MILFORD CRASH THAT INJURED TWO PEOPLE RESULTS IN ARREST OF LEWES MAN FOR HIS 6TH DUI

Milford, DE - On May 25, 2025, Milford Police responded to a motor vehicle crash. The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Old Shawnee Road, west of Evergreen Lane in Milford, Delaware.

A Ford Focus, reportedly traveling at high speed, rear-ended a GMC Sierra, causing the Ford to crash into the front porch of a nearby home.

The driver of the Ford, identified as 37-year-old Thomas Clendaniel from Lewes, DE, fled the scene heading north between residences on Old Shawnee Road. Despite a thorough search by Delaware State Police Aviation, the Milford PD's K9 Unit, and other officers, Clendaniel initially evaded capture.

The crash resulted in injuries to a passenger in the Ford and the driver of the GMC; both received medical treatment and were later released.

Further investigation revealed that Clendaniel was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

A few hours later, police responded to a report of a suspicious person on Sunset Lane, whic is close to the crash site. The suspicious person ended up being Clendaniel, who was then arrested.

Thomas Clendaniel faces multiple charges, including his sixth offense for driving under the influence of alcohol, which is a felony. Additional charges include breach of conditions of bond, vehicular assault in the second and third degrees, and various traffic violations.

Following his arrest, Clendaniel was presented in Justice of the Peace Court 7 and held by the Department of Correction on a cash bail of $53,605. A no-contact order was issued, prohibiting him from contacting the victims.

Clendaniel will have a preliminary hearing at a later date in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas.

Note: On February 28, 2025, Eastern Shore Undercover published a news article from the Delaware State Police, which alleged Clendaniel was arrested and charged with his 6th DUI. Today, May 30, 2025, the Milford Police Department have sent a press release stating that he was also arrested for his 6th DUI. Eastern Shore Undercover does not know the true number of DUI's on Mr. Clendaniel and was unable to verify if it was his 6th or now his 7th DUI. Those links are listed below:

Eastern Shore Undercover: https://www.easternshoreundercover.com/news2/lewes-man-crashes-into-vehicle-injures-three-people-and-charged-with-his-6th-dui-offense.htm

Delaware State Police: https://dsp.delaware.gov/2025/02/28/state-police-arrest-lewes-man-for-sixth-offense-dui-following-crash-investigation/

Milford Police Department: https://www.milfordpolicede.org/news/Sunday-Evening-Crash-Results-in-6th-Offense-DUI-Arrest.htm

Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.