On Thursday evening, Delaware State Police arrested 53-year-old Robert Fanning, of Milford, for a 6th offense DUI in Lewes, police said Friday.
Officials said the arrest occurred at approximately 9:31 p.m. at the intersection of Conleys Chapel Road and Beaver Dam Road following reports of a driver asleep at the wheel in the roadway.
Upon their arrival, troopers discovered Fanning in a blue Ford Escape, positioned in the intersection. Initial interactions with Fanning revealed signs of impairment, prompting law enforcement to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The tests led to Fanning’s arrest, and a subsequent search uncovered heroin and drug paraphernalia on his person according to police.
A computer check revealed a history of DUI convictions, with this incident marking Fanning’s sixth according to police. The repeated offenses elevated the charge to a felony, highlighting the severity of the situation and Fanning’s continued disregard for the law and public safety.
Charges against Fanning include DUI 6th Offense (Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License, and Stopping or Parking a Vehicle in the Roadway. Following his arrest, Fanning was transported to Troop 7, where he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3. He was then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,401 cash bond.