LEWES MAN CRASHES INTO VEHICLE, INJURES THREE PEOPLE AND CHARGED WITH HIS 6TH DUI OFFENSE
Milton, DE - Thomas Clendaniel, a 37-year-old resident of Lewes, Delaware, was arrested by the Delaware State Police following an investigation into a motor vehicle crash that occurred on February 26, 2025.
Clendaniel faces serious charges, including his sixth DUI offense along with several other traffic-related violations.
The events unfolded on Wednesday night at approximately 6:30 p.m. Police received reports of a motor vehicle crash on Hudson Road near the Lewes Georgetown Highway in Milton, Delaware.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that Clendaniel, the driver of a Chevrolet S10 Pickup Truck, had fled the crash site on foot.
Witnesses at the scene provided a detailed description of Clendaniel's clothing, which aided in his identification. Shortly thereafter, he was found walking eastbound along the shoulder of the Lewes Georgetown Highway, wearing the same attire described by witnesses.
When troopers intercepted him, they detected a strong smell of alcohol and observed multiple signs of impairment. Although Clendaniel refused to participate in the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, he was arrested without incident.
He was transported to Troop 7, where a legal blood test for DUI was conducted. A computer check later revealed that Clendaniel had (5) five previous DUI convictions and was operating the vehicle with a suspended or revoked license.
Preliminary investigations into the accident indicated that Clendaniel was driving the Chevrolet S10 southbound on Hudson Road, following a Nissan Sentra driven by a 57-year-old woman from Saint Michaels, Maryland.
As the woman slowed down to make a turn into a residential driveway, Clendaniel failed to stop and collided with the rear of her vehicle. The woman and her two passengers were all injured and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Clendaniel is facing the aforementioned charges and was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2. He is currently held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on a secured bond of $13,500.
- 6th Offense DUI (Felony)
- Vehicular Assault Second Degree- 3 counts
- Drunk on a Highway
- Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
- Driving While Suspended or Revoked
- Other Traffic-Related Offenses
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.
