Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrest Dover Man in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Townsend

Date Posted: Thursday, January 25th, 2024

Rt 13 / Blackbird Landing

The Delaware State Police arrested a 36-year-old Dover, Delaware man for DUI and related charges following a fatal pedestrian crash investigation that occurred yesterday evening in Townsend that left one man dead. Future charges are pending as the incident continues to be investigated.

On January 24, 2024, at approximately 5:19 p.m., a 2023 Kia Soul was traveling on US Route 13 (Dupont Parkway) northbound, north of Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Kia was reported to have been traveling in an erratic manner leading up to the impact with a 40-year-old pedestrian. It remains under investigation if the pedestrian was in the right lane or shoulder of US Route 13 northbound at the time of the crash. The pedestrian was wearing bright reflective-colored clothing for the dark and unlit roadway conditions. After the crash, the Kia came to a stop on the right shoulder of US Route 13 and became engulfed in flames.

The pedestrian, a man from Townsend, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Kia was not injured and appeared to be under the influence of a drug. A DUI investigation ensued and impairment was suspected to be a factor. The driver was taken to Troop 9, where he was charged with Driving Under the Influence of a Drug, Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance, Driving While Suspended, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The passengers of the Kia, a 23-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child, both from Dover, Delaware, were taken to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Corporal P. McAndrew by calling (302) 365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.