Pennsylvania Man Arrested after Striking Pedestrian in Bethany Beach

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after police say he struck a pedestrian while driving under the influence.

On Friday, Nov. 28, officers from the Bethany Beach Police Department (BBPD) responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of State Route 26 and Treetop Lane. Upon arrival on the scene, police contacted the victim, a 68-year-old male, who had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital by EMS.

According to eye witness statements, a Ford Bronco with Pennsylvania registration struck the pedestrian before continuing westbound.

Shortly after, 33-year-old Michael T. Hoover of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, returned to the scene in the vehicle described. Police say Hoover parked in the nearby vicinity before cooperating with authorities, and admitting to striking the pedestrian. While speaking with officers, they detected slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol from Hoover’s breath. He failed to pass a subsequent Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

Hoover was arrested and and taken into custody. During a subsequent search of his vehicle, police found multiple empty containers of alcohol.

Hoover was arraigned on charges of first degree vehicular assault, driving a vehicle under the influence, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury, and other related traffic charges. He was released on his own recognizance through an unsecured bond.