(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian and an NCCPD vehicle. On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 08:40 p.m. a Patrol Officer operating a fully marked Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on N DuPont Highway, responding to a domestic disturbance. The officer was traveling towards the intersection of W Franklin Avenue when a pedestrian walked into the roadway from the grass median in the center of the highway at which time, he was struck by the police vehicle.

The officer immediately stopped, and CPR was performed on the victim until an ambulance arrived. The victim was transported to Christiana Hospital Emergency Room but was later pronounced deceased.

The New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit was notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation. The roadway was closed for several hours during the investigation but has since reopened. The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Joseph Kaumbuthu of Smyrna.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Any individual with information about this incident is asked to 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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