Newark – The Delaware State Police have charged 57-year-old Robert F. McKee of Chesapeake City MD with vehicular assault, stemming from a DUI related crash involving three vehicles that took place in Newark, early Sunday morning, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 12:09 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019, on northbound DE Rt. 896 (S. College Ave) in the area of the I-95 interchange. A 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by a 21-year-old Mt. Laurel, NJ man was traveling northbound on Route 896 in the left lane followed by a 2006 Honda Accord being driven by a 19-year-old Camden-Wyoming woman.
A 2014 RAM 1500 pick-up truck, operated by McKee was traveling Route 896 southbound when he crossed the center median, striking the left side of the Jeep. The Jeep began to spin at which time it was struck on its left side by the Honda.
The Honda then struck a guardrail, where it came to a stop. After being struck by the Honda, the Jeep came to a stop on a grass shoulder. McKee’s RAM came to a stop in the northbound lanes of Route 896.
The driver of the Jeep, who was wearing his seat belt was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries. Neither improper driving nor impairment are factors on his behalf. A 20-year-old female passenger in his vehicle, who was also seat-belted, sustained minor injuries.
The driver of the Honda, who was wearing her seat belt, sustained minor injuries. Neither impairment nor improper driving are factors on her behalf, said Austin. A 20-year-old female passenger in the Honda, who was also seat-belted, also sustained minor injuries.
Austin said further investigation determined that McKee, who was not injured, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. He was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following:
Vehicular Assault 1st Degree
DUI/Alcohol
Driving on the Wrong Side of Roadway
He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released after posting $3000.00 secured bail.
