MIDDLETOWN, Del. — Delaware State Police have identified and secured an arrest warrant for 38-year-old Francisco Mendez-Peralta of Chestertown, Maryland, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 62-year-old Middletown man Thursday night.
According to authorities, the crash occurred around 7:50 p.m. on October 30, 2025, along Middletown Warwick Road, approximately one mile north of Strawberry Lane. Investigators say the victim was riding an E-Bike northbound when a Chevrolet Equinox, also traveling north, struck the bike from behind. The impact threw the rider onto the roadway, causing catastrophic injuries.
Instead of stopping to help, the driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene, leaving the victim critically injured. Emergency crews responded, and the victim was airlifted by Delaware State Police Aviation to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His identity has been withheld pending notification of his family.
The roadway was closed for over three hours as members of Delaware State Police Troop 2’s Collision Reconstruction Unit examined the scene and gathered evidence.
During the investigation, detectives obtained surveillance footage showing the suspect vehicle. With assistance from Maryland State Police, troopers located the damaged Chevrolet Equinox in an alleyway near a residence in Chestertown, Maryland. Further investigation led to the identification of Mendez-Peralta as the driver.
He was arrested by Maryland State Police Troopers from the Centreville Barrack and appeared remotely before Judge Nunn in the District Court for Kent County, Maryland, on October 31, 2025. Court records indicate that Mendez-Peralta has been charged as a fugitive from justice in connection with the Delaware case. He remains held without bond pending extradition proceedings.
Upon his return to Delaware, Mendez-Peralta will face multiple felony charges, including:
- Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death
- Cars Involved in Death Remain at Scene for the Arrival of Police
- Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Death
Authorities describe Mendez-Peralta as 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
This tragic incident marks yet another reminder of the devastating consequences of fleeing a crash scene. Delaware State Police urge all motorists to remain alert, share the road responsibly, and stop immediately to render aid if involved in any collision.