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Magnolia man charged with DUI and assault after three-car crash in Bethany Beach

by
October 4, 2025

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – A 22-year-old Magnolia man is facing multiple charges after state police say he caused a three-vehicle crash while driving under the influence on Coastal Highway Thursday night.

Troopers responding around 7:55 p.m. found three damaged vehicles near Beach Cove Square, including a Dodge Challenger driven by Benjamin Herrera, who officers said showed signs of impairment and smelled strongly of alcohol.

An investigation determined the Challenger had been speeding and driving recklessly southbound when it struck a Nissan Frontier, forcing it into another lane and into a Chevrolet Colorado. The impact caused the Chevrolet to overturn.

The 59-year-old driver of the Chevrolet, from New Castle, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The Nissan’s driver, a 44-year-old man, and his 7-year-old passenger from Ocean View declined medical treatment at the scene.

Herrera was arrested and charged with vehicular assault, DUI, and additional traffic-related offenses. He was later released pending court proceedings.

Police say the crash serves as another reminder of the dangers of impaired driving on Delaware’s busy beach highways.

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