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State of Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Division of State Police
Superintendent Robert M. Coupe |
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DSP News Release: Tuesday, November 17, 2009- Wild Ride for Townsend Man Ends in Arrest
Location: Valero, 4235 DuPont Parkway, Townsend, Delaware, New Castle County
Date of Occurrence: Monday, November 16, 2009, at 6:38 p.m.
Suspect(s): Vincenzo A. Tollis, 19, of Walnut Street in Townsend, Delaware
Resume: Yesterday evening, Troopers were called to the Townsend Valero for a report of a vehicle theft. In this case, the vehicle owner pulled up in her 1996 Pontiac Bonneville and left her vehicle running in the parking lot while she went inside to get a pack of cigarettes. While she was inside, Vincent Tollis allegedly jumped in the vehicle and took off.
After speaking with the vehicle owner, a general broadcast was issued to other officers on the street to be on the look out for the Pontiac.
A short time later, Probation and Parole Officers were in the parking lot of the Arby’s, on Route 301, in Middletown, when then spotted Tollis. The suspect drove away from this location and the P&P officers followed.
Tollis turned into Middletown Village and down Liborio Drive. This is a dead end street. He brought the Pontiac to a stop and the officers approached on foot. As the officers walked toward him, he put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated quickly, driving directly at the Probation Officers causing them to have to jump out of the way to avoid being run over. Tollis then fled eastbound and out of the neighborhood.
Additional officers converged on the scene and began to check the area. The Pontiac was located on Cedar Lane Road and it made its way over and into the development of Dove Run. The Pontiac accelerated and began to drive recklessly in the development so officers discontinued the pursuit.
Apparently, Tollis took a turn to fast and struck a curb on Remington Drive rendering the Pontiac inoperable. He then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A search by a DSP K-9 yielded Mr. Tollis in a wooded area by Middletown High School. The K-9 handler was able to apprehend Tollis without further incident.
Vincenzo Tollis was transported back to Troop 9 and formally charged with the following offenses: Reckless Endangering 1st (felony), Motor Vehicle Theft (felony), Disregarding a Police Officers Signal (felony), Resisting Arrest (misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (traffic charge), Driving While Suspended (traffic charge), Habitual Offender (traffic charge) and nine other traffic offenses. He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of a $13,500 cash bail and an Administrative Detainer by Probation and Parole.
Special Note: Investigators are asking witnesses to the vehicle theft at the Valero Shore Stop to call Troop 9 at 302-378-5218 ext. 622.
Vincenzo Tollis
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