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Jose Vega facing DUI charges in Delaware photo courtesy of WDEL Mike Phillips

Delaware State Police report

Troopers Investigating Serious Motor Vehicle Crash, Hockessin

Hockessin – 12/05/2015- The Delaware State Police continue to investigate a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred on Lancaster Pike in Hockessin on Dec. 3, 2015.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 6:05 p.m., as Jose L. Escobar, 21, of Kennett Square, PA., was operating a 2003 Mitsubishi and was traveling in a southbound direction on Lancaster Pike (SR41) approaching the intersection of Ace Memorial Drive, Hockessin. The front of the Mitsubishi then struck the rear of a 2000 Nissan Altima, which was stopped on southbound Lancaster Pike, and which was being operated by Francisco Valadez, 31, of Kennett Square, PA. It was at this point that the rear of the Mitsubishi was then stuck by the front of a 1994 Ford Explorer which was also traveling southbound on Lancaster Pike, and which was being operated by Jose Vega, 55, of Hockessin, DE. The Mitsubishi was then forced into the northbound lane of Lancaster Pike where it was subsequently struck by a 2015 Volvo tractor and trailer, which was being operated by Dwayne Schuler, 50, of Nottingham, PA.

Francisco Valdez was removed from the scene by Emergency Medical Services and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries. It is unknown if Valdez was properly restrained at the time of the crash.

Jose Escobar was also removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was also treated for non-life threatening injuries. Escobar, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was cited by troopers for Following Too Closely.

Jose Vega, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics and then transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted. Troopers have obtained warrants charging Vega with Vehicular Assault 1st Degree, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving without an Operator’s License, No Motor Vehicle Insurance, and several other traffic offenses. Vega will be formally arrested and arraigned upon his release from the hospital. It is unknown if he was properly restrained at the time of the crash.

Dwayne Schuler was not injured in the crash.

Both the northbound and southbound lane of Lancaster Pike between Valley Road and the Pennsylvania state line were closed as the crash was investigated and cleared.