***UPDATED CRASH INFORMATION*** FEBRUARY 20, 2011 12:00 P.M.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

• Robert C. Steele-33 Wilmington (Photo Attached)
• 2007 Pontiac G-6

• Artrell Flonnory-32 Wilmington
• 1997 Buick LeSabre

• Johnny Gore-28 New York
• 1997 Ford Explorer

Defendant(s) Charges(s) and Bond Information

• Robert C. Steele-33 Wilmington, DE
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
• Vehicular Assault First Degree
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
• Driving While Suspended
• Various Traffic Offenses
• Committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution $7500.00 Secured Bond

Resume:

New Castle- The Delaware State Police investigated a three vehicle crash in which 6 people were injured Saturday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. last night as Robert C. Steele, 33, of Wilmington, DE was operating a 2007 Pontiac G-6 and was travelling at a high rate of speed northbound on New Castle Avenue, approaching the area of Rizzo Avenue. The front of the Pontiac G-6 struck the rear of a 1997 Buick LeSabre that was travelling northbound, New Castle Avenue in front of Steele.  The Buick LeSabre was being operated by Artrell Flonnory, 32, of Wilmington.

After the impact, the Buick LeSabre was propelled into the southbound lanes of New Castle Avenue where it was struck head on by a 1997 Ford Explorer, operated by Johnny Gore-28, of New York. After the collisions, the Buick LeSabre caught fire with Flonnory and 3 passengers still inside.  It was reported that the four occupants of the LeSabre were pulled from the vehicle to safety by passing motorists and residents of the area.  Robert C. Steele immediately fled the scene on foot but was located and apprehended in the area by Troopers.

Johnny Gore was transported to Christiana Hospital by EMS for non life threatening injuries.   Artrell Flonnory and the three passengers in Flonnory’s vehicle were all transported from the scene by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where they were admitted for burns and smoke inhalation, reported to be non life threatening.  One passenger from Flonnory’s vehicle was later transferred to Crozer Hospital, Chester PA.  Robert C. Steele was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released.

Robert C. Steele was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Vehicular Assault First (2 Counts), Driving While Suspended, Leaving the Scene of Collision Resulting in Injury, and various other traffic offenses.  He was arraigned and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $7500.00 Secured Bond

New Castle Avenue was closed for approximately 4 hours as the crash was cleared and investigated.

Released 022011 1200

DSP News Release: Troopers On Scene of Serious Motor Vehicle Crash

Location: 3031 New Castle Avenue, South of Rosegate, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Saturday, February 19, 2011 7:09 p.m.

Resume:

New Castle- The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a multiple vehicle crash, with one vehicle reported on fire in the area of New Castle Avenue, South of Rosegate.

Preliminary information suggests that there are 5 patients involved in the crash however the nature of their injuries is unknown at this time.

New Castle Avenue is completely closed in both directions and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes of travel.  Additional information about this crash will be disseminated as soon as it is made available.

Robert C. Steele

Released:  021911 2000