, about a block from the crash site.

Martin, and others, said the boys were struck and thrown from the dirt bike onto the sidewalk.

"I got up and started running," Martin said. "Once I got to the corner, the babies were laying on the ground."

Martin and others said the SUV was speeding through the intersection at the time of the accident.

On either side of A Street, Townsend Street is one-way in opposite directions, which should keep crossing traffic out of the intersection.

Martin said the driver, whom she could not identify, initially pulled over and then fled as she called 911. Witnesses told police there was damage to the vehicle's right front, police said.

"Whoever it was, you just need to bring yourself in," Martin said. "You know you did damage. Just turn yourself in to give this family peace."

Several neighbors said the two boys were among a number of neighborhood children who ride their bikes along the streets, including most of the day Sunday. By 6:30 p.m., Townsend and A streets were again swarming with activity, with neighborhood children bouncing basketballs, walking and riding bicycles through the area.

Another neighbor along Townsend Street, who would not give her name, said she did not see the accident, but heard the collision and saw the victims lying on the sidewalk after leaving her house.

"He was just yelling out for 'mommy, mommy, mommy'" the neighbor said. "It's just heartbreaking."

Anyone with information about the SUV or collision can call the Wilmington Police Department at (302) 654-5151 or call 911.

Contact Jonathan Starkey at (302) 983-6756, on Twitter @jwstarkey or at jstarkey@delawareonline.com.