Rehoboth Beach– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a serious crash that occurred last evening in a shopping center parking lot.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2017 as a 50-year-old female from Greenbelt Maryland was operating a 2006 Toyota Camry in the parking lot of Safeway, located at 19266 Coastal Highway. The operator of the Camry was attempting to make a left turn on one of the access roads in order to exit the parking lot.  Subsequently, a 72-year-old male pedestrian from Rehoboth Beach was walking through the parking lot attempting to cross the same access road in a westerly direction, directly in the path of the Camry.  For unknown reasons, the operator of the Camry failed to see the pedestrian crossing the access road causing the left front of  the vehicle to impact the pedestrian. After impact, the pedestrian was projected forward coming to rest in the middle of the access road. The Camry briefly continued westbound before coming to a controlled stop just west of the impact and still in the parking lot of the Safeway.  The pedestrian was wearing a red rain coat and the parking lot was dimly lit.

The operator of the Camry identified as 50-year-old Melissa F. Nearing, was properly restrained, not injured and remained on scene.  After evidence revealed she was under the influence, a DUI investigation was initiated and she was subsequently charged with Driving A Vehicle Under The Influence Of Alcohol.

The 72-year-old male pedestrian was initially removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Beebe Medical center, however he was later transferred to Christiana Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Anyone with information pertaining to this crash is asked to please contact Detective N. DeMalto at 302-703-3267.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 110817 0930

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