The Delaware State Police arrested 42-year-old Ian Eisiminger, of Claymont, Delaware, in connection with a robbery that occurred Tuesday evening at a Claymont discount store.

On February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Dollar General, located at 2605 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, Delaware, for a reported robbery. Responding troopers were provided a description of the suspect. A short time later, troopers located a man matching the suspect’s description walking on a nearby street and detained him without incident. The man was identified as Ian Eisiminger.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit responded and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed Eisminger entered the store and walked around for several minutes before approaching a store clerk and handing over a note demanding money from the cash register. Store employees complied and Eisminger ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Troopers also located clothing items Eisminger wore during the robbery near a bus stop close to the scene.

Troopers took Eisminger was taken to Troop 1 and charged him with two counts of Robbery Second Degree (Felony). He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $12,000 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 28-year-old Jesus Palacio-Hernandez for the murder of a family member in Selbyville.

On February 2, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 37000 block of Pinto Drive in Selbyville after a 71-year-old female was found deceased in a ditch behind the property. Upon arrival, troopers learned that following a concerning phone conversation with Palacio-Hernandez, a family member was unable to locate the victim and contacted 9-1-1.  While troopers were responding to the scene, family members found the victim in a ditch behind the residence, where she was confirmed deceased by Emergency Medical Services.  Through investigative means, Palacio-Hernandez was located in the Selbyville area and taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop.

Due to the nature of the incident, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.  The preliminary investigation revealed that during the overnight hours, Palacio-Hernandez had an altercation with the victim inside the residence.  He physically assaulted the victim and then moved her body to a ditch, where she was later found.

Palacio-Hernandez was taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with Murder First Degree.  He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police arrested 50-year-old Gary Calloway Jr. of Georgetown, Delaware, in connection with a series of burglaries at a used parts business where he was previously employed.

On January 26, 2026, troopers responded to Donovan Salvage Works, located at 2062 Donovans Road, in Georgetown, Delaware for a reported theft. Responding troopers learned staff began noticing missing inventory since December 2025. On the date of the report, staff also observed footprints in the snow leading away from the business. While following the tracks, employees located some of their missing inventory on a nearby property. The staff also reported seeing Calloway, a former employee who was terminated two years prior, in the area. When Calloway noticed the employees, he attempted to hide before fleeing to his vehicle.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the case and learned that between late November 2025 and January 2026, Calloway damaged a lock and committed seven overnight burglaries, stealing an estimated $5,000 worth of inventory. Detectives also discovered how Calloway often pawned the stolen products and sometimes used a deceased family member’s identification to conceal his identity and complete pawn transactions.

On January 30, 2026, detectives apprehended Calloway in Ellendale without incident. He was taken to Troop 4 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $47,100 unsecured bond.

• Identity Theft (Felony)
• Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 7 counts
• Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
• Falsifying Business Records
• Selling Stolen Property Under $1,500 – 9 counts
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000

The Delaware State Police arrested 29-year-old Marquan Mack of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on felony and related charges following a vehicle pursuit early Friday morning in Frederica.

On January 30, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a trooper was patrolling Bay Road near Barratts Chapel Road in Frederica, Delaware, when the trooper saw a Lexus ES300 traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. When the trooper attempted to pullover the Lexus, the driver did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit began. The driver accelerated to a higher rate of speed and the pursuit was terminated due to public safety concerns. The Delaware State Police Communications Section alerted surrounding police agencies of the fleeing vehicle.

A short time later, officers from the City of Milford Police Department located the Lexus disabled near North Street and Dupont Boulevard. Upon seeing law enforcement, the driver of the Lexus, later identified as Mack, threw a baggie containing an unknown substance from the vehicle. Troopers responded to the scene and, after a brief struggle, Mack was taken into custody. A search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of the discarded baggie, which contained approximately 3.5 grams of suspected powder cocaine.

Further investigation revealed Mack provided false identifying information to troopers in an attempt to conceal active warrants for violation of parole in New Jersey and violation of probation in Pennsylvania. Troopers also observed signs of impairment and conducted a DUI investigation.

Mack was taken to Troop 3 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,001 secured bond.

• Provide False Statement to Law Enforcement with Intent to Delay/Hinder Investigation of a Felony (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possess Consume a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Reckless Driving 90 MPH or Greater
• Driving Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug
• Related Traffic Offenses

The Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Christian Pacheco of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on identity theft and related felony charges following a multi-month Home Depot fraud investigation.

In October 2025, a corporate investigator for Home Depot contacted the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Financial Crimes Unit regarding multiple fraudulent purchases. Detectives learned that between August and September 2025, a suspect made 28 visits to various Home Depot locations throughout Delaware. During these visits, the suspect told store employees he had forgotten his Home Depot credit card and provided them with a legitimate cardholder’s Social Security number. The suspect also presented fraudulent identification cards that displayed his photograph but contained the victim’s personal information. Using the stolen identities of multiple cardholders, the suspect made more than $24,000 in fraudulent purchases.

