The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Fidel Villatoro-Martinez of Newark, Delaware, for vehicular assault charges following a fatal two-vehicle crash investigation that occurred Tuesday night in Glasgow that left one man dead. Future charges are pending as the incident continues to be investigated.
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., a 2019 Dodge Ram was traveling in the center lane of DE-896 southbound, approaching the intersection with Pulaski Highway. At the same time, a 2004 Chevrolet Express van, operated by Fidel Villatoro-Martinez, was traveling in the left lane of Pulaski Highway westbound, approaching the intersection with DE-896. The preliminary investigation revealed the Dodge entered the intersection on a green traffic signal as the Chevrolet entered the intersection on a red traffic signal. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the Dodge in the intersection.
The driver of the Dodge, 51-year-old David Funk from Centreville, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for serious injuries. On January 22, 2025, he died from injuries sustained in the crash. His family has been notified. The passenger of the Dodge, a 16-year-old male from Centreville, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.
Villatoro-Martinez was taken to an area hospital by ambulance, where he was admitted for injuries sustained in the crash. During the investigation, troopers observed multiple containers of alcoholic beverages in the Chevrolet. Upon making contact with Villatoro-Martinez, troopers smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. In the ensuing DUI investigation, impairment was suspected to be a factor at the time of the crash. Villatoro-Martinez was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and turned over to the custody of the Department of Correction on a $3,500 secured bond.
- Vehicular Assault 1st Degree (Felony)
- Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Driving Without a Valid License
- Failure to Stop at a Red Light
- Additional Traffic Violations
The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling 302-365-8417. 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.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
