Seaford, DE- Delaware State Police arrested William L. Purnell, 56, of Bridgeville, Saturday night after he struck a Seaford Fire Police Officer directing traffic.

On October 30, 20201, at approximately 10:21 p.m., Seaford Fire Department was on the scene of an automobile accident on Cannon Road. An 83-year-old Seaford man was acting in a Fire Police capacity at the intersection of Cannon Road and Camp Road, directing traffic. The Fire Police officer was wearing a high visibility traffic vest, was holding a light-up wand, and his vehicle was parked next to him with the emergency lights activated. William Purnell was driving a 2012 Dodge Journey westbound on Cannon Road approaching Camp Road. Purnell failed to see the Fire Police directing traffic in the intersection and struck him with the front center of his vehicle.

The 83-year-old victim was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.

Purnell was not injured during the collision and the investigation discovered he was driving under the influence of alcohol.