Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Felton- The 47 year old operator of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe that was involved in the fatal motor vehicle crash on SR 12 just east of Felton on Saturday, December 3, 2016, has been identified as Carl J. Klotz.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Released: 120416 1640

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**Original Release**

Felton- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred early this morning east of Felton.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 1:41 a.m. this morning, Saturday, December 3, 2016, as Christopher Thompson, 32, of Coatesville, PA, was operating a 2006 Dodge 3500 pick up truck, which was pulling a 30 foot enclosed box trailer, and was traveling on eastbound SR 12 (Midstate Road) east of Chimney Hill Road, Felton. Due to a mechanical problem with the trailer, Thompson had pulled onto the right hand shoulder of the roadway; however, a portion of the trailer remained in the eastbound lane of travel. Thompson then placed a floor jack under the driver’s side of the enclosed box trailer’s tires, and as he was standing in the eastbound lane of the roadway, he was struck by the right front bumper of a fully marked 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was being operated by an off-duty 47 year old male police officer from the Harrington Police Department. Thompson was thrown onto the hood and windshield of the Tahoe before landing in the eastbound lane of travel where he came to rest.

Christopher Thompson, who was dressed in all dark clothing at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither alcohol nor drugs use on the part of Thompson appear to be a factor in this crash.

The male operator of the Tahoe, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured. Alcohol and drug use on the part of the operator is not being considered as a factor in the crash. Excessive speed is also not being considered as a factor. The name of the Harrington Police officer is being withheld but will be released at a later date.

A female passenger, who was seated in the rear passenger seat of the Dodge, was not injured in the crash.

Inquiries of the Harrington Police Department can be made by calling 302-398-4493.

Midstate Road was closed for approximately five hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 120316 0850

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