Photo: Kelly McVey-Patterson -New Castle County Police are investigating a fatal crash that involved one of their own.
Officials said on Wednesday morning, at approximately 12:50, a New Castle County Police Officer was traveling westbound on Kirkwood Highway when they were struck head-on by a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
Investigators from the Division of Police, Traffic Services Unit, responded to the scene to assume the investigation. A witness reported observing the Jetta travel eastbound on Kirkwood Highway and approach the intersection of Limestone Road. The operator of the Jetta later identified as 25-year-old Herbert Arreola, of Pennsylvania, swerved in an attempt to avoid striking a vehicle. He continued traveling on Kirkwood Highway where he struck the center median. After striking the center median, the vehicle then went airborne crossing into the westbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway striking the fully marked 2021 Ford Explorer.
Arreola was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The officer was also transported to the hospital and later treated and released for minor injuries.
Image Credits: Kelly McVey-Patterson