Bartender Charged After Fatal Crash Investigation

NEW CASTLE, Del. - A bartender faces charges after investigators determined she served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who was later involved in a fatal two-vehicle crash on November 15, 2025.

Delaware State Police contacted the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) after their crash investigation revealed that the driver, Ashley Wright of Dover, Delaware, had been at Emmaculate Sports Bar, 3800 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, before the collision. Surveillance footage obtained on November 18 showed that Wright displayed visible signs of intoxication while being served alcoholic beverages.

On January 14, 2026, bartender Nia Jones, 30, of Bear, was arrested and charged with Sale or Service of Alcoholic Liquors to an Intoxicated Person (misdemeanor). She was released on her own recognizance.

DATE also filed liquor license violations against Emmaculate Sports Bar LLC, including:

• Sale/service to an intoxicated person
• Failure to report financial interest changes
• Allowing off-premises alcohol consumption
• Refilling liquor bottles
• Improper license posting

These charges will be heard before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.

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The Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement is committed to protecting the public and ensuring compliance with Delaware's alcohol laws. DATE works proactively with its law enforcement partners to hold licensees and individuals accountable and promote responsible alcohol service, to reduce alcohol-related incidents that place the public at risk.