New Castle, DE – A 64-year-old man was killed Friday evening after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing South Dupont Highway in New Castle, prompting a multi-hour road closure and an ongoing DUI investigation.
According to Delaware State Police, the crash occurred Friday, January 23, at approximately 6:10 p.m., south of Christiana Road near a Wawa convenience store at 117 South Dupont Highway. Investigators say a Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound in the left center lane when a pedestrian entered the roadway and crossed into the vehicle’s path.
Police said the pedestrian was crossing from the Wawa and entered a prohibited crossing area, despite a fenced median intended to prevent foot traffic. The man was struck in the roadway and pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending family notification.
Authorities also reported that the pedestrian had allegedly shoplifted from the Wawa prior to the crash, though the incident remains under investigation.
The driver of the Toyota, a 45-year-old woman from New Castle, was not injured. Police say she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, and a DUI investigation followed. She was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol and later released.
As a result of the crash, left southbound lanes of South Dupont Highway were closed for approximately four hours while troopers investigated and cleared the scene, causing significant evening traffic disruptions in the area.
The investigation remains active. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact Corporal D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486, message Delaware State Police on Facebook, or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Victim support services are available through the Delaware Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center at 1-800-842-8461, 24 hours a day.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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