Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley
Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz
Bear – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon.
The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 2:35 p.m. Sunday, June 18, 2017 as a 61 year old female from Newark was operating a 2011 Kia Soul with a 74 year old male passenger, turning left from US 40 westbound onto Glendale Boulevard southbound. This vehicle had the green arrow signal and the right of way. Traffic in the straight lanes of US 40 in both directions were stopped for a red traffic signal. A 2011 Kia Optima was operated by William T. German, 25 of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania and he was travelling at a reported high rate of speed on the right shoulder of US 40 eastbound. The shoulder became the right turn lane for Glendale Boulevard and William T. German proceeded straight into the intersection against the red light. The front of the Kia Optima struck the right side of the Kia Soul in the area of the front wheel and passenger door. Both vehicles traveled eastbound from the collision and the Kia Soul came to a stop on the lanes of US 40 eastbound. The Kia Optima came to a stop on the grass southeast of the intersection.
The 74 year old male of Newark, was properly restrained and removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained in this collision. The 61 year old driver was admitted to the ICU at Christiana Hospital with serious injuries. The names are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
William T. German, who was properly restrained, was removed by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with minor injuries. Drugs are suspected on German’s part and he will be charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and DUI upon release from the hospital.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. US 40 eastbound at Glendale Boulevard were closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Serious Crash-Bear
Released: 061817 2241
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