Date/Time: Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 7:28PM
Location: Delaware State University Campus, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on the campus of Delaware State University on Saturday evening. At approximately, 7:28PM, 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. Ligon was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and will be charged with the following crimes:
-1st Degree Vehicular Assault
-2nd Degree Vehicular Assault (6x)
-DUI
-No Proof of Insurance
Released after posting $9,000 Secured Bond
The following contains information about the victims of the crash:
Victim#1
21-year-old female
Wilmington, DE
Critical condition at Christiana Hospital
Broken Back and ribs, multiple internal injuries
Victim#2
51-year-old male
Philadelphia, PA
Treated for shoulder and leg injuries by Bayhealth Kent General
Victim #3
20-year-old female
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Treated for foot injury by Bayhealth Kent General
Victim #4
21-year-old female
Wilmington, DE
Treated for hand injury by Bayhealth Kent General
Victim #5
21-year-old male
Dover, DE
Treated for Leg injury by Bayhealth Kent General
Victim #6
21-year-old female
Upper Marboro, MD
Treated for foot injury by Bayhealth Kent General
Victim #7
22-year-old female
Brooklyn, NY
Treated for foot injury by Bayhealth Kent General
At this time the investigation into the accident continues and is being led by the Dover Police Department with assistant from Delaware State University Police. As a result of the incident, Delaware State University did cancel all on-campus homecoming activities for the remainder of the evening on Saturday, October 24th.
The PIO for the Delaware State University, Carlos Holmes, can be reached via email at: cholmes@desu.edu