Dover Police Investigate Serious Injury Crash, Driver Charged with DUI and Drug Offenses 7-14-26
Incident Number: 50-26-24182
Date/Time: Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 3:17 P.M.
Location: Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road, Dover, DE
On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 3:17 p.m., Dover Police officers responded to the intersection of Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road for a report of a motor vehicle collision involving multiple vehicles with injuries. Due to the severity of the crash, the Dover Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded and assumed the investigation.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2026 Mazda 3 traveling eastbound on Forrest Avenue failed to stop for a red traffic signal before making a left turn into the path of a westbound 1990 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the Mazda, ejecting the operator, a 67-year-old male, who sustained life-threatening injuries. After the collision, the motorcycle continued to skid and struck a third vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, causing minor damage.
The motorcycle operator was transported by Delaware State Police helicopter to Christiana Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition.
The driver of the Mazda, Jessica Lopez, 43, of Hartly, Delaware, displayed signs of impairment at the scene and was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment of minor injuries. During the investigation, officers located heroin and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and on Lopez’s person.
Investigators also learned that Lopez had been arraigned earlier that same day on an unrelated felony case, where she was issued a No Contact Order prohibiting her from driving and was released on unsecured bail.
Following her release from the hospital, Lopez was charged with the following offenses:
- Vehicular Assault First Degree
- Noncompliance with Conditions of Bond (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- Driving While Suspended or Revoked
- Failure to Yield Right of Way While Turning Left
- Failure to Stop at a Red Light
Lopez was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in lieu of $33,202 cash bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111 or submit information at: www.doverpolice.org/contact-us.
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