The Dewey Beach Police Department is investigating a serious collision involving two pedestrians that occurred May 3 in Dewey Beach.

About 2 a.m., a Toyota Prius operated by a 64-year-old man from Largo, Fla., was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway near New Orleans Street. At the same time, two pedestrians were crossing into the southbound lanes within a marked crosswalk. However, the pedestrian-activated flashing beacons were not activated. The driver failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrians and struck them. Several officers from the Dewey Beach Police Department were in the area for an unrelated complaint and immediately rendered medical aid to the pedestrians.

A 25-year-old man from Lewes suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital, where he has since been released. A 22-year-old woman from Georgetown suffered critical injuries and was flown to Christiana Medical Center, where she is currently admitted.

The driver remained on scene and was cooperative during the investigation. He was properly restrained and uninjured in the collision.

The southbound lanes of Coastal Highway were closed for about two hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

During the investigation, a Ford Focus traveling southbound on Coastal Highway failed to obey a fire police officer who was diverting traffic at the road closure near Saulsbury Street. The Ford Focus nearly struck the officer and entered the collision scene. Several first responders had to cross the median to avoid the vehicle.

Officers from the Dewey Beach Police Department were able to stop the vehicle and remove the operator, who had attempted to lock himself inside. The 26-year-old driver was charged with DUI, resisting arrest, second-degree reckless endangering and other offenses. 

Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement assisted with these investigations. The Dewey Beach Police Department is continuing its investigation into the collision. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.