Daniel Lewis killed in Lancaster Drive DUI collision, suspect held

clock Created with Sketch Beta. March 31, 2026
Daniel Lewis killed in Lancaster Drive DUI collision, suspect held

SALEM, OR (March 28, 2026) – Daniel Lewis, 54, of Salem, was killed early Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash involving an alleged impaired driver on Lancaster Drive.

According to the Salem Police Department, Lewis was driving a gray Ford Mustang near Willamette Town Center just before 3:30 a.m. when a white Mercedes SUV traveling at a high rate of speed struck his vehicle.

Lewis died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. A 31-year-old female passenger in his vehicle was transported to Salem Health Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the driver of the Mercedes, identified as 35-year-old Romel Villarreal, fled the scene following the crash. His vehicle was later found a few blocks away.

Villarreal was subsequently arrested and faces charges including second-degree manslaughter, third-degree assault, DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and failure to perform the duties of a driver.

The crash remains under investigation.

Incident Location


DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Drunk driving is entirely preventable and often leads to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can last a lifetime. A DUI incident can seriously injure or kill, permanently impacting victims and their families, while also creating lasting legal and personal consequences for the driver. Safer alternatives, including sober ride options, are widely available.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 37 people die each day in alcohol-related crashes, and about 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. NHTSA data also shows that in 2019, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 28% of all motor vehicle deaths.

Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, shared her perspective on cases like this.

“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

“Along with the efforts of law enforcement, an attorney can revisit key witness statements, review surveillance footage, and obtain phone and texting records of the responsible party. Acting as an advocate, an attorney helps guide families through this difficult time while protecting their rights and ensuring accountability,” said Bond, who also serves as a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Family members who have lost a loved one may seek compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other hardships.

The family of Daniel Lewis may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages related to funeral costs and the loss of love and companionship.

In addition to general and special damages, punitive damages may also be awarded in certain DUI cases. These are intended to set an example and deter similar reckless behavior, helping to keep communities safer.

“It is crucial that DUI drivers are held accountable both criminally and financially,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“An attorney can shield victims from aggressive insurance companies while carefully investigating the facts of the case. Legal representation ensures that families receive strong advocacy and that their rights are fully protected,” Formica added.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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