By Brian Gilliland

DEWEY BEACH — A blue 2021 Audi Q3 failed to negotiate a left curve on northbound Coastal Highway around 10 p.m. on Aug. 9, sending it over the median, onto King Charles Ave., and into another vehicle, which crashed into a further two vehicles injuring four, including the driver, Dewey Beach Police reported.

The Audi’s driver, identified by authorities as Kenneth Pedro Quezada, 37, of Lewes, was charged with felony vehicular assault, first degree, while driving under the influence and causing injury; felony criminal mischief over $5,000, misdemeanor criminal mischief under $5,000; misdemeanor DUI and reckless endangerment as well as other traffic offenses.

Police said witness statements and street camera video show Mr. Quezada’s vehicle “far exceeding” the posted speed limit, but did not reveal the vehicle’s speed.

After missing the turn, the car entered the median and struck nine roadside traffic signs and continued, striking an electronic crosswalk sign. This area of Dewey Beach, police said, is known for a high volume of pedestrian traffic and multiple crosswalks.

After the crosswalk sign, the Audi continued onto King Charles Ave., where it struck a white Toyota Avalon, which was occupied by two people, police said.

The force of the collision threw the Toyota backwards, according to investigators, sending it into a black Honda Accord occupied by three and then into a green Lexus NX.

One victim is reported to have sustained serious injuries including “broken bones, and severe lacerations,” another had lacerations and contusions and a third sustained a concussion. These victims were transported to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, police said.

The operator of the Audi was also injured, police said, and was provided aid at the scene.

“Officers noted signs of impairment and conducted a DUI investigation,” the police release reads. “Quezada refused to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and a Preliminary Breath Test.”

A search warrant was executed on the suspect’s blood by police, but they did not report its findings. Instead, the suspect was charged with alcohol offenses and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Dewey Beach Police included a warning about maintaining control of vehicle speed in adverse weather conditions, and noted the rainy weather when the incident occurred.  

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and EMS, as well as Lewes and Bethany Beach units were reported to respond to the scene as well, and noted the northbound side of the highway was closed for about an hour.  

Staff writer Brian Gilliland can be reached at 410-603-3737 or bg@iniusa.org.