Delaware State Police have arrested Paul Rowan, 53, of Smyrna, Delaware, on charges including 7th offense felony DUI following an injury crash in Hartly on Tuesday.
Authorities said at approximately 12:19 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Slaughter Station Road in Hartly in response to an overturned Isuzu Rodeo. Initial reports indicated that the driver and a passenger had left the scene on foot. Upon arrival, troopers located the driver, identified as Paul Rowan, and a 45-year-old female passenger walking away from the crash site according to police. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A search of the Isuzu revealed drug paraphernalia officials said. While at the hospital, Rowan exhibited signs of impairment and failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests administered by a trooper according to a statement released on Wednesday. A background check disclosed that Rowan had six previous DUI convictions.
After receiving medical treatment, Rowan was transported to Troop 3, where he faced several charges. These included 7th Offense DUI (Felony), 1st Degree Vehicular Assault (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury, Failure to Report a Collision Involving Alcohol or Drugs, along with multiple traffic offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $23,750 cash bond.
