NEWARK, DELAWARE (5/22/2015) A Newark police officer and a motorist were injured when their vehicles collided just outside the city limits this evening, police said.
The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of East Chestnut Hill Road (Route 4) and South Chapel Street (Route 72).
The police officer in a marked SUV was en route to the Brookside community to assist New Castle County police with a burglary in progress complaint involving weapons, said Lt. Bill Hargrove, spokesman for Newark police.
The SUV was eastbound on Route 4 when it collided with the northbound Mazda 3 in the intersection, Hargrove said.
The Mazda’s driver — the only occupant in the car — and the officer were taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital.
Hargove said their injuries were not life-threatening.
Newark police are investigating the crash and traffic was diverted around the wreckage until the scene was cleared.
Christiana Fire Company responded.
Hargrove asked anyone with additional information to contact police at 302-366-7100 or Curtis.Davis@cj.state.de.us.
Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
Accident scene at Routes 4 and 72. (Photo: Delaware Free News)