Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Man for Vehicular Assault and DUI Following Newark Crash

Date Posted: Monday, October 13th, 2025

Photograph of Tristan Proffitt

Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Tristan Proffitt, of Hockessin, Delaware, for vehicular assault, DUI, and related charges following a crash that occurred Saturday night in Newark.

On October 11, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Paper Mill Road and Polly Drummond Hill Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia Sportage was traveling northbound on Polly Drummond Hill Road, approaching Paper Mill Road. At the same time, a Kia Forte was traveling southbound on Paper Mill Road, approaching Polly Drummond Hill Road. The Sportage drove through a red light, entered the intersection, and was struck by the Forte.

Troopers contacted Tristan Proffitt, identified as the driver of the Sportage. While speaking to him, troopers observed several signs of impairment and began a DUI investigation. After completing Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Proffitt was found to be impaired. He was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

The driver of the Forte, a 40-year-old man from Middletown, Delaware, and his passenger, a 21-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, were both taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Proffitt was taken to Troop 6, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.