Two Troopers Injured In DUI Related Crash

Location: I-95 southbound approximately 0.1 mile south of the on-ramp from Marsh Road, Wilmington, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday March 17, 2010 at approximately 7:35 a.m.

Vehicles:
2005 DSP fully marked cruiser, operated by a 3-year-veteran of the department
Also occupied by a five-year-veteran of the DSP
2004 Subaru Legacy, operated by Lamar R. Williams, 25, of Springfield, PA

Resume: Two DSP Troopers carpooling to Dover this morning were rear ended by a Pennsylvania man on I-95 southbound south of Marsh Road.

The cruiser was in the right lane and the Subaru was approaching it from behind at a high rate of speed. The operator of the Subaru was holding his cell phone in his hands while driving and utilizing it as a GPS device. He then rear-ended the patrol car.

The cruiser shut off after the impact and the Trooper driving coasted to a stop on the left shoulder.

After the impact, the Subaru veered left and into the northbound lanes of I-95 where it almost struck another vehicle head on. The Subaru then veered back right and came to a stop in the center median.

Investigators believed Mr. Williams was driving while impaired. A DUI investigation ensued and he was ultimately taken into custody.

The two Troopers were both treated and released at Wilmington Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Williams was formally charged with the following misdemeanor offenses: DUI, vehicular assault 2nd (2 counts), Driving without a License, Inattentive Driving and Failure to have Insurance Identification. He was released on $2,576.00 unsecured bond.