Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian- Bear- Update #2

Bear- Delaware State Police have obtained a warrant charging a New Jersey man with murder in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in a Bear area parking lot in March.

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Delaware State Police detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Elder Saavedra, 24, of Swedesboro, NJ with Murder 1st Degree in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in the parking lot of 2000 Firedancer Lane, Bear. Saavedra is currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania due to a prior detainer issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Saavedra will be formerly arrested upon his extradition from Pennsylvania.

The investigation began after troopers were called in reference to a male pedestrian, later identified as Lester Mateo, 24, of Pennsville, NJ, who had been struck by a vehicle. During the investigation troopers learned that an altercation had occurred inside the El Nuevo Rodeo Restaurant involving several individuals. Following the altercation Lester Mateo responded to a vehicle in the parking lot of the business. He then drove the car a short distance in the parking lot before getting out of it. It was then that Elder Saavedra entered the car and proceeded to run into Mateo, pinning him against a second vehicle which was parked in the lot. Saavedra then exited the vehicle and fled the parking lot on foot.

Lester Mateo was removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Medical Center where he was subsequently pronounced dead. His body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Sciences where his death was ruled a homicide. Through further investigation detectives were subsequently able to identify Elder Saavedra as the suspect.

Anyone who may have any additional information in reference to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Mauchin at (302) 365-8414 or via email: scott.mauchin@state.de.us. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

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