Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Bear, DE- Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred last evening west of Bear.

The investigation has determined the crash occurred on Friday, September 16, 2016, at approximately 7:38 p.m., as a pedestrian, later identified as Jeanna M. Hobbs-Rochester, 45 of Newark, was leaving a store located at the southeast corner of the US 40 and the Church Road intersection. The pedestrian proceeded to cross the eastbound lanes of US 40.  A 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, operated by Candace L. Brown, 26 of Newark, was traveling eastbound on US 40 in the left lane of two eastbound lanes of travel and was approaching the  intersection with Church Road.  The traffic signal for eastbound US 40 at Church Road was cycled to green.  A non-contact vehicle in front of the Camaro swerved left to avoid striking the pedestrian. As the pedestrian walked into the path of the Camaro, Candace L. Brown also swerved to the left but was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian causing the right front of her vehicle to strike the pedestrian. The pedestrian then fell to the ground in the left lane of US 40 eastbound east of Church Road.

Candace L. Brown, 26 of Newark, was properly restrained and did not sustain any injury as a result of the collision. Alcohol and speed are not being considered as contributing factors in this collision on the part of the vehicle operator.

The pedestrian, Jeanna M. Hobbs-Rocheste, 45 of Newark, was transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where she has been admitted in critical condition. Alcohol on the part of the pedestrian is suspected. The pedestrian was not carrying a lighted device and was not wearing any reflective clothing.  The pedestrian appeared to have been using the marked crosswalk but was crossing against the pedestrian signal.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. US 40 Pulaski Highway eastbound east of Church Road in the area of the collision was impacted for approximately two hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091716 0831

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