Driver Charged with Vehicular Assault in Lewes Crash

Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police have charged a Lewes man with his fourth offense DUI and vehicular assault after he was involved in a crash that injured another person.

The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. last night as David L. Esch, 56 of Lewes, was operating a 1998 Lincoln Town Car eastbound on John J. Williams Highway (SR24) approaching Dorman Road. At the same time, Raymond J. Trolan, 47 of Millsboro, was operating a 1995 BMW 525 westbound approaching the same intersection. Esch unexpectedly pulled into the westbound lane in front of the BMW as if he was going to turn left on Dorman Street, and the two vehicles collided head-on.

David Esch and Raymond Trolan were both transported by EMS to Beebe Medical Center. Esch was treated and released after being seen for non-life-threatening injuries. Trolan was admitted for a severe injury to his leg.

David Esch was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with 4th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (previous convictions of 03/03/96, 05/04/01, and 09/14/12), Vehicular Assault 1st, Driving While Suspended and Revoked, No Proof of Insurance, and various other traffic related offenses. He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,300.00 cash bond. No photo is currently available.

Traffic in the area of the crash was impacted for approximately one hour.