(Newark, De 19713) Last night (Sept 8) at approximately 8:15 p.m., investigators from the New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit were dispatched to the south bound lanes of  Interstate 95 (I95), at the Churchman’s Road Exit for the report of a multi car crash involving a New Castle County Police patrol car. 

When the investigators arrived, they learned that the on-duty patrol officer had stopped on the shoulder to assist what appeared to be a disabled tractor-trailer and another black SUV.  The officer was seated in the fully marked patrol vehicle with the emergency equipment activated.  The patrol vehicle was then struck by a Nissan Altima.  The Altima then careened off of the patrol vehicle and back into the southbound traffic of I95.  The Altima was then struck by a Chevy Blazer which was also traveling southbound on I95.

Traffic on I95 was diverted to the left lane. This lane was the only lane open for travel for some time causing significant delays on all of the southbound lanes. 

All drivers and passengers, including the officer, were transported to a local area hospital where they were treated and released for minor non-life-threatening injuries. 

The crash investigation is still ongoing, and alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact M/Cpl Michael Henderson at (302)395-8118 or Michael.Henderson@newcastlede.gov or call the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.

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