Crime & Safety

Assault By Auto Charges for Chester Twp. Man Accused of Back-to-Back Crashes

Police say there was indication of intoxication after driver sent five to hospital, including himself.

The Chester Township man that caused a major crash on Route 206 in Chester Borough last year has been charged with three counts of assault by auto after a months-long investigation, according to police chief David Jara.

David Franson struck a stopped vehicle inside the Chester Springs Shopping Mall parking lot, continued on his way through the red traffic light on Rt. 206 at the exit of the mall and hit another vehicle traveling south on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, police reported after the incident.

The southbound vehicle was driven by Erwin De Los Santos, of Flanders. De Los Santos and his three passengers, as well as Franson, were taken to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.

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Chester Borough Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office joined efforts on the investigation, Jara said, resulting in Franson’s arrest on Jan. 24. He was charged with three counts of assault by auto resulting from the crash.

Franson posted the $1,000 bail and was released. Due to HIPAA laws, Jara could not release information regarding Franson’s state of intoxication, only that there was indication of intoxication from liquor and or drugs.

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For questions about this post, please email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.




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