DOVER, DELAWARE (10/26/2015) A Maryland man is facing DUI and vehicular assault charges after a weekend accident at Delaware State University that sent seven people to hospitals, one with critical injuries.
The incident happened about 7:30 p.m. Saturday as the campus was in the midst of homecoming activities, which were canceled for the rest of the evening.
Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman, a Dover police spokesman, gave this account:
“Gregory Ligon (28), of Mitchelville, MD, was operating a Mercedes Benz sedan in the area of the fraternity picnic area. Ligon attempted to park his vehicle in the area and exited it once he did so, forgetting the vehicle was still in reverse.
“Ligon quickly entered the driver’s seat to stop the vehicle, and pushed the gas pedal instead of the break, causing the vehicle to accelerate over a curb and across a grassy area full of people with its driver side door open.
“The vehicle struck a total of seven people. The most serious of the injuries occurred when the driver door struck a 21-year-old female and pinned her against a tree. This victim was later flown to Christiana Hospital with major injuries.
“The vehicle then continued as the driver door broke off, until it struck another tree and came to a stop. At that time Ligon was removed from the vehicle by several bystanders.”
Hoffman said Ligon will be charged with first-degree vehicular assault, six counts of second-degree vehicular assault, driving under the influence and no proof of insurance.
The woman pinned to the tree was in critical condition at Christiana Hospital in Stanton, he said, with a broken back and ribs as well as multiple internal injuries.
The other victims, all taken to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital in Dover:
• A 51-year-old Philadelphia man was treated for shoulder and leg injuries.
• A 20-year-old woman from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was treated for a foot injury.
• A 21-year-old woman from Wilmington was treated for a hand injury.
• A 21-year-old man from Dover was treated for a leg injury.
• A 21-year-old woman from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was treated for a foot injury.
• A 22-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York, was treated for a foot injury.
Hoffman said Dover police are investigating the incident with assistance from DSU police.
Dr. Harry L. Williams, president of the university, issued this statement:
“It was an unfortunate accident that took place on Saturday evening, and our thoughts and prayers are with all persons who suffered injuries in the incident. Our primary priority continues to be the safety of our students, employees and visitors. Staff from Student Health Services stand ready to provide support to our students during this difficult time.”