Delmar man charged following five-vehicle collision
By BRIDGEVILLE — James West, 48, of Delmar, was charged with vehicular assault and DUI following a five-car collision Sunday, authorities said.
Delaware State Police spokesman Senior Cpl. Leonard DeMalto said that at approximately 6:50 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of Sussex Highway and Redden Road for a report of a five-car crash. Troopers contacted one of the drivers, Mr. West, and determined that he failed to stop for traffic on southbound Sussex Highway because he was distracted by his phone, police said.
Troopers found that Mr. West was in possession of a baggie of suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia, police said. Troopers also detected signs of impairment with Mr. West, and he was taken into custody without incident, Cpl. DeMalto said.
According to police, Mr. West’s vehicle initially struck two vehicles that were stopped in traffic. Those vehicles were then propelled forward and struck two others, police said.
Three persons suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to an area hospital.
Mr. West was charged with first-degree vehicular assault (three counts), possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs and inattentive driving. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,501 secured bond.
