Delaware State Police have taken a 28-year-old New Castle resident into custody after authorities say he fatally struck a pedestrian and left the scene without stopping.
Cole Burgess now faces multiple charges in connection with the deadly crash that occurred in the early morning hours of May 6, 2026, along Airport Road near East Edinburgh Drive in New Castle.
According to investigators, Burgess was driving his Jeep Cherokee north on Airport Road around 12:20 a.m. when he collided with Teddy Huff Jr., a 60-year-old New Castle man who was walking in the same direction on the roadway. Emergency responders declared Huff dead at the scene.
Police say Burgess drove away immediately after the impact without rendering aid or contacting authorities. Detectives later traced the Jeep back to Burgess and discovered the damaged vehicle hidden behind his home, showing collision damage that matched the crash scene evidence.
Authorities apprehended Burgess during a separate traffic stop for an unrelated violation, where officers also discovered he was carrying an unlawful concealed firearm.
Following his arrest, Burgess was processed at Troop 2 headquarters and appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2. He received charges for the fatal crash and was released after posting a $5,100 unsecured bond.
The hit-and-run charges include:
• Leaving Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death (Felony)
• Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury or Death
Additional charges from the traffic stop include:
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony)
• Traffic Violation
For these charges, Burgess was released on his own recognizance.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit remains actively investigating this fatal incident. Authorities are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured video footage to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Tips can also be submitted through the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Victims and their families affected by this tragedy can access support services through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, available around the clock at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or via email at [email protected].
