BRIDGEVILLE, Del. - A five-car crash at the intersection of Sussex Highway and Redden Road on Sunday evening led to the arrest of 48-year-old James West on vehicular assault and drug charges.
Delaware State Police said the crash happened just before 7 p.m. after West did not stop for traffic on Sussex Highway because he was distracted by his phone. The car he was driving hit a van and another car that were stopped. The van was pushed forward to hit an SUV and the car was pushed to hit a truck.
West's Ford Escape hit a Dodge Charger that was stopped in traffic after police say he was distracted by his phone. Courtesy Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company.
Troopers said West appeared impaired and they then discovered that he allegedly had a bag of suspected heroin and other drug paraphernalia. He was taken into custody.
West's Ford Escape hit a Dodge Charger that was stopped in traffic after police say he was distracted by his phone. Courtesy Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company.
The driver of the van, a 45-year-old woman from Salisbury, was taken to an area hospital with her 9-year-old passenger. The SUV driver was a 58-year-old woman from Milford and she was also taken to the hospital. They were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
A Honda Odyssey was propelled forward after the initial impact into the back of a Kia Telluride, according to police. Courtesy Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company.
West was charged with three counts of first degree vehicular assault, DUI, drug possession, and inattentive driving. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,501 secured bond.