The Delaware State Police arrested 60-year-old Wade Bowersox, of Bethel, Delaware, on felony driving under the influence and drug charges following a crash Friday night in Laurel.
On April 3, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of Tacos Chabelita, located at 30661 Sussex Highway in Laurel, for a reported collision. The preliminary investigation revealed a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, operated by Bowersox, struck the passenger side of a parked Ford Explorer. Following the crash, Bowersox picked up the motorcycle and moved it to the rear of the business before entering the restaurant and taking a seat inside.
Troopers located Bowersox inside the establishment and observed signs of impairment. As troopers escorted him outside, he attempted to conceal a small bag of suspected cocaine in one of the motorcycle’s saddlebags. Troopers arrested him without incident.
A subsequent search of the motorcycle led to the discovery of:
- Approximately 1.68 grams of suspected cocaine
- A digital scale
- Additional alcoholic beverages
Further investigation revealed Bowersox has five prior DUI-related convictions and a suspended driver’s license.
Bowersox was taken to Troop 5 where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $30,602 cash bond.
- 6th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving While Suspended
- Related Traffic Offenses