Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

The Delaware State Police would like to remind motorists that the deer rut and hunting season is fast-approaching during the months of October and November; therefore, we would like to help prevent the spike in deer-related crashes that typically occur every fall in Delaware. Our news releases will go out to inform travelers three different times in the next few months starting in September until December. The friendly reminders will hopefully keep our drivers safe, more alert and will also lead them to slow down during this specific time of the year.

In 2015, there were 876 deer crashes investigated in Sussex County; 391 in Kent County and 524 in New Castle County. Majority of deer activity resulting in crashes occurred during the dusk and dawn hour.

Overall, many of these animal or deer-related crashes occurred along the main corridors of SR 1, U.S. Route 13 and U.S. Route 113 during the 6:00 a.m. hour. During the 5:00 p.m. hour a significant number of crashes occurred on secondary roads.

Please be careful when traveling and keep a sharp eye out for deer crossing roadways, especially at dusk. Deer are even more active due to their annual mating season ‘rut’ in November with bucks chasing doe through fields, marshes and woods. The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs approximately 130 pounds, with larger bucks tipping the scales at 180 pounds or more. With the increased white-tailed deer activity, Delaware motorists are kindly reminded to stay alert and to be ready for a deer to dart out into the roadway from dusk to dawn.

A deer crash can result in serious injury or death to you or your passengers as well as serious damage to your vehicle.

Safety Tips That May Help Prevent Deer Crashes

• Attentive driving and slow speeds are the best ways to avoid deer crashes.
• Turn your headlights on at dawn and dusk and keep your eyes on the road, scanning the sides of the road as well as what’s ahead of you. When there is no oncoming traffic, switch to high beams to better reflect the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• To reduce your risk of injury in a collision, always wear your seatbelt.
• Be especially aware of any distractions.
• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs that mark commonly-traveled areas, and be aware that deer typically cross between areas of cover, such as woods or where roads divide agricultural fields from woods.
• If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down immediately and proceed with caution until you are past the crossing point. Deer usually travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are likely to be others.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer crashes.
• Do not swerve to miss a deer – brake and stay in your lane. Losing control of your vehicle, crossing into another lane, hitting an oncoming vehicle or leaving the roadway and hitting another obstacle such as a tree or a pole is likely to be much more serious than hitting a deer.
• If you hit a deer, stop at the scene, get your car off the road if possible and call police. Do not touch the animal or get too close. “A frightened and wounded deer can cause serious injury to a well-meaning person trying to ‘help.’ You could be bitten, kicked or even gored by a buck’s antlers. Keep a safe distance and wait for troopers to arrive.
• Highways and SR (state routes) are often lined with lights, which leads operators to believe they will be able to better see deer approaching roadways; however, due to the increase of speed on such roadways and the lights making deer eyes less visible, it’s likely that deer are actually MORE DIFFICULT to spot, when travelling on highways and SR’s.
• When travelling during the high deer crossing time frames, each driver should always be considering whether his/her speed would be acceptable IF a deer were to cross in front of him/her at any particular moment.
• Refrain from looking down, or at something else when you are travelling, especially during these critical time frames, for it’s only a split second that can make the difference between striking a deer and being able to slow down in time to avoid a deer.

New Castle County Deer Collision Hot Spots 2016

Top Roads for Deer Crashes in New Castle County

Limestone Road near area of New Linden Hill Rd and Kirkwood Highway

State Route 1 near Odessa

River Road near Delaware City to New Castle area

Centre Road near Gilpin Drive

Kent County Deer Collision Hot Spots for 2016

Top Roads for Deer Crashes in Kent County

State Route 1, North side of Dover

Bay Road near the Frederica area

South DuPont Highway, Camden to the Harrington Area

South State Street, Camden to the Magnolia area

 Sussex County Deer Collision Hot Spots for 2016

 Top Roads for Deer Crashes in Sussex County:

DuPont Boulevard, USRT 113 between Georgetown and Millsboro

Coastal Highway, SR 1 near Milton and the Lewes area

John J. Williams Hwy, SR 24 between Millsboro and Rehoboth area

State Route 26 in the Millsboro and Dagsboro area

Redden Road SR 40 between Georgetown and Bridgeville

US 13 just south of the county line in the area of Greenwood Road

US 13 north of Bethel Concord Road and south of Brickyard Road

**The Delaware State Police issues this traffic advisory and wishes you safe travel as you reach your destination.**

For more information please contact:

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control – Joanna Wilson at 739-9902 

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police – Sergeant John McDerby at 354-1386

Natural Resources Police (Fish and Wildlife) would like to kindly remind the public that it is illegal to possess a deer killed as the result of a vehicle accident unless the deer has been examined and tagged by an officer (DE Title 7 Sec. 794). Anyone who would like to take possession of a deer killed on the road can obtain a vehicle-killed deer tag from Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 1-302-739-4580.  For information about white-tailed deer in Delaware, the Division of Fish & Wildlife can be contacted at 1-302-739-9912.

