VEHICLE PURSUIT LEADS TO DRUG AND FUGITIVE ARREST

Laurel, DE - On October 16, 2023, at approximately 9:35 PM, a Laurel Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of W 6^th Street and Howard Street after observing a vehicle commit a traffic violation.

In response to the traffic stop attempt, the suspect vehicle began driving recklessly on Greene Avenue and almost struck a pedestrian. The vehicle continued to flee from the officer at a high rate of speed in a reckless manner, narrowly missing collisions with other vehicles and roadside objects. 

The vehicle eventually continued Westbound on Portsville Road, then Southbound on Dogwood Lane where it briefly came to a stop. The pursuing officers attempted to give the driver commands to surrender, at which time the suspect intentionally collided with one of the patrol cars. The suspect vehicle continued to flee for a short distance, where it again intentionally collided with another patrol car and an unoccupied storage shed in the 33000 block of Horsey Church Road. The collisions rendered the patrol vehicle and suspect vehicle disabled. 

The suspect fled the vehicle on foot but was quickly apprehended. A subsequent search of the vehicle located heroin and marijuana. The suspect was transported by ambulance to Nanticoke ER for complaints of minor pain and cleared by medical staff shortly thereafter. 

He was then transported to Laurel PD for processing. 

The suspect was identified as Roy Kolaco (32) of Smyrna, DE. 

It was determined the he had a suspended driver's license and an active warrant out of Kent County Court of Common Pleas. Kolaco was charged with the following crimes:

Kolaco was unable to be arraigned to due potential impairment and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on an intoxication hold until he was fit for presentment. 

On 10/17/23 he was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. He is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.