Laurel man charged with 5th DUI after rear-ending van at red light

Delaware State Police arrested and charged a man with his 5th DUI after he rear-ended a vehicle at a red light near Laurel.

According to State Police, the incident occurred just before 6 p.m. Wednesday when troopers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Sussex Highway, south of Trussum Pond Road.

Further investigation revealed that a 2008 Chrysler Minivan was stopped at a red light on northbound US 13, when a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage, operated by 36-year-old Jerod Kernodle, of Laurel, struck the rear of the vehicle.

When Troopers made contact with Kernodle an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued. A computer check revealed Kernodle had four prior DUI convictions, making this his fifth offense, and a suspended driver’s license.

The operator of the minivan, a 33-year-old female and her 7-year-old passenger, were transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Kernodle was charged with his 5th Offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony), Vehicular Assault Third Degree (2 counts), and Driving While Suspended. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,000 cash only bond.