On Nov. 23, the Delaware State Police dispatch center received a 911 call from a concerned motorist reference to a possible intoxicated subject traveling on Route 9 near Dairy Farm Road.  The motorist observed the driver of a pick-up truck, later identified as Francis A. Ashley, 53,  of New Castle, operating his motor vehicle in an unsafe manner prompting the call to 911.
 
The caller then observed Ashley pull to the shoulder of the roadway and exit his vehicle.  The caller also pulled to the shoulder at a safe distance from the suspect's vehicle.  Upon exiting the vehicle, the caller said Ashley proceeded to expose his genitals and urinate into the roadway. 

Police said Ashley then returned to his vehicle at which time a Delaware State Police Troop 7 patrol unit arrived.  The patrol trooper contacted the caller and obtained the information pertaining to the incident.  The trooper then contacted Ashley seated in his vehicle.
 
The trooper observed several contributing factors indicating that Ashley was under the influence of alcohol.  Police said Ashley would not cooperate with field sobriety tests at which time he was taken into custody and transported to Beebe Medical Center.
 
A computer check was conducted by the patrol trooper revealing that Ashley had three previous convictions.  While at the hospital, Ashley also allegedly became increasingly disorderly with the trooper and hospital staff.
 
Ashley was then transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7 where he was formally charged with the following charges:
 
• 4th Offense Driving Under Influence (Felony)
• Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor)
• Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor)
• Failure to have Insurance in Possession (Traffic Charge)
 
Ashley was committed to Sussex Correctional Center in lieu of $5,001 secure bond.

View Larger Map