Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Elsmere, De. – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed the investigation into a serious motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of an 82 year old Wilmington, DE woman that occurred earlier this month.

The initial investigation determined the crash occurred on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at approximately 4:22 p.m., as Ishmail Thompson, 24 of Newark, was operating a 2011 Nissan Altima and was stopped in the northbound lane of Maple Avenue waiting on the traffic light to make a left turn onto DE Route 2 westbound. Betty Lou Arnold, 82 of Wilmington, was operating a 2006 Chevrolet Impala eastbound in the right lane of travel on DE Route 2 approaching the intersection with Maple Avenue. The traffic light on DE Route 2 eastbound changed from green to red as the traffic light on northbound Maple Avenue turned to a solid green arrow. The Nissan Altima started to proceed through the intersection onto westbound DE Route 2. The Chevrolet Impala proceeded eastbound through the intersection and struck the left front of the Altima with its front right. Both vehicles remained in the intersection after impact.

Betty Lou Arnold, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, where she was admitted with serious injuries. Betty Lou Arnold was pronounced dead on Monday, November 22, 2016. Her passenger, Thomas Arnold, 55 of Wilmington, was not injured.

Ishmail Thompson and his passenger Marcus King, 22 of Wilmington, were both properly restrained at the time of the crash and were uninjured.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Released: 112316 1141

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