Delaware State Police are investigating a three-vehicle injury collision that occurred in the Newark area on Thursday morning.

On October 20, 2022, at approximately 11:35 a.m., a Tesla Model 3, operated by a 21-year-old male of Newark, DE was observed by a trooper traveling southbound on Interstate 95 south of the JFK Service Area at a high rate of speed. The trooper pulled out onto Interstate 95 southbound to initiate a traffic stop.  However, due to the Tesla’s speed, the trooper was unable to catch up.

The Tesla proceeded to exit onto Route 896 northbound from Interstate 95. Upon entering the left lane of Route 896, the Tesla made a left turn across the gravel median.  The Tesla lost control and began to slide sideways into the southbound lanes of travel, and directly into the path of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling in the left lane of southbound Route 896.  The front of the Chevrolet struck the passenger side of the Tesla. The Chevrolet was then pushed into the right lane of southbound Rt. 896, where it was struck by a 2018 Subaru Forester. The Tesla rotated counterclockwise in a southerly direction, coming to rest within the left lane of Route 896 southbound.  The Chevrolet and Subaru came to rest within the right shoulder. Upon contact with the occupants of the Tesla, troopers detected a heavy odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of vehicle and located approximately 30 grams of suspected marijuana in plain view on the front passenger side floorboard.

The operator of the Tesla, who was not properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital for his injuries. At this time, impairment is suspected to be a factor in this collision. Results are pending the outcome of a toxicology examination.

Also in the Tesla was a 20-year-old male, who was not restrained in the front passenger seat. He was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The 19-year-old rear passenger of the Tesla, who was not properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries

The operator of the Chevrolet, a 69-year-old female of Delaware, was properly restrained. The operator of the Subaru, a 53-year-old male of Pennsylvania, was properly restrained. Both operators were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Route 896 southbound was closed from West Chestnut Hill Road to Interstate 95 for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.

This remains an active investigation and charges will be forthcoming.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal Breen by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

*Traffic Advisory* Delaware State Police Investigating Collision

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 102122 1745

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