Theodore Gause arrested after bicycle crash on South 15th Street

Driver left the roadway and struck a bicyclist in a driveway, causing severe injuries

April 18, 2026 | Wilmington, NC

A man from Wilmington faces serious charges following a hit-and-run incident that left a young child with life-altering injuries near the Cargo District. 

Authorities responded to the scene on South 15th Street, where a driver accelerated into a driveway, striking the victim before fleeing.

What Happened in the Crash?

Theodore Gause, 51, was arrested after a hit-and-run that severely injured a child riding a bicycle on South 15th Street in Wilmington.

On April 18, just after 10 a.m., a vehicle at a stopped position at an intersection on South 15th Street suddenly accelerated. The car crossed the centerline, veered off the road, and collided with a 9-year-old child riding a bicycle in a nearby driveway. The collision caused the vehicle to crash into a retaining wall, after which the driver attempted to escape on foot.

A nearby witness quickly located and detained the driver until police arrived. The Wilmington Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

• Date and Time: April 18, around 10 a.m.
• Location: South 15th Street near the Cargo District, Wilmington, NC
• Vehicle Involved: Unspecified make and model that left the roadway
• Victim: 9-year-old child on a bicycle
• Agency: Wilmington Police Department

What Injuries Did the Child Sustain?

The young bicyclist suffered severe trauma from the collision, including:

• Severed leg
• Compromised kidney
• Fractured tailbone
• Cut to the forehead

Medical teams provided immediate care, and the child remains under treatment for these critical injuries.

Who Is the Driver and What Charges Does He Face?

The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Theodore Gause of Wilmington, was arrested at the scene. Toxicology results from hospital tests revealed the presence of benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opiates in his system.

Gause has a history of three prior hit-and-run incidents and holds habitual felon status. He now faces multiple charges, such as:

• Felony hit-and-run
• Felony, serious injury by vehicle
• Driving while impaired
• Additional traffic violations

Bond for his release was set at $31 million.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving impaired driving and the pathways to accountability in motor vehicle crashes.

"Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person," noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party."

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• Impaired driving accounts for a significant portion of preventable road tragedies.
• Victims' families often pursue personal injury claims to address medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
• Insurance providers may resist fair settlements, underscoring the value of legal representation.

"Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering," explained Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help protect the victims of these tragedies, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes."

Why Do These Accidents Happen? Key Statistics on Impaired Driving

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of road incidents, with data highlighting the urgent need for awareness and enforcement. According to the National Safety Council, drivers under the influence contribute to 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents, making it the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that these crashes are entirely avoidable, urging stricter measures to combat substance-influenced operation of vehicles.

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