Alleged drunk driver accused of trying to mow down golfers in chaotic scene
An alleged drunk driver is accused of ramming a blue Ford Bronco into a golf cart, ejecting its passenger as he tried to mow down another golfer before fleeing at a Delaware course.
The chaotic hit-and-run happened at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, Delaware — just 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia — on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Delaware Natural Resources Police.
Witnesses at the course captured the suspect erratically driving the Ford Bronco on the road before launching himself onto the grass, striking one golfer as he crashed into a golf cart and nearly hit another person.
During the chaotic incident, the golf cart, which was struck, started to drive away as the ejected occupant lay on the grass.
The victim suffered minor injuries but refused any additional medical help.
Bystanders watching the mayhem unfold were heard shouting at the vehicle as it sped off on the turf but the car didn’t get far.
Police claim officers quickly stopped the suspect behind the wheel and took them into custody without incident.
They add that while the suspect was being questioned, the person “made statements which required his transport to a hospital for evaluation.”
The suspected driver faces one felony charge — Reckless Endanger First Degree Creates a Substantial Risk of Death to Another — and four misdemeanors.
- Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drug (misdemeanor)
- Reckless Endanger First Degree Creates a Substantial Risk of Death to Another (felony)
- Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury (misdemeanor)
- Malicious Mischief by a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor)
- Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession (misdemeanor)
- Operate Motor Vehicle on Division Roads/Areas Not Designated for Such Purpose (violation)
- Operate Motor Vehicle on Division Lands with Willful Disregard for Safety of Persons/Property (violation)
Law enforcement says the suspect will be arraigned once they are released from the hospital but they have not provided additional details about the driver’s physical condition after being arrested.
Police have not released the names of the suspect or the victim.
The Deerfield Golf Club reacted to the chaos on social media and released a statement, praising the officials who acted quickly.
“We are eternally grateful that no one was seriously injured in this senseless act,” the statement from the organization read. “We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the first responders from DNREC, New Castle County, and Mill Creek Fire Department who responded promptly to the calls.”
The course advertises itself as an “extraordinary 145-acre natural treasure is a one-of-a-kind resource for residents and businesses in Delaware.”
