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Wilmington Man Arrested For 5th DUI After Hit-Run Crash

WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) – A Wilmington man has been arrested for his fifth DUI after a hit and run crash that happened on Wednesday.

The crash occurred on April 1st around 8:30 p.m.

Anthony J. Polletta, 55, was reportedly operating a 1994 Ford Mustang and was attempting to make a right hand turn from southbound on South Clifton Avenue onto Kirkwood Highway when he struck a pedestrian, identified as Clifford G. Gillis, 56. Gillis was attempting to cross in a designated crosswalk, and the impact of the crash threw him into the right lane of Kirkwood Highway.

Gillis was flown by helicopter to Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

After the accident, Polletta allegedly fled the scene in his car to a home on the 2300 block of Kirkwood Highway.

As he pulled into the driveway, his car struck a wooden shed.

Polletta then fled on foot into a wooded area behind a home on Sylvan Avenue, where he was later arrested.

Polletta, who was not injured, was arrested and taken to the police station, where he was charged with his fifth DUI as well as with Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and several traffic offenses.

Polletta was later released after posting $8,500 secured bail.

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