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Delaware State Police
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Updated Information Released-Monday, May 05, 2008 Update #3-Information on Fatal Crash near Georgetown Claims Four Lives Georgetown-The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) has released additional information pertaining to a vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2008. The driver of 1999 Pontiac Grand AM involved in this crash has been identified as Apolinar Gutierrez-Santico, 38, of Laurel, Delaware. Mr. Gutierrez surrendered to police at Troop 7 today at 9:00 a.m. He was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving Without a License, and Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $1,100.00 cash bail. The operator of the Chevrolet Suburban has been identified as Noe Gonzalo Mendez-Perez, 30, of Georgetown. The Suburban operated by Mr. Mendez-Perez was a 1995 model not a 2001 as listed in an earlier news release. The remaining victims have yet to be positively identified. Alcohol involvement is suspected, however, it has not been confirmed if alcohol was a factor in the cause of the crash which remains under investigation. Supplementary facts will be released to the media as soon as practical.
### Updated #2- Additional Information on Fatal Crash Near Georgetown Claims Four Lives Released- Sunday, May 4, 2008 Georgetown- The occupants in the SUV have still not been identified and investigators are still working on this aspect of the case. The driver of the Grand Am has been apprehended and is currently at Troop 7. His identity and charges will be forthcoming later today and will be provided by Cpl/3 Wes Barnett. Updated Release- Fatal Crash Near Georgetown Claims Four Lives Released- Sunday, May 4, 2008 Georgetown- The following information outlines the initial facts of this investigation as ascertained by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. A 1999 Pontiac Grand Am (operated by an unknown Hispanic male) was stopped at the red light on eastbound State Route 9 at State Route 30. A 2001 Chrysler Sebring (operated by Rolando Ayers, 29, of Lewes, DE) was stopped behind the Pontiac. A 2001 Chevrolet Suburban (operated by an unknown subject) approached the intersection as the light turned green and failed to slow down for stopped traffic. The Chevrolet struck the rear of the Sebring as it began to pull away from the light. The Sebring was forced eastbound and struck the rear of the Grand AM. The Sebring continued in a southwest direction and went off the roadway- rolling over several times before it came to a stop. A 1996 GMC pickup (operated by William Low, 30, of Georgetown, DE) and a Dodge Stratus (operated by Terrance Palmer, 21, of Georgetown) were traveling westbound on State Route 9 at the time of the initial crash. Now after the initial impact, the Suburban continued forward, crossed the center of the road and into the westbound lanes where it then struck the GMC head on. The Suburban then rolled over and caught fire. The final impact involved the Pontiac Grand AM and the Dodge Stratus. The operator of the Grand Am fled the scene after the crash. He has not been identified. Three occupants in the Suburban died as a result of this crash. They were not identifiable and investigators are working to learn who they are. Ms. Ayers also died as a result of this crash. Her family has been notified. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash on the parts of William Low and Terrance Palmer. Mr. Low was also not wearing his seatbelt. The roadway closed for 4 hours and this investigation is ongoing.
Preliminary Release- Fatal Crash Near Georgetown
Released- Saturday, May 3, 2008
Georgetown- The following is a preliminary release concerning a fatal crash near Georgetown. At approximately 8:00 p.m. this evening, a multi vehicle crash occurred on State Route 9 at Route 30. This incident involved at least five vehicles and one of these vehicles is believed to have fled the scene. Four people are confirmed deceased and this number may rise. One of the cars was fully engulfed in flames and has since been extinguished.
The media’s consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated and the complexity of this incident has made it difficult to ascertain additional details. There are multiple investigators on the scene and the dynamics of this crash are expected to be released in the morning.
No further information will be released tonight. |
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