Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Omar Mendoza of New Castle, Delaware, for vehicular homicide and traffic-related charges, following a two-vehicle fatal collision that occurred Sunday morning in Bear.
On September 28, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a Chevrolet Malibu was traveling eastbound on US Route 40 near Fir Avenue. At the same time a Suzuki motorcycle was traveling westbound on US Route 40, in the right lane, near Fir Avenue. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Chevrolet entered the cross-over for Fir Avenue, failed to stop at the stop sign, then drove diagonally in the wrong direction across the westbound lanes of US Route 40. As a result, the front of the motorcycle collided with the front of the Chevrolet, causing the motorcycle riders to be ejected.
The passenger of the Suzuki, a 44-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.
The operator of the Suzuki, a 36-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as Omar Mendoza, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The road was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
After being released from the hospital, Mendoza was taken to Troop 2 and charged with the crimes listed below. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $10,250 cash bond.
- Vehicular Homicide Second Degree (Felony)
- Driving Without a Valid License
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
- Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. 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.