Delaware State Police arrested Ariel Williams, 19, OF Wilmington, for vehicular homicide and related charges following a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Friday night police said Sunday.
Officials said on February 3, 2023, at approximately 8:54 p.m., a 2016 silver Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound in the left lane of West Newport Pike (Route 4) approaching Gregg Avenue. At the time, a 2006 white Buick Rendezvous operated by Williams, was traveling westbound in the left lane of Route 4, when it crossed over into oncoming traffic according to police. The two vehicles collided in a head-on impact.
The 29-year-old pregnant female operator of the Toyota and two occupants, a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, were all transported to area hospitals for their injuries. The 6-year-old girl died at the hospital as a result of the collision.
Williams was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials said the investigation determined Williams was under the influence at the time of the crash. On February 4, 2023, Williams turned herself in at Troop 2 and was charged with the following crimes:
- Vehicular Homicide First Degree (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
- Vehicular Assault First Degree (Felony)
- Vehicular Assault Second Degree – 2 counts
- Driving Under the Influence of the Combination of Alcohol and any Drug
- Failed to Remain Within a Single Lane
- Drive in the Proper Lane and Direction
She was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $63,000 cash bond.
Original Story
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Friday night in the Wilmington area.
Officials said on February 3, 2023, at approximately 8:54 p.m., a 2016 silver Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound in the left lane of West Newport Pike (Route 4) approaching Gregg Avenue. At the time, a 2006 white Buick Rendezvous was traveling westbound in the left lane of Route 4, when it crossed over into oncoming traffic said police. The two vehicles collided in a head-on impact. The Toyota rotated in a clockwise direction after impact where it came to final rest in the left lane of Route 4 westbound. The Buick came to final rest in the left lane of Route 4 eastbound.
The 29-year-old female operator of the Toyota from Wilmington, who was 8 months pregnant was transported to an area hospital, in critical condition. The baby was delivered while at the hospital and is also in critical condition. There were two other passengers in the vehicle, a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy. The 6-year-old was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The 4-year-old was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. All occupants in the Toyota were properly restrained.
The 19-year-old female operator of the Buick from Wilmington, who was properly restrained was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Impairment appears to be a factor in the collision and charges will be forthcoming said police.
Route 4 was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours.