Driver charged with DUI after fatal crash in New Castle, as per state police

A tragic pedestrian accident resulted in the closure of a section of South Dupont Highway for several hours on Friday night while authorities investigated the incident. The Delaware State Police reported that the collision occurred on January 23, 2026, at around 6:10 p.m., on South Dupont Highway just south of Christiana Road in New Castle. The police indicated that a Toyota Tundra was heading south in the left center lane when a pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from a Wawa store located at 117 South Dupont Highway. The pedestrian unfortunately walked into the path of the truck and was struck in the left center lane. According to investigators, the pedestrian was crossing at a location where a fence had been erected to deter such crossings. Additionally, law enforcement mentioned that the pedestrian had allegedly shoplifted from the Wawa before the tragic incident. The pedestrian, identified as a 64-year-old man from Middletown, Delaware, was declared deceased at the scene. The authorities have refrained from disclosing his name until his family is notified. The Toyota driver, a 45-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was unharmed. However, police suspected that she was driving under the influence of alcohol. Following a DUI investigation, she was cited for driving under the influence and later released. Further details regarding the crash and potential additional charges have not been made available by the state police, as the investigation is ongoing. State authorities urge anyone who witnessed the accident or possesses relevant information to reach out to Corporal D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. Tips can be shared through private messages on Delaware State Police's Facebook page or through Delaware Crime Stoppers. Additionally, the Delaware State Police have highlighted the availability of support services for those affected by sudden death or violent crime, such as the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and the Delaware Victim Center, which can be contacted 24/7 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 or via email at [email protected].