The speeding motorcycle rider who is suspected of murdering a first-year University of Delaware student on Tuesday night has been charged by police.
In connection with the death of Clark, New Jersey resident Noelia Gomez, 18, Brian Briddle, 27, of Newark, is accused of several offenses, including second-degree murder.
Just before midnight, according to the police, Gomez was struck by a car while crossing West Main Street near North College Avenue.
Gomez was studying accounting and business management, according on her LinkedIn profile, and she had just arrived on campus on Friday.
She had just finished her first day of classes and was going out with pals. According to the Newark Police Department, Briddle was stopped for a driving infraction at East Main Street and South Chapel Street by a University of Delaware police officer at 11:53 p.m.
The motorcycle allegedly disregarded the emergency lights on the police car and rode off. According to Newark police, the university officer turned off his emergency lights and chose not to follow Briddle.
A minute or so later, Gomez was killed by a motorcycle strike. Four more pedestrians were hurt when Briddle came off the motorcycle and it went onto the West Main Street sidewalk.
Police added that although bystanders attempted to save Gomez, they were unable. At the scene, she was pronounced deceased.
“As a parent, I can’t imagine you’re sending your child off to school to see the world, and going away from home, and getting that call or that visit unfortunately early in the morning, it’s truly tragic,” Newark Police Sgt. Jay Conover stated.
Many of her friends and students saw the crash, according to the university’s statement.
Read Also: Florida Lawmaker Indicted on Felony Charges Tied to Private School Scheme
Three pedestrians were hit by the motorcycle and just slightly hurt. With an injury that is thought to not be life-threatening, one was brought to the hospital. Briddle was also sent to the hospital due to a non-critical injury.
The collision is still being looked into, according to Newark police.
Students reported that they are coming up with solutions to make themselves and this girl, who unfortunately lost her life, safer. According to the institution, students who require assistance can access services. Additional details can be found on this UDel.edu page.
