The Delaware State Police have charged 50-year-old Franklin T. Wilson of Middletown with his 5th DUI, in connection with a motor vehicle crash involving injuries that occurred at approximately 11:57 p.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020 on SR 1 in the area of DE Rt. 72, Bear, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the investigation determined that Wilson was driving a 2004 Ford F-150 that was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed on southbound on SR 1, north of DE Rt. 72 in the center lane. Wilson’s vehicle rear-ended a 2017 Nissan Rogue, that was also traveling southbound on SR 1 in the center lane. After the collision, both vehicles became disabled in the roadway, at which time Wilson fled the scene on foot, according to Austin. Wilson was located by Troopers a short time later in the 2100 block of Bear-Corbit Road and taken into custody without incident. The two occupants of the Nissan, a 23-year-old Middletown man, and a 23-year-old Philadelphia woman, were transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Further investigation determined that Wilson was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and a subsequent computer check revealed that he had 4 prior DUI convictions, said Austin.
Wilson was transported to Troop 2 and charged with the following:
5th Offense DUI
Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree (2 counts)
Leaving the Scene of an Injury Crash
Failure to Provide Information at a Crash Scene
Driving Suspended
Reckless Driving
Unsafe Speed
Inattentive Driving
Unregistered Motor Vehicle
Wilson was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released after posting $8,475.00 secured bail.
