A man in Seaford, Delaware, is facing multiple charges after allegedly crashing into mulitple vehicles while fleeing from the police, and choosing not to stop. As per the police, the man was drunk driving at the time, which resulted in one hospitalized individual.
According to a news release issued by the Delaware State Police (DSP), the incident occurred on Friday, June 19. At around 7:30 p.m., DSP troopers responded to Old Furnace Road near Middleford Road.
Troopers had been informed of a hit-and-run collision. Upon arrival, and following a preliminary investigation, troopers determined that a Jeep Comanche was the vehicle to blame.
As per the DSP, the Jeep was approaching Old Furnace Road while driving northbound on Middleford Road. When the vehicle turned right onto eastbound Old Furnace Road, that’s when the Jeep encountered a stopped Ford F-150.
First Hit-And-Run
Reportedly, the Ford, at the time, was stopped on westbound Old Furnace Road. Moments after the Jeep turned right, the vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and sideswiped the Ford.
The Jeep’s driver, according to the police, didn’t stop to check on the Ford’s occupants. Instead, he allegedly continued driving eastbound on Old Furnace Road.
The man is accused of speeding while fleeing the scene. On top of that, as per the police, he also committed multiple traffic violations.
Second Hit-And-Run, Crash
The FHP release detailed that the Jeep continued eastbound on Old Furnace Road until it reached the intersection of Coverdale Road. There, the driver allegedly backed into the front of a Toyota Camry.
Again, the driver failed to stop and continued eastbound on Old Furance Road, police said. However, this second hit-and-run was cut short when the Jeep reached Cokesbury Road.
As per the FHP, the vehicle crossed into the westbound lane. Then, it collided head-on with a Ford Fusion.
Crash Victims, Suspect Arrested
Reportedly, the Ford Fusion’s driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision. He was rushed to a local hospital as a result. His condition is unknown.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry’s driver, a 25-year-old woman, was uninjured, as were the vehicle’s occupants. The 33-year-old man behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 and a passenger were also unscathed.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Comanche’s driver was identified as 36-year-old Angel Morales-Ortiz. He was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Findings, Charges
Allegedly, upon making contact with him, troopers observed signs of impairment. Furthermore, inside the Jeep, troopers observed multiple open containers of alcohol, and they also found that Morales-Ortiz’s license was suspended.
Morales-Ortiz, as of Sunday, June 21, remained hospitalized. Upon release, he will be charged with first-degree vehicular assault, two counts of leaving the scene of a property collision accident, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while suspended or revoked, and multiple related traffic offenses.
If convicted of his vehicular assault charge, Morales-Ortiz could face up to three years in prison. A search warrant was executed, and troopers took a sample of his blood. Results are still pending.