WILMINGTON, DE — A Delaware woman has been charged following a fatal two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in Wilmington, according to Delaware State Police.
Police reported the crash occurred around 2:20 p.m. April 18 at the intersection of Rocky Run Parkway and Concord Pike.
According to investigators, a Toyota Prius was traveling eastbound in a left-turn lane on Rocky Run Parkway with a green arrow signal to turn north onto Concord Pike. At the same time, a Ford Taurus was traveling southbound on Concord Pike and allegedly failed to stop at a red light before entering the intersection.
Police said the front of the Ford allegedly struck the left side of the Toyota.
Authorities reported the Toyota’s driver, 72-year-old James Matthews of Newark, was transported to a hospital, where he died from injuries sustained in the crash. Police stated his identity was confirmed after notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Ford, identified as 35-year-old Michelle Palazzolo of Wilmington, was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to police, Palazzolo allegedly showed signs of impairment at the scene.
Police said Concord Pike was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
Palazzolo has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, felony driving under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to have required insurance, and failure to stop at a red light, according to authorities.
Police reported she was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $10,250 secured bail.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at 302-365-8417 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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