Georgetown – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last evening west of Georgetown.
The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 6:13 p.m. on Friday, November, 3, 2017, as Jesser Figueroa, 50 of Georgetown, was operating a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle traveling southbound on Warrington Road, CR 518A approaching the intersection of County Seat Highway, (US 9). A 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup truck operated by John H. Scott Jr., 48 of Georgetown, was traveling westbound on County Seat Highway approaching the same intersection. A 2013 Ram 3500 series dual wheel pickup truck, operated by Ruben Lourenco, 62 of Ellendale, was westbound on County Seat Highway also approaching the same intersection. For unknown reasons, Volkswagen Beetle failed to stop at the stop sign and continued into the intersection directly in the path of the Chevrolet Silverado. In attempt to avoid the collision, John H. Scott Jr. swerved to the left, however the front of the Volkswagen Beetle still impacted the right side of his vehicle within the westbound lane of travel. As a result of the first impact, the Chevrolet Silverado rotated counter-clockwise as it was forced into oncoming traffic directly in the path of the Ram truck. The Ram truck also attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the right however, the front of the truck impacted the right side of the Silverado directly in the passenger side door within the eastbound lane of travel. As a result, the Silverado was re-directed as it came to rest just off the south edge of the roadway. The Ram truck continued eastbound before exiting the south edge of the roadway where it came to a stop. After impact, the Volkswagen Beetle stopped in the middle of the roadway at which time Jesser Figueroa exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Figueroa was later located and taken into custody without incident after he was located by the Delaware State Police Helicopter hiding in ditch several hundred yards away from the collision.
Jesser Figueroa was properly restrained. He was subsequently charged with Vehicular Homicide 2nd Degree, Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision, Driving without a valid license, Failure to Report, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $18,300.00 Cash Bond.
John H. Scott Jr., who was not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in this collision.
Ruben V. Lourenco, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene and transported by EMS to the Beebe Medical Center where he was admitted with minor injuries.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. County Seat Highway (US 9) was closed for approximately 4 ½ hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash-Georgetown
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.
Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz
Released: 110417 0741
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