LAUREL POLICE INVESTIGATE A MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH THAT LEFT 6-YEAR OLD INJURED

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May 26, 2024
Laurel, DE - On May 25, 2024, at approximately 3:49 pm, Laurel Police Department Officers were dispatched with the Laurel Fire Department and Sussex County Paramedics to the 100 Block of West Street in Laurel, Delaware, for a vehicle collision. Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian before colliding with a house.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a single-vehicle collision into a multifamily residential structure. In addition to the building, the vehicle had driven through a grass lawn and two fences.

In the process of the collision, the vehicle also struck a 6-year-old male that had been sitting on a small staircase outside the house.

The investigation determined that the vehicle was a 2010 Ford Focus and at the time of the crash, was being operated by Odes Fleurgeme (25) of Laurel, Delaware.

The vehicle was leaving a residential driveway on the East side of West Street attempting to join Northbound traffic. For unknown reasons, the driver accelerated significantly while still turning significantly to the right.

The vehicle continued to drive to the right, leaving the roadway shortly after entering it. Rather than press the brake, the operator pressed the gas pedal as he drove through two fences.

The vehicle then struck a 6-year-old male, the driver's son, before colliding with the driver's own house. Due to the collision, electric and utility connections were significantly damaged as well.

The 6-year-old victim sustained a leg injury. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.

On May 26, 2024, investigators contacted the hospital to follow-up on the patient's condition and learned that he was released after being treated for his injury.

The driver did not display any signs of impairment and received two traffic citations for Inattentive Driving and Inadequate Brakes. He is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

This is an on-going investigation. If you or someone you know has information related to this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244 or by direct message to this page.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-847-3333 or texting "KEYWORD" followed by your information to CRIMES (274637). Tips submitted to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest are potentially eligible for a cash reward.