Dover- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man with his 5th offense DUI after he struck two pedestrians, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at approximately 7:14 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to North Dupont Highway (US 13) and W. Denneys Road, for a crash involving two pedestrians. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 2013 Nissan Altima, traveled off of the roadway, struck two pedestrians and a curb, and became disabled on W. Denneys Road at the entrance of the Delaware Technical Community College, according to Jaffe.
The operator of the vehicle involved in the crash, 51-year-old William S. Smith, fled the scene, and was located in the parking lot of the College said Jaffe. Upon contact with Smith, Troopers detected an odor of alcohol and a DUI investigation ensued, according to Jaffe. A computer check revealed that Smith had four previous DUI convictions, making this his fifth offense.
The pedestrians that were stuck, both 17-year-old females from Dover were transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Also in Smith’s vehicle during the crash, were two occupants, a 47-year-old male from Dover, and a 47-year-old female from Newark. Both passengers were not injured as a result of this crash.
Smith was not injured as a result of the crash and was transported back to Troop 9 where he was charged with the following:
5th Offense Driving Under the Influence
Vehicular Assault First Degree (2 counts)
Reckless Endangering Second Degree (2 counts)
Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Other traffic related offenses
Smith was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $16,675.00 cash only bond.