DUI Homicide

Newark-The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has charged a 21 year old Newark man with Vehicular Homicide and related charges in connection with the death of an unidentified adult male bicyclist, last evening in Newark.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the crash occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at approximately 8:30 p.m. as a 2003 Honda Accord operated by Rahul A. Patel-21 of Newark, Delaware was traveling at a high rate of speed on westbound Ogletown Road (DE273) approaching the Ruthar Drive intersection. Patel lost control of the Honda which traveled off of the roadway onto the center median, rotating counter-clockwise, and continuing into the intersection. The passenger side of the Honda struck an adult male bicyclist who was traveling through the intersection in a northerly direction, attempting to cross Ogletown Road.

The male bicyclist suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been identified at the time of release. Name to be released upon positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Rahul A. Patel was properly restrained and not injured.

After further investigation it was determined that Patel was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody and charged with Vehicular Homicide 1st Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Patel was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $20,500 Cash Bond.

The Ogletown Road and Ruthar Drive intersection was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Troopers continue to investigate this crash.

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