On Sunday February 25, 2018, at 2:08 am, Newark Police responded to the intersection of North College Avenue and Ray Street for a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. The investigation revealed that a 2003 Buick Le Sabre, driven by 23-year-old John Strobel of Newark, was traveling northbound on North College Avenue. The Le Sabre made a left turn onto Ray Street and struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian that had just stepped into the crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained serious head, spinal and leg injuries. She was treated by New Castle County Paramedics and transported to Christiana Hospital by Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark.

Strobel was taken into custody by police at the scene. During the investigation, Strobel was evaluated by a Newark Police Department Drug Recognition Expert who found Strobel to be driving under the influence of a drug.

Although Strobel was initially charged with DUI following the crash, further investigation and evaluation of the victim’s injuries resulted in additional charges. On March 2, 2018, Strobel turned himself in to Newark Police where he was charged with the following offenses:

Vehicular Assault First Degree (a felony)

Driving Under the Influence of a Drug

Failure to Have Insurance in Possession

Failure to Have Registration in Possession

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

Inattentive Driving

Civil Possession of Marijuana

Strobel appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 and was released after posting $5,000 secured bond.

The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.

Defendant:

John S. Strobel

23 years of age

Newark, DE

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Officer B. Whitehead at BWhitehead@newark.de.us or (302) 366-7100 ext. 3437.

The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.