Seaford man arrested for DUI following pursuit

SEAFORD, Del. – A Seaford man is behind bars on DUI and other charges following a police chase early Sunday morning.

Just before 3 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Ford Escape traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Sussex Highway, in the area of Concord Road. The trooper saw the Escape leave the southbound lanes of Sussex Highway and start traveling southbound in the northbound lanes.

The trooper tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver reportedly fled and proceeded eastbound on Concord Road. A short time later, police say the vehicle hit a residence on Haven Drive, at which point the driver, identified as 37-year-old Dontra Batson, began fleeing on foot. The trooper chased Batson and was able to take him into custody a short time later. Batson showed signs of impairment, and a DUI investigation was launched. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 2.89 grams of marijuana, approximately 0.15 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm handgun. A computer check revealed that Batson is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Batson was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI, resisting arrest, and other firearm and drug related charges. He was held at SCI on a $23,850 cash bond.