Released: 092816 1401

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested one of two men wanted in connection with a shooting incident which occurred this past weekend.

On Tuesday, September 27, 2016,  Troopers arrested Anthony Stanley, 19, of New Castle, without incident as he worked at a business located in the 100 block of N. DuPont Highway, New Castle. He was then transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with Reckless Endangering 1st Degree and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $10,000.00 unsecured bail.

Stanley was wanted in connection with a shooting incident which occurred on Saturday, September 24, 2016 on US Rt. 40 (Pulaski Highway) in the area of Salem Church Road, Newark. Troopers are still actively looking for Walike Parham, the second suspect involved in this incident.

If anyone knows the location of Parham, they are asked to contact Det. Nicholas Terranova at 302-365-8436. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 092816 1340

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Western Kent County, DE – Over the past few weeks, the Delaware State Police has seen an increase in residential burglaries in western Kent County, to include West Dover, Clayton, and Smyrna.

State Police learned that an undetermined number of suspects forcefully entered at least five different residences removing various handguns from the owners. The suspects also stole items ranging from jewelry, electronic devices, and cash.  These break-ins occurred primarily during the daylight hours when the occupants were away from home.

The Delaware State Police urge people to utilize the following tips:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
• Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
• Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately

If anyone has any information on these incidents, they are asked to contact Detective J. Dear at 302-698-8540. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 092816 0850

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Presented by Public Information Officer- Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a crash involving a motorcycle which has seriously injured two people.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred this afternoon, Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at approximately 2:13 p.m., as David Reed, 19, of Newark, was operating a 2014 Harley Davidson X8N motorcycle and was traveling in a westbound direction on DE SR 273 (Ogletown Road) approaching the intersection of DE SR 4. Reed failed to negotiate a gradual curve in the roadway at which point the motorcycle traveled across the grass median and continued in a westerly direction before striking the raised edge of a concrete median. The Harley Davidson, as well as David Reed, and an 18 year old female passenger, all became airborne across the intersection before landing in the grassy median area west of the intersection and on the eastbound side of the DE SR 273.

David Reed and his passenger were both treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. They were then transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, where Reed was admitted with serious life-threatening injuries. His female passenger was also admitted with serious non-life threatening injuries. Neither was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, however, speed does appear to be a factor.

The eastbound lanes of DE SR 273 were closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 092716 2045

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer- Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Felton- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 51-year-old grandmother for the murder of her 3-year-old grandson.

At approximately 8:38 a.m. Tuesday September 27, 2016, Delaware State Police and Kent County Paramedics responded to a residence located in the unit block of Skinner Lane after Angela M. (Mossinger) Bingham, 51 of Felton, called 9-1-1 to report that she wanted to do harm to herself and that she had killed her grandson last week.  Bingham left the house during the 9-1-1 call and was located walking near the intersection of Reeves Crossing and South DuPont Highway (US13) where she was detained by an officer with the Felton Police Department.  Paramedics and troopers made entry into the house where a deceased child was located in a bedroom in a state of decomposition.

Bingham was eventually transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where she was examined and released to the custody of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.  She was taken back to Troop 3 where she was charged with Murder 1st and incarcerated at Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution without bail.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and removed the young male victim, who has been identified as Rilan M. Everett, to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Released: 092716 1815

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Presented by Public Information Officer- Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash involving a motorcycle that occurred this afternoon in Newark.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 2:13 p.m. this afternoon, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 on eastbound Ogletown Road (DE Rt. 273) in the area of Bala Road, Newark, and involves a motorcycle with two persons onboard. As a result of the crash, both occupants of the motorcycle have been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where they are currently being treated for their injuries.

The eastbound lanes of Ogletown Road have been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene and will assume the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 092716 1625

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford/Laurel – The Delaware State Police have arrested one subject and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two others that were involved in the theft of bus batteries.

