Maryland Man Arrested for Fatal Hit & Run in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) have obtained an arrest warrant for a Maryland man following a fatal hit and run accident that took place on Thursday evening.

At approximately 7:50 p.m. on Oct. 30, an e-bike was traveling in the northbound lane or shoulder of Middletown Warwick Road, just north of Strawberry Lane. At the same time, a Chevrolet Equinox was traveling northbound towards the cyclist, when the front of the vehicle struck the e-bike, ejecting its rider onto the roadway. The Chevrolet fled the scene.

The e-bike rider, a 62-year-old man from Middletown, was flown by the DSP Aviation Section to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Shortly after, the Middletown Police Department discovered the Chevrolet on nearby surveillance video. With the assistance of the Maryland State Police, the Chevrolet Equinox was located in a public alleyway, near a residence, in Chestertown. Troopers located and identified the Chevrolet’s driver as 38-year-old Francisco Mendez-Peralta of Chestertown.

Mendez-Peralta was taken into custody in Maryland. Upon his extradition to Delaware, he will be charged with three felony charges related to the hit and run.

An investigation into this incident is ongoing. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.