SPD officers recently arrested a suspected impaired driver after he was found asleep behind the wheel. On Tuesday, 11/10 at approximately 1 pm, SPD officers on patrol were alerted to a driver slumped over behind the wheel on US 13 in the area of S Carter Rd. Officers contacted Mazen Faraj, 25 of Felton, DE and were able to wake him. While speaking with Mr. Faraj, it became apparent that he was under the influence of drugs. Officers ordered Mr. Faraj to turn his vehicle off and exit it. Mr. Faraj became combative and began struggling with officers who were in the roadway and attempted to flee. Mr. Faraj was able to get his vehicle in gear and rapidly accelerated, nearly striking an SPD officer who was able to get out of the way. Mr. Faraj continued traveling on US 13 at a high rate of speed, nearly striking another motorist who had exited his vehicle to assist officers. Mr. Faraj was unable to navigate through the intersection at S Carter Rd and struck 2 vehicles which were stopped in traffic, causing injury to 3 innocent uninvolved motorists. SPD officers were then able to remove the suspect and take him into custody after a brief struggle in the median. Officers located 64 bags of suspected heroin as well as drug paraphernalia inside the suspect’s vehicle. The 3 injured motorists were transported to Bayhealth-Smyrna for treatment of their minor injuries. Mr. Faraj declined treatment and was transported back to SPD where he was presented to JP #2 via video phone on the following charges:
Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony Reckless Endangering 1st degree (2 counts) Resisting arrest with force/violence Vehicular Assault 3rd degree (3 counts) Possession of a controlled substance (heroin) Reckless driving (drug related) Driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs
After presentment, Mr. Faraj was transported to SCI in default of $30,000 cash bond pending a future court hearing.