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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Troopers Arrest Wilmington Man for Vehicular Assault – Bear


Date Posted: Monday, October 8th, 2018

Bear – The Delaware State Police have charged Felix R. Matias, 32, of Wilmington, with multiple criminal and traffic related offenses, to include vehicular assault and DUI, as a result of a serious crash that occurred early Monday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 on DE Rt. 72 (Wrangle Hill Rd.) east of DE Rt. 71 (Red Lion Rd.) in Bear. A 2006 Mazda 6, operated by a 22 year old New Castle was traveling DE 72 eastbound and a 2003 Ford Explorer being driven by Matias, was traveling DE 72 westbound. Matias failed to remain in his lane and crossed over into oncoming traffic, with his vehicle striking the front left end of the Mazda. After impact both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Matias attempted to flee on foot, but was taken in to custody a short distance from the scene by a New Castle County Police Officer with the assistance of a civilian bystander.

The operator of the Mazda was transported to the Christiana Hospital in critical condition. Neither improper driving nor impairment are being considered as factors on his behalf.

Matias was admitted to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Impairment on his behalf is being considered as a contributing factor in the crash.

A 26 year old male passenger in Matias’ vehicle was also transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Warrants are currently on file charging Matias with the following offenses, which he will be arraigned on upon discharge from the hospital:

  • Vehicular Assault 1st Degree (2 counts)
  • Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
  • Failure to Report a Personal Injury Accident
  • Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident
  • Failure to Remain in Lane
  • Disregard a Traffic Control Device
  • Driving without a License
  • No Proof of Insurance
  • No Proof of Registration

 

DE Rt. 72 was closed for approximately one hour as the scene was investigated and cleared.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:100818 1135

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