Second motorcyclist charged in high-speed chase

A second motorcyclist sought in a Feb. 4 high-speed chase that started south of Dewey Beach and headed northbound on Route 1 has been charged, and now police are searching for the first man arrested to add more charges.

Justin Weaver, 19, of Milton, was found at his home Feb. 11, after Dewey Beach police executed a search warrant in the Hunters Mill development. Police also seized Weaver’s motorcycle.

He was charged with felony conspiracy, felony disregarding a police officer’s signal, unlawful dealing with a switchblade knife, reckless and aggressive driving, and other traffic violations.

The incident started about 12:40 p.m. when police said they received a report of a motorcyclist in Delaware Seashore State Park who allegedly displayed a handgun to another motorist.

When Dewey Beach police responded, they spotted two motorcycles, the drivers of which refused to stop, and instead recklessly speeded northbound on Route 1 committing several traffic violations.

Police said the pursuit went across the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal bridge and toward the outlets. At Route 1 and Sea Air Drive, Thai Reese-Hengel, 20, of Milton, riding a motorcycle with fake Pennsylvania plates, tried to make a U-turn, but officers were able to divert the motorcycle onto Sea Air Drive.

No gun was found, police said.

Reese-Hengel was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and charged with two felonies: disregarding a police officer’s signal and second-degree conspiracy, as well as aggressive driving, reckless driving, operating a vehicle without insurance and other traffic violations.

He was released on his own recognizance. Reese-Hengel is now sought on charges of hindering prosecution and providing a false statement to law enforcement.

Dewey Beach police ask anyone with information or knowledge of Reese-Hengel’s whereabouts to call 302-227-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.