Harrington- The Delaware State Police have identified and arrested the suspect wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the crash occurred on Friday, December 14, 2018, at approximately 9:38 p.m. when a pedestrian, a 53-year-old Harrington man was crossing U.S. 13 (S. DuPont Hwy.) from west to east, just south of the intersection with Corn Crib Road. The pedestrian successfully crossed the southbound lanes of U.S. 13 but while in the northbound right lane he was struck by an unknown vehicle which was traveling northbound. The pedestrian was thrown to the pavement coming to rest on the shoulder of U.S. 13. The vehicle did not stop and fled the scene.
Through investigative measures, Troopers identified the driver as 48-year-old Lazaro H. Martinez of Lincoln, said Jaffe. Martinez turned himself in at Troop 4 on December 21, 2018, and was charged with Leaving Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death (Felony) and Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury or Death. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $3,100.00 unsecured bond.
Orginal Report
Harrington- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify the pictured vehicle that was involved in a fatal pedestrian hit and run crash, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
The crash occurred on Friday, December 14, 2018, at approximately 9:38 p.m. when a pedestrian, 53-year-old Rickey D. Honeycutt, of Harrington, was crossing U.S. 13 (S. DuPont Hwy.) from west to east, just south of the intersection with Corn Crib Road. Honeycutt successfully crossed the southbound lanes of U.S. 13 but while in the northbound right lane he was struck by the vehicle which was traveling northbound, according to Jaffe. Honeycutt was thrown to the pavement coming to rest on the shoulder of U.S. 13. The vehicle did not stop and fled the scene, said Jaffe.
Jaffe said investigators were able to obtain surveillance images from local businesses. The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a Jeep, possibly an older Cherokee, Commander, or a 4-door Wrangler with a hard top. The suspect’s vehicle appears to be light in color with black trim near the bottom. The vehicle should have damage to the right front fender, missing an amber/orange right side marker lens, and possible scratches and/or damage to its right side. Although the crash occurred at S. DuPont Highway at Corn Crib Road intersection, the suspect’s vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on SR 14 (Milford-Harrington Highway) Milford, said Jaffe.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident or the pictured fleeing vehicle is asked to contact Sgt. J. Wheatley of the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-698-8518. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
