NEW CASTLE, DE. (THECOUNT) — David Wilmore, from Middletown, was killed Friday evening while fleeing a Wawa convenience store on-foot following an alleged shoplifting incident. The female driver was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol and released, according to Delaware State Police.
Troopers said the fatal pedestrian crash occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. on January 23 near 117 South Dupont Highway, a heavily traveled section of U.S. Route 13 in New Castle. Investigators said Wilmore had exited the Wawa store after allegedly shoplifting and ran into the roadway at a location specifically marked to discourage pedestrian crossings.
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Police noted that the area where Wilmore entered the roadway contains a fenced median designed to prevent pedestrians from crossing due to the high speed and volume of traffic along the corridor. Despite the barrier, Wilmore crossed into the southbound lanes, where he was struck by a Toyota Tundra traveling south in the left lane.
Wilmore suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota, a 45-year-old woman from New Castle, was not injured in the collision. Police said the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. She was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol and later released, authorities confirmed.
No additional charges have been announced as of press time.
South Dupont Highway, also known as U.S. Route 13, is a major north-south thoroughfare in northern Delaware and is known for frequent vehicle and pedestrian crashes. The roadway features multiple lanes in each direction, limited controlled pedestrian crossings, and traffic speeds that increase during evening hours, particularly in commercial zones such as the area near the Wawa store.
Delaware State Police temporarily closed portions of South Dupont Highway following the crash to allow troopers from the Collision Reconstruction Unit to document the scene, gather evidence, and conduct roadway measurements. Traffic was reopened after the on-scene investigation was completed.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as troopers continue reviewing witness statements, physical evidence, and any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. Police are also examining the sequence of events leading up to Wilmore entering the roadway and the actions of the driver prior to the collision.
Investigators emphasized that pedestrians are prohibited from crossing certain sections of U.S. Route 13 due to the elevated risk posed by fast-moving traffic and limited visibility, particularly after dark. The fenced median in the area was installed specifically to deter pedestrian crossings and reduce the likelihood of fatal incidents.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact Corporal D. McKenna of the Delaware State Police at 302-365-8486. Tips may also be submitted by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333 or by messaging Delaware State Police through their official Facebook page.
No further information regarding toxicology testing or potential additional charges has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
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