Seaford–  The Delaware State Police have arrested a Seaford man for his 4th offense DUI and multiple counts of Vehicular Assault after he was involved in a crash.

The incident occurred on November 20, 2018 at approximately 9:05 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to a crash at the intersection of Stein Highway and Neals School Road involving two vehicles.  Further investigation revealed that a Subaru Forester was traveling eastbound on Stein Highway and entered into the westbound lane striking a Ford Explorer nearly head on.

The operator of the Forester, 50-year-old James E. Betts was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.  Troopers located drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle.

The operator of the Explorer, a 28-year-old male from Maryland and his 27-yaer-old female passenger sustained injuries and were transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. Two children ages 7 and 5, who were seated in the rear of the vehicle sustained major injuries and were also transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.  The 7-year-old was later transferred to the A.I. DuPont Hospital.

A computer check revealed that Betts had three previous DUI arrests making this his fourth offense. On November 30, 2018 Betts was charged with the following:

• 4th Offense Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence
• Vehicular Assault First Degree (2 counts)
• Vehicular Assault Second Degree (2 counts)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Betts was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,001.00 secured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 120118 0838

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