Police ID pedestrian killed near Newark, say he fled from earlier crash

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A pedestrian killed Tuesday night when he was struck by a van east of Newark was identified by state police today as Stephen Capuzzi, 44, of Newark.


The crash occurred about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at East Chestnut Hill Road and Pearson Drive, where Capuzzi was hit by a 2009 Ford Econoline van while crossing the highway at the entrance to Todd Estates II.

Sgt. Paul Shavack said Capuzzi was involved in an earlier hit-and-run crash about 7 p.m. near Chestnut Hill Road and Todd Lane where he rear-ended a vehicle and then fled the scene.

Troopers were called to a witness’ home to investigate that crash and were told that the driver had run off before police arrived.

While searching the area for the driver, troopers had to answer another call about the fatal pedestrian crash nearby at East Chestnut Hill Road and Pearson Drive, Shavack said.

When they arrived at the crash scene, they found that the crash victim was the driver that they had been searching for.

Capuzzi was taken to Christiana Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the van, identified as 30-year-old Gregory A. Maahs, of Newark, was not injured.

An autopsy will be conducted by the state Medical Examiner into Capuzzi’s death to determine if drugs or alcohol may have been involved on his part.
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