Smyrna– The Delaware State Police are investigating an abduction that occurred in the Holly Hill Mobile Home Park.

On Thursday, August 16, 2018, Troopers responded to Laurel Lane to check on the welfare of a 28-year-old female who lived at that residence.  The victim’s boyfriend had received a call from her requesting help.  He believed the victim had been abducted by her estranged husband, 26-year-old Steven Smith of Smyrna.

Upon arrival at the residence, Troopers located a damaged front door and immediately checked the interior, and did not locate the victim.  It was learned that the victim and Smith had an extensive domestic history and he recently threatened to kill her.

Smith’s rental car was located in Holly Hills Mobile Home Park.  It was learned that the victim and Smith were traveling in the victim’s vehicle, in the West Virginia area.  The vehicle was located traveling in West Virginia, where a traffic stop was initiated, and a pursuit ensued.  During the pursuit, Smith drove over stop sticks and struck two patrol vehicles.  The vehicle eventually exited the roadway and became disabled.

Smith was found deceased in the vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  The victim, also located in the vehicle, indicated that Smith had abducted and assaulted her, and indicated that he was going to kill her and then kill himself.

The victim was transported to a local area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

For further information regarding the incident in West Virginia, please contact Sergeant W. M. Roden of the West Virginia State Police at waylon.m.roden@wvsp.gov

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 081718 0651

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