Magnolia Man Arrested after 3-Vehicle Crash North of Bethany Beach
Image courtesy DSP
A Magnolia man has been arrested after a three vehicle crash Thursday night just before 8 on Coastal Highway north of Bethany Beach. Delaware State Police contacted 22 year old Benjamin Herrera of Magnolia, the driver of a Dodge Challenger that was involved in the crash and smelled alcohol on his breath. He also showed signs of impairment. Police learned the Challenger was southbound at a high rate of speed on Coastal Highway near Beach Cove Square and struck a Nissan from the rear – pushing it into the right lane where the Nissan hit a Chevy causing it to overturn.
The driver of the Chevy, a 59 year old New Castle man was hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan, a 44 year old man, and 7 year old passenger, both from Ocean View, refused transport. Herrera was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries – and while in transport threatened a paramedic and an EMT.
Herrera was treated and released and arrested and charged with the following offenses:Â Â
- Vehicular Assault 1st Degree – Drive Under the Influence Negligent Injury (Felony)
- Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree – Driving Under the Influence Negligence Causes Injury
- Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug
- Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree – 3 counts
- Terroristic Threatening – 2 counts
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,300 cash bond.Â
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Trooper Lieber at DSP Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 or Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.