Bridgeville- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash that occurred last evening on Chaplains Chapel Road, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on August 24, 2020, at approximately 6:15 p.m., when a 1999 Jeep Cherokee was traveling southbound on Chaplains Chapel Road south of Deer Forest Road negotiating a slight curve in the roadway. A 2005 Nissan Altima was traveling northbound on Chaplains Chapel Road in the same general vicinity. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Cherokee entered the northbound lane striking the Altima nearly head-on, said Jaffe.
The operator of the Altima, a 40-year-old female from Bridgeville, was not properly restrained and pronounced deceased at the scene. Her name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
The operator of the Cherokee, 32-year-old Dustin R. Westwood, from Lincoln, was properly restrained and declined medical treatment. He was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:
Vehicular Homicide First Degree (Felony)
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drug
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
Failed to remain within a single lane
He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $55001.00 cash-only bond.
Chaplains Chapel Road between Deer Forest Road and Russell Road was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.