Crash leads to multiple firearm, DUI charges for Blades man

LAUREL, Del. – A Blades man was arrested on numerous felony DUI and gun charges following a crash in Laurel late last week.

Shortly after 9 p.m. Friday, troopers were called to a report of a crash on Seaford Road near Camp Road, involving a Nissan Sentra and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Before arriving, troopers were told that the driver of the Nissan was reportedly trying to leave the scene, but troopers were able to make contact with him on arrival. The driver was identified as 47-year-old Darnell Strand, who police say showed signs of impairment and refused field sobriety tests. When troopers tried to arrest Strand, he reportedly tried to resist by pulling away, but was ultimately taken into custody.

Troopers found approximately 25 grams of marijuana on Strand’s person, and a subsequent search of the Nissan led to the recovery of a scale and loaded handgun. A computer check revealed that Strand had two previous DUI related convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Strand was charged with third offense DUI, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, consumption of marijuana in a vehicle, resisting arrest, and multiple traffic violations and additional firearm possession charges. He was held at SCI on a $9,506 cash bond.

The driver and passenger of the Jeep were not injured.