Bear, DE – A Wilmington man is facing felony charges after state troopers say he was driving under the influence and carrying a firearm when his speeding Tesla slammed into another vehicle early Sunday morning, critically injuring the other driver.
Delaware State Police arrested 39-year-old Marcus Simpson following the crash, which occurred around 1:01 a.m. on August 10 on Bear-Christiana Road near Christiana Meadows. Investigators say Simpson was driving a Tesla Model Y northbound at a high rate of speed when it collided with a Honda Insight that was turning left through a red light.
The impact was severe enough to split the Honda in half, ejecting its 34-year-old driver from New Castle. That driver was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Simpson was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
Troopers on scene reported smelling alcohol and observed other signs of impairment. They also discovered a firearm tucked into Simpson’s waistband. After being treated at the hospital, Simpson was taken to Troop 2 and formally charged.
He faces multiple charges including first-degree vehicular assault while driving under the influence, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and DUI-related traffic violations. He was arraigned and released after posting a $44,150 secured bond.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are seeking additional witnesses to the crash.
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Key Points
- Marcus Simpson, 39, charged after DUI crash in Bear critically injured another driver
- Simpson was carrying a firearm and allegedly speeding before impact
- Victim’s vehicle was split in half and the driver ejected
