(Wilmington, Del.-19808) On Wednesday (3/29), at approximately 12:50 a.m., a New Castle County Police Officer was traveling westbound on Kirkwood Highway when they were struck head-on by a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.

Investigators from the Division of Police, Traffic Services Unit, responded to the scene to assume the investigation. A witness reported observing the Jetta travel eastbound on Kirkwood Highway and approach the intersection of Limestone Road.  The operator of the Jetta later identified as Herbert Arreola, a 25-year-old Pennsylvania man, swerved in an attempt to avoid striking a vehicle, continued traveling on Kirkwood Highway where he struck the center median.  After striking the center median, the vehicle then went airborne crossing into the westbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway striking the fully marked 2021 Ford Explorer.

Arreola was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  The officer was also transported to the hospital and later treated and released for minor injuries.

Kirkwood Highway at Limestone Road was closed during the investigation.  It has since reopened.

The New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit continues to investigate. Any individual with information related to this incident is asked to please contact Sergeant Wesley Neeman at 302-395-8142 or by e-mail at wesley.neeman@newcastlde.gov or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.

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