Delaware State Police have arrested George Smith 3rd, 47, of Wilmington, for murder and related charges following a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in May of 2020, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the crash occurred on May 10, 2020, at approximately 11:51 p.m., when a blue Toyota passenger vehicle was traveling northbound on DE-495 in the center lane approximately 1 mile south of Edgemoor Rd.
A 2016 Dodge Challenger, operated by Smith, was also traveling northbound DE-495 in the center lane, rapidly approaching the Toyota. The Dodge Challenger failed to maneuver around the Toyota, and the front bumper of the Dodge Challenger struck the rear bumper of the Toyota, which caused the gas tank of the Toyota to rupture, said Hatchell.
After impact, the Toyota continued out of control, exited the northbound lanes, and down the embankment as it was engulfed in flames. Once the vehicle came to rest, the female operator and only occupant in the vehicle, became entrapped within the burning vehicle. The operator of the Toyota was pronounced deceased at the scene.
On June 9, 2021, after a thorough investigation, George Smith 3rd was taken into custody at his residence in Wilmington without incident. He was transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Murder Second Degree (Felony)
Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Speeding in Excess of the Posted Limits
Smith was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $1,066,001 cash bond.