Police: Lewes man arrested for 7th offense DUI after stealing vehicle

LEWES, Del. – Delaware State Police arrested a Lewes man on his 7th DUI Sunday afternoon after he reportedly stole a vehicle.

Just after 12:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Jiffy Lube in Lewes for a reported stolen vehicle. Further investigation revealed at the vehicle was at the location to be serviced when 51-year-old David Cathell got into the vehicle and began driving northbound on Coastal Highway. A trooper patrolling the area for the stolen vehicle located it north of Broadkill Bridge, and initiated a traffic stop. Cathell reportedly turned onto Deep Branch Road before turning into a private driveway and stopping.

Troopers took Cathell into custody, and a strong odor of alcoholic beverages was detected emanating from Cathell. A subsequent investigation and computer check revealed that Cathell had six prior DUI convictions and was driving with a revoked license.

Cathell was charged with 7th offense DUI, theft of a motor vehicle, second degree criminal trespass, breach of conditions of bond, driving while suspended or revoked, and failure to signal. He was held at SCI on a $24,201 cash bond.