Through investigative means, detectives identified the suspect as Pacheco and obtained warrants for his arrest. On January 5, 2026, Pacheco was taken into custody at an airport in New Jersey.

On January 29, 2026, Pacheco was transferred to Delaware and taken to Troop 2 where he was charged with the below listed crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $63,750 cash bond.

• Identity Theft (Felony) – 28 counts
• Forgery Second Degree (Felony) – 28 counts
• Unlawful Use of Payment Card Stolen Forged or Fictitious Victim 62 or Older (Felony) – 19 counts
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony) – 6 counts
• Theft Under $1,500 – 28 counts
• Unlawful Use of Payment Card – 9 counts
• Shoplifting Under $1,500

The Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes, Delaware, for felony assault following an incident that occurred last night in Lewes.

On January 29, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., troopers responded to the Hyatt House, located at 17254 Five Points Square in Lewes, after a guest told hotel staff that he had killed his grandmother in one of the hotel rooms. When troopers arrived, they spoke to the suspect, identified as Dempsey Fritchey, who was near the lobby and told troopers that he may have killed his grandmother. He was detained without incident. Troopers responded to the room and found a 72-year-old woman unconscious and suffering from injuries to her face and head. Troopers provided medical aid to the victim until EMS arrived and she was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Due to the nature of the incident, Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. Detectives learned that while staying together in the hotel room, Fritchey, for unknown reasons, suddenly assaulted his grandmother with his hands and feet, and afterwards went to the lobby and told hotel staff about the incident.

Fritchey was arrested and taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $300,000 cash bond.

• Assault 1^st Degree – Conduct, Created Risk of Death, Caused Serious Injury (Felony)

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has any information about the incident to contact Detective D. Hickman at (302) 752-3856. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 40-year-old Lindsey Moncavage of Georgetown, Delaware, following a pursuit yesterday in the Long Neck area.

On January 26, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a member of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force saw a Ford F-150 almost collide with another vehicle at the intersection while traveling eastbound on John J. Williams Highway near Bay Farm Road. The Ford turned onto Bay Farm Road and the detective tried to pull it over, but it failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The F-150 traveled at a low rate of speed on several area streets and roads and during the pursuit, a female passenger tried to jump out but was unable to do so. While traveling on Sloan Road, the passenger was able to jump out of the truck and suffered a minor injury. The F-150 ultimately came to a stop in the Pinewater Farm community after striking a fence and a tree. The driver, identified as Lindsey Moncavage, ran from the truck, and jumped into the Rehoboth Bay. A pursuing trooper jumped into the bay, apprehended her, and pulled her to safety. Moncavage was taken into custody without further incident. A computer check showed that Moncavage’s driver’s license was revoked and that she was wanted for violation of probation. During a search of the F-150, troopers found drug paraphernalia.

Moncavage was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, and after being released, she was taken to Troop 4. She was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $5,504 secured bond.

• Unlawful Imprisonment 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving while Suspended or Revoked
• Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision
• Multiple Traffic Offenses

The Delaware State Police have arrested 50-year-old Chad Wray of Laurel, Delaware, for felony theft and criminal mischief for theft of air conditioning parts from two Laurel area churches.

On January 6, 2026, troopers responded to Saint Matthews First Baptist Church, located at 32129 Wolfe Street in Laurel, for a report of a theft. When troopers arrived, they learned that an unknown suspect entered the property and removed parts from the church’s two air conditioning units. On January 22, 2026, troopers responded to ELIM Delaware Church, located at 33056 Bi State Boulevard in Laurel, for a similar theft. Troopers learned that an unknown suspect entered the property and removed parts from the church’s three air conditioning units. During the investigation, detectives were notified that Laurel Police Department were investigating a similar theft at a residence on the 100 block of East 5^th Street in the town limits of Laurel. Through investigative means, State Police and Laurel Police identified Chad Wray as the suspect in the thefts and obtained warrants for his arrest.

On January 23, 2026, Wray was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $23,600 unsecured bond.

• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 6 counts
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More – Damage Property (Felony) – 5 counts
• Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – Damage Property
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree

The Delaware State Police have arrested a 12-year-old male student from Middletown, Delaware, on multiple felony charges following an investigation into an attempted robbery at Louis L. Redding Middle School.

On January 13, 2026, officials from Louis L. Redding Middle School, located at 201 New Street in Middletown, notified the Delaware State Police of an attempted robbery at the school. Youth Aid detectives learned that on January 12, 2026, the 12-year-old suspect confronted another 12-year-old male student in a school bathroom. The suspect pushed the victim against a wall and demanded his personal property while holding a knife. The victim refused and escaped without injury.

A witness notified school officials of the incident the