Delaware State Police arrested a New Castle man and charged him with vehicular homicide after a motorcyclist was killed late Saturday on U.S. Route 13, authorities said.
Crash details and charges
Police identified the suspect as Samuel Larkin, 42, of New Castle. The crash occurred just before 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on U.S. Route 13 near Schafer Boulevard, according to a Delaware State Police statement.
Investigators say an Indian Scout motorcycle was traveling north in the right lane of Route 13 when it was struck by a Mazda 6 that was traveling west on Schafer Boulevard toward the highway. The Mazda failed to stop and collided with the motorcycle, police said.
The motorcyclist, a 54-year-old woman from New Castle, was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. Authorities withheld her name pending family notification.
When troopers spoke with Larkin, they said he showed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody without incident and given standardized field sobriety tests, police said.
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Second-degree vehicular homicide — driving under the influence — negligent causing death | Felony charge alleging operation of a vehicle under the influence resulting in death |
| Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol | Criminal charge for operating while impaired |
| Failure to stop at a stop sign | Traffic offense related to the collision |
Larkin was arraigned and committed to the Department of Correction on a $5,101 secured bond, according to police.
Scene response and investigation
State police closed the roadway for about three hours while officers investigated and cleared the scene, authorities said. Troopers continue to investigate the crash; there was no immediate indication in the police release of other vehicles involved beyond the Mazda and the motorcycle.
Delaware State Police typically gather statements from witnesses, review traffic camera and dashcam footage when available, and conduct toxicology testing as part of investigations involving suspected impairment. Police did not release results of any chemical testing in the initial report.
Local impact and safety reminders
Fatal collisions like Saturday night’s crash underscore the disproportionate risks faced by motorcyclists when they share roadways with passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists lack the protective structure of cars, making them vulnerable to serious injury or death when struck.
Officials and safety advocates commonly recommend these precautions for drivers and riders:
- Maintain full attention while driving; avoid distractions.
- Obey traffic control devices, including stop signs and signals.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Motorcyclists should wear helmets and high-visibility gear and obey speed limits.
Those who witnessed the crash or have relevant video are often asked to contact the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. The initial police release did not provide a direct phone number for tips; residents should contact local state police dispatch for guidance.
What happens next
Prosecutors will review the case file and evidence gathered by state police to determine the formal course of action. The arraignment on the listed charges has already taken place, and Larkin remains in custody on the posted bond, per the police statement.
As the investigation proceeds, police will release additional details as appropriate, including the identity of the woman once family notification is complete and toxicology or forensic findings when available and releasable under state law.
The crash is the latest in a stretch of serious traffic incidents on major roadways in and around New Castle County. State and local agencies continue to emphasize roadway safety and enforcement to reduce impaired driving and collisions.
