Two Separate DUI Crashes in Georgetown Circle Over Weekend

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Georgetown Police Department (GPD) responded to two separate crashes that occurred in the Georgetown Circle over the weekend.

On the evening Saturday, Oct. 18, GPD announced that they arrested a 28-year-old man from Smyrna following a high-speed pursuit that led to two crashes.

Officers report initially observing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Old Laurel Road. As they attempted to catch up, the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into a ramp on the west side of Georgetown Elementary School. When officers activated their emergency lights, the driver reversed and fled the scene at unsafe speeds, committing multiple additional traffic violations while heading toward the Circle downtown.

The vehicle ultimately failed to navigate the Circle and crashed into its interior, damaging the brick wall and causing more damage to the vehicle. Officers apprehended the driver, identified as Dwayne Boney, at the scene after he displayed signs of impairment. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries, and later released into police custody.

Boney was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), two counts of criminal mischief, and a number of other traffic related charges. He was released on his own recognizance after appearing before a magistrate.

GPD responded to a second DUI related crash early on Sunday morning.

At approximately 1:03 a.m. on Oct. 19, officers were dispatched downtown to the area of North Bedford Street and the Circle for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, police observed a male subject fleeing on foot from the vehicle involved in the incident.

After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Santos Niz-Chilel of Georgetown, was apprehended and taken into custody. A preliminary investigation by police revealed that the vehicle appeared to be traveling south on North Bedford Street when it continued straight into the Circle, striking a street sign and damaging nearby flower beds.

Niz-Chilel was charged with a DUI and resisting arrest, amongst other charges. He was subsequently committed to Sussex Correctional Institution, where he is currently being held.

The cost of repairs from these accidents are still being assessed.

Anyone with information pertaining to these crashes is asked to contact GPD at (302)856-6613.