Delaware State Police News Release Timothy E. Winstead

Impaired Driver Strikes Off Duty Officer Helping Other Motorist

Released- Friday, May 23, 2008

Wilmington- On Thursday, May 22^nd, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Troopers responded to the area of I-95 southbound at Route 202 for the report of a pedestrian struck by another vehicle.

As this investigation unfolded, it was learned that a 1996 Chrysler Sebring, driven by Tonya S. Mickens, 22, of Wilmington, was involved in a single vehicle crash in which she struck a concrete structure boarding the roadway. This crash, which was attributed to Careless Driving, disabled her vehicle.

Sergeant Robert J. Johnson, of the Wilmington Police Department, was passing by the crash scene when he stopped to offer assistance. Sergeant Johnson was off duty.

A 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by Joshua Hall, 18, of St. Francis Street in Wilmington, was traveling on I-95 southbound when Mr. Hall struck the Sebring. This impact spun the Sebring around, striking Sergeant Johnson, throwing him off of the roadway into a grassy area. This impact also threw Ms. Mickens from her vehicle.

Sgt. Johnson suffered a serious head injury. The State Police helicopter, Trooper 4, flew him to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted. He was last listed in stable condition.

Mickens was transported to Christiana Hospital where she was treated and released with a foot injury.

Hall was not injured. At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that he was impaired by alcohol while operating his vehicle. He was arrested for Vehicular Assault 1st (felony) and DUI. He was arraigned and released on a $2,500.00 unsecured bond.

Colonel Thomas F. MacLeish says, “This case underscores the very reason why impaired driving is so dangerous, especially for inexperienced drivers under the age of 21. Law enforcement officers, including the Delaware State Police, are participating in initiatives occurring over the next several months where drunk and impaired drivers will be targeted. The goal is to save lives. The goal includes making sure people, like Sergeant Johnson, get home safely.”