Police say a driver arrested in a weekend crash that left an elderly woman dead was drunk when he slammed his 2013 BMW into the back of the woman's car. And, the suspected driver has a history of DUI arrests.
Newark Police announced the arrest Monday morning of Newark, Del. resident Robert Perago.
Investigators say Perago, 53, was under the influence of alcohol when he smashed his BMW into a 2007 Toyota Camry stopped for a red light in the right lane of Christina Parkway at South College Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
The crash caused heavy rear damage to the Camry and heavy front end damage to the BMW. Witnesses say the driver of the BMW tried to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by responding police officers.
Camry rear seat passenger, 90-year-old Cora Williamson, of Wilmington, died at the hospital. The Camry's driver Gail Dierolf, 60 and passenger Richard Dierolf, 65, both of Wilmington, each suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Williamson and the Dierolfs were related, according to police Lt. Mark Farrall.
Perago also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Christiana Hospital before being taken into police custody Sunday.
Perago is charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and DUI. Police say Perago has been found guilty of DUI twice before.
He was released from custody after posting $12,000 bail.