The thefts occurred sometime through the nighttime hours of Tuesday September 13, 2016 into Wednesday September 14, 2016 at the Lambden Bus Company parking lot located in the 10000 block of Airport Road, Seaford and the Mary Bryant Inc. Bus Company located in the 30000 block of Dukes Road, Laurel.  Around 6:00 a.m., bus drivers began showing up to start their busses and when they didn’t start, they noticed batteries missing from the engine compartment.

Troopers responded to the two separate locations, which are approximately 7.5 miles apart, and the investigation revealed that an unknown suspect(s) removed 30 batteries by unknown means from 10 busses in the Lambden yard and 11 batteries from 5 busses in the Bryant yard before fleeing undetected.

On Thursday September 15, 2016, troopers responded to the 8000 block of Bethel Road, Laurel for a report of theft of 34 batteries from 17 busses parked on a farm.  The busses, which are used to assist in harvesting watermelons, contained two batteries per bus which were all dismantled by unknown means sometime between September 8, 2016 and the date they were reported missing.  Detectives learned later that same day that Thomas R. Johnson , 25 of Laurel, had scrapped a large amount of batteries at the Salisbury Scrap Metal located in Salisbury, Maryland.  Further investigation revealed Thomas, along with Dominic J. Horsey, 28 of Laurel, and , Jason M. Hamilton, 29 of Laurel, had been utilizing the same scrap yard over the course of the beginning of the month to scrap various amounts of batteries in exchange for money.

On Tuesday September 20, 2016 Jason Hamilton turned himself into detectives at Troop 4 in Georgetown where he was charged with Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  He was arraigned at JP2 and released on a $7,000.00 unsecured bond.

Detectives are still looking for Dominic Horsey and Thomas Johnson who are wanted for Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of these subjects, they are asked to contact Detective C. Simpson at 302-752-3855. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 092716 1320

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**Original Release**

State Police Investigating Theft of School Bus Batteries

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford/Laurel – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the theft of bus batteries from two separate bus yards.

The thefts occurred sometime through the nighttime hours of Tuesday September 13, 2016 into Wednesday September 14, 2016 at the Lambden Bus Company parking lot located in the 10000 block of Airport Road, Seaford and the Mary Bryant Inc. Bus Company located in the 30000 block of Dukes Road, Laurel.  Around 6:00 a.m., bus drivers began showing up to start their busses and when they didn’t start, they noticed batteries missing from the engine compartment.

Troopers responded to the two separate locations, which are approximately 7.5 miles apart, and the investigation revealed that an unknown suspect(s) removed 30 batteries by unknown means from 10 busses in the Lambden yard and 11 batteries from 5 busses in the Bryant yard before fleeing undetected.

If anyone has any information regarding these incidents, they are asked to contact Troop 5 at 302-337-1090. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 091416 1945

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington, DE – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Wilmington area pharmacy that occurred early yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2016, as two male suspects entered the First State Pharmacy, located at 1707 Foulk Road, Wilmington. The suspects, who were both armed with unknown make and model guns, confronted a female employee of the business and demanded money and narcotics. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash and prescription drugs to them. The suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing the parking lot in and unknown make and model vehicle. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male 30-40 years of age. He was 5’09”-6’02” tall, weighed 170-200 lbs., and was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

The second suspect was also a black male. He was 5’09”-6’02” tall, weighed 175-200 lbs., and was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and a yellow and orange vest. He also had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description of either suspect available. There are no video surveillance photos available to be released at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 092716 1220

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Felton– The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a south Felton area gas station that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred Monday September 26, 2016 at approximately 3:50 a.m., as male subject entered the Uncle Willies located at 12984 South DuPont Highway brandishing a knife.  The suspect confronted a male employee at the counter and demanded money from the register.  The employee quickly fled from behind the counter and into a back room as the suspect removed money from a safe.  The suspect then fled the store in an unknown direction.  The male victim was uninjured in the incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10” tall, wearing a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants, black gloves, and a mask covering his face (No further physical or clothing description available) armed with a knife.

Surveillance photos attached.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective J. Dear at 302-698-8540. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 092616 0930

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newark area sub shop that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at approximately 8:40 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Casapulla’s Sub Shop located at 2480 Glasgow Avenue, Newark. The suspect, who was armed with a knife, confronted a female clerk and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. He then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male in his thirties with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance photos are available to be released at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 092516 2120

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