Magnolia Man Arrested for DUI after Causing 3-Car Accident
BETHANY BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say they have arrested a man from Magnolia after he caused a three-car accident on Thursday evening.
At approximately 7:55 p.m., troopers responded to a three-car accident on Coastal Highway near Beach Cove Square. When troopers arrived, they contacted the driver of a Dodge Challenger involved in the crash, identified as 22-year-old Benjamin Herrera. While speaking to him, troopers smelled an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, and he showed multiple signs of impairment.
A preliminary investigation of the crash revealed the Challenger was recklessly traveling southbound on Coastal Highway at a high rate of speed. Simultaneously, a Nissan Frontier was also traveling southbound in the left lane, as was a Chevrolet Colorado in the right lane. Both vehicles were traveling in front of the Challenger at the time of the accident.
At the time of the collision, the Challenger struck the Nissan, pushing it into the right lane. Subsequently, the Nissan struck the Chevrolet, causing it to overturn.
The driver of the Chevrolet, a 59-year-old man from New Castle was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan, a 44-year-old man, and a 7-year-old passenger, both from Ocean View, refused transport to the hospital.
Herrera was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. While being transported by ambulance, he threatened a paramedic and an EMT. After he was released from the hospital, he was arrested and taken to Troop 4 on multiple charges, including first and second degree vehicular assault, terroristic threatening, and driving under the influence. He was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,300 cash bond.
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Trooper K. Lieber by calling (302)856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or through contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
