On Sunday July 5th, 2015 at approximately 2:05 am, New Castle County Police Patrol Units responded to the 800 Block of McKennans Church Road in Milltown in reference to a vehicle crash.
Initial reports indicated that three vehicles were involved but upon police arrival it was determined that it was a single vehicle crash that separated the vehicle into several pieces. Officers found a 38-year-old male unresponsive on the scene. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics.
The New Castle County Traffic Services Unit was called to begin an investigation. The scene investigation found that the vehicle was traveling northbound on McKennans Church Rd at a high rate of speed and while negotiating a slight curve, lost control sliding across the southbound travel lane, onto the shoulder, and striking the curb. The vehicle continued up onto the roadside grass where it subsequently struck a large tree (uprooting the tree), flipping over, and coming apart into 3 pieces. The engine compartment ignited into flames and was later extinguished by the fire department.
The driver, 38-year-old Christopher Barton of Wilmington, was ejected onto the grass in the debris field. Both speed and alcohol appear to be factors in this incident.
Witnesses can offer information by calling the New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800. Citizens can visit our website at www.NCCPD.com and follow the link “Crime Tips and Alerts. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department.
Citizens who currently have the smartphone application are encouraged to use the “submit tip” tab to submit tips. Select a topic by using the “drop down” and complete the tip by “clicking” submit. The New Castle County Police Smartphone Application is free to download and available for all iPhone and Android smartphones.