SMYRNA-DOVER, DELAWARE (12/12/2014) Smyrna police arrested two identity theft suspects after a high-speed chase down U.S. 13 that ended with a crash in Dover.
The two suspects first tried to deposit a stolen check for a large amount using a stolen driver’s license at the PNC Bank at 7 S. Main St. in Smyrna about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.
Investigators determined the ID and a bank card had been stolen in a Dover vehicle break-in on Nov. 22 and the check was stolen in Virginia.
About 10:30 a.m. Thursday, police said the pair returned to the drive-thru window of the bank attempting to withdraw money from the same account.
Smyrna police said they were alerted and when officers arrived, the pair fled in their vehicle south on Main Street and “then led officers on a vehicle pursuit where they disregarded the safety of other motorists by operating at speeds in excess of 80-100 mph, failed to stop at red lights, and passed other motorists on the shoulder.”
The pursuit led south on U.S. 13 into Dover, where the driver lost control, crossed into the northbound lanes and struck an oncoming motorist. There was minor damage to the other vehicle.
Police said the couple bailed out of the car before it came to a stop and ran toward the mall, but were quickly apprehended by officers.
One of the suspects, Karen R. Darell, 38, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was arrested for resisting arrest. She reported minor injuries and was treated at Kent General Hospital. Police are seeking a warrant on identity theft, forgery, theft and conspiracy charges. Darell also had warrants for her arrest in Florida.
Norris J. Farlow, 53, of Lake City, Florida, was arrested for disregarding a police officer signal, resisting arrest and numerous traffic offenses. Detectives are obtaining warrants for identify theft, forgery, theft and conspiracy charges. Farlow also had warrants for his arrest in Florida.
Dover police and Delaware State University police assisted.