A suspected drunk driver is accused of crashing his blue Ford Bronco into a golf cart at a Delaware golf course, nearly knocking down another golfer and throwing his passenger from the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The chaotic hit-and-run incident happened Tuesday afternoon at Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, Delaware, located 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia. According to Delaware Natural Resources Police.
Witnesses on the course captured video of the suspect driving a Ford Bronco erratically on the roadway, then running onto the grass, striking one golfer, crashing into a golf cart and nearly hitting another.
During the chaotic incident, the golf cart that was struck began to drive away and the occupant was thrown from the vehicle and lay on the grass.
The victim sustained minor injuries but refused further medical assistance.
Passersby watching the mayhem unfold could be heard screaming at the car as it sped away across the lawn, but it didn't get very far.
Police allege that officers quickly stopped the suspect at the wheel and took him into custody without incident.
It added that while the suspect was being questioned, he “made statements that required him to be transported to hospital for examination.”
The suspect driver has been charged with one felony count of first-degree reckless endangerment creating a substantial risk of death of another person and four misdemeanors.
- Driving under the influence of drugs (misdemeanor)
- First-degree reckless endangerment creating a substantial risk of death to another person (a felony)
- Leaving the scene of a collision involving injury (misdemeanor).
- Aggravated vandalism by motor vehicle (misdemeanor)
- Failure to possess insurance (a misdemeanor)
- Driving a motor vehicle in an undesignated area/zone (violation)
- Operating a motor vehicle on a zoned lot with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property (violation)
Police officials said the suspect will be charged once he is released from hospital, but did not provide details about the driver's medical condition following his arrest.
Police have not released the names of the suspect or victim.
Deerfield Golf Club responded to the mix-up on social media, saying: A statement was issuedHe praised officials for acting swiftly.
“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured as a result of this senseless act,” the group's statement read, “and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the emergency personnel from DNREC, New Castle County and Mill Creek Fire Department who responded quickly to the call.”
The course is advertised as “145 acres of stunning natural treasures that are an unparalleled resource for Delaware residents and businesses.”
