Lewes Man Charged with Sixth DUI After Rear-End Collision
A Lewes man has been charged with his sixth DUI following a rear-end collision on Hudson Road near Route 9 on February 26.
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. when a Chevrolet S10 struck the rear of a Nissan driven by a 57-year-old Maryland woman, who had two passengers. The driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene. The Nissan occupants were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
Witnesses provided a description of the suspect to law enforcement, leading to the apprehension of Thomas Clendaniel, 37, walking on Route 9. Authorities reported that Clendaniel was impaired and exhibited a strong odor of alcohol. He refused standard field sobriety tests and was taken into custody without incident.
A computer check revealed Clendaniel's history of five previous DUI convictions, and he was operating a suspended/revoked license at the time of the crash. He faces multiple charges, including sixth-offense DUI, three counts of second-degree vehicular assault, and leaving the scene of an injury collision.
Clendaniel was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on a $13,500 secured bond.