Laurel Man Charged with 5th Offense DUI After Crash-Laurel

Laurel- The Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Jerod M. Kernodle with his 5th offense DUI after he was involved in a motor vehicle crash.

The incident occurred on September 25, 2019 at approximately 5:57 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Sussex Highway (US 13), south of Trussum Pond Road involving injuries.  Further investigation revealed that a 2008 Chrysler Minivan was stopped at a red light on northbound US 13, when a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage, operated by Kernodle struck the rear of the vehicle.

When Troopers made contact with Kernodle an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued.  A computer inquiry revealed that Kernodle  had four previous DUI convictions, making this his fifth offense, and a suspended driver’s license.

The operator of the minivan a 33-year-0ld female and her 7-year-old passenger were transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Kernodle did not sustain injury and was taken into custody at the scene.  He was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

  •  5th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
  • Vehicular Assault Third Degree (2 counts)
  • Driving While Suspended

Kernodle was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $6000.00 cash only bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092619 1107

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