Chestertown Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Middletown

Chestertown Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, Del. — A tragic incident in Middletown has left a family grieving and a community shaken after authorities confirmed the arrest of 38-year-old Francisco Mendez-Peralta, of Chestertown, Maryland, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on the night of Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the Delaware State Police, troopers responded to reports of a serious crash involving a pedestrian along a stretch of road in Middletown shortly before midnight. When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered a victim suffering from severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, the victim was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Investigators determined that the driver responsible had fled before police arrived, sparking an intensive overnight search. Through witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle debris left at the scene, authorities were able to identify the suspect vehicle and ultimately track it to Mendez-Peralta. He was taken into custody without incident early Friday morning and transported to police headquarters for questioning.

Preliminary reports indicate that Mendez-Peralta may have been driving under the influence or distracted at the time of the crash, though investigators have not yet confirmed these details publicly. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including speed, visibility, and possible impairment.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. However, local residents and passersby who witnessed the aftermath described the scene as “heartbreaking” and “chaotic,” with flashing lights illuminating the quiet roadway as investigators worked late into the night.

“This is the kind of tragedy that shakes a small community like ours to its core,” one Middletown resident said. “Someone’s life was taken in an instant, and it’s devastating to think about the pain their family is going through.”

Authorities commended the quick actions of witnesses who provided key information that helped identify the suspect. “Without the cooperation of the community, this case might have taken much longer to solve,” said a spokesperson for the Delaware State Police. “We are grateful to everyone who came forward.”

Mendez-Peralta now faces a series of serious charges, including Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Collision, Vehicular Homicide, and related traffic offenses. He is currently being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution pending a court appearance.

As the investigation continues, Middletown residents are left grappling with the tragedy’s emotional toll. Local leaders have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, urging drivers to remain vigilant and responsible on the road, especially as nighttime visibility decreases with the changing seasons.

“This is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change,” said one community member. “A single moment of distraction or recklessness can lead to unimaginable heartbreak.”

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone with additional information or dashcam footage from the area on Thursday night to contact Troop 9 Collision Reconstruction Unit or submit tips anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers.

As the family prepares to lay their loved one to rest, the community stands united in grief—hoping that justice will bring at least a measure of peace to those left behind in the wake of this senseless tragedy.