Crash investigation leads to charges for two in Laurel
Shilling (left) and Hearn
LAUREL, Del. – Two men were arrested on numerous charges stemming from a crash investigation in Laurel.
The investigation began just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, when officers were called to the intersection of Sussex Highway and Georgetown Road for a crash with injuries. Two vehicles were found disabled in the roadway, resulting in the closure of southbound Sussex Highway and eastbound Georgetown Road for roughly one hour.
Further investigation determined that one of the vehicles was stopped at the red traffic light for southbound Sussex Highway traffic when it was rear ended by another vehicle. Both drivers reportedly stayed in their vehicles, however the passenger in the at-fault vehicle reportedly got out of the car and ran to the Royal Farms adjacent to the intersection. Police made contact with the passenger, identified as 31-year-old Ryan Hearn, and discovered he was in possession of a large fixed-blade dagger and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to a nearby hospital by EMS due to his injuries.
The driver of the stopped vehicle was taken to a local hospital by EMS for treatment of injuries, while the driver of the striking vehicle, identified as 53-year-old Kevin Shilling, refused treatment.
While speaking with Shilling, officers found drug paraphernalia and observed signs of impairment. It was ultimately determined that Shilling was driving under the influence of drugs and also had a suspended driver’s license. Shilling was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of second degree vehicular assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, driving while suspended/revoked, failure to have insurance identification in possession, expired tags, and inattentive driving. He was initially held at SCI on an intoxication hold but was later released on a $2,402 unsecured bond.
Hearn was not arrested at the scene due to requiring medical attention. He was found to be prohibited from possessing deadly weapons due to a violent felony conviction earlier this month. A warrant was obtained for Hearn, who was arrested on Thursday and charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held at SCI on a $5,200 secured bail.
