Yesterday evening the Delaware State Police arrested 48-year-old James West of Delmar, Delaware for vehicular assault and DUI following a five-car collision in Bridgeville.

On June 4, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of Sussex Highway and Redden Road for a report of a five-car crash. Troopers contacted one of the drivers, identified as James West, and learned that he failed to stop for traffic on southbound Sussex Highway because he was distracted by his phone. Troopers discovered that West was in possession of a baggie of suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia. Troopers also detected signs of impairment with West, and he was taken into custody without incident.

West’s red Ford Escort struck a black Dodge Charger and a silver Honda Odyssey that were stopped in traffic. The Charger was propelled forward and struck a stopped gray Chevrolet Silverado, and the Odyssey likewise was propelled forward and struck a stopped black Kia Telluride. Both the driver of the Odyssey, a 45-year-old woman from Salisbury, Maryland, and the passenger, a 9-year-old girl from Salisbury, Maryland, were taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Telluride, a 58-year-old woman from Milford, Delaware, was also taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. None of the other drivers reported any injuries.

West was taken to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

• Vehicular Assault First Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• Inattentive Driving

West was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,501 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 060523  1215

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