BEAR, DE — A Wilmington man is facing felony DUI and firearm charges following a severe two-vehicle collision in Bear early Sunday morning that left another driver critically injured, according to Delaware State Police.
Investigators say the crash occurred at approximately 1:01 a.m. on August 10, 2025, along Bear-Christiana Road near Christiana Meadows. Troopers responding to the scene identified 39-year-old Marcus Simpson as the driver of a Tesla Model Y involved in the collision. Police allege that during their interaction, they detected the odor of alcoholic beverages, observed additional signs of impairment, and found a firearm in Simpson’s waistband.
Preliminary findings indicate the Tesla was traveling northbound on Bear-Christiana Road at what appeared to be a high rate of speed when a Honda Insight, driven by a 34-year-old New Castle man, entered the intersection from Christiana Meadows. The Honda, which police say proceeded through a red light while making a left turn to head southbound, was struck by the Tesla. The force of the impact split the Honda in half and ejected its driver, who was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Simpson sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at an area hospital before being taken into custody. He has been charged with first-degree vehicular assault – DUI causing negligent injury, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm while under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving at an unreasonable speed.
Following his arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Simpson was released on a $44,150 secured bond.
Authorities continue to investigate and are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 at (302) 834-2620 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Police remind the public that a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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