Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian

Odessa, DE - The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in which a male pedestrian was struck and killed that occurred early this morning in Odessa.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Saturday, October 03, 2015, at approximately 2:04 a.m. as, for an unknown reason; a 43 year old male victim was walking in the roadway on DuPont Parkway (US. Rt. 13) approximately .7 miles south of Middletown-Odessa Road (DE Rt. 299), Odessa. The male pedestrian was then struck by the front of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban which was traveling on US Rt. 13 in an unknown lane, and which was being operated by Shawn Russell, 40, of Dover. As a result of the crash, the pedestrian was thrown into the roadway where he came to rest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the male victim is being withheld at this time pending the notification of his next of kin.

Shawn Russell fled in his vehicle from the scene but was apprehended a short time later by officers from the Smyrna Police Department at the intersection of US Rt. 13 and Smyrna Leipsic Road, Smyrna. A DUI investigation then ensued at which time Shawn Russell was arrested and charged by troopers with DUI, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, Failure to Report an Accident, and No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance. Arraignment information for Russell is not available at this time.

It is unknown if alcohol use on the part of the victim was a contributing factor in the crash. US Rt. 13 southbound south of Rt. 299 was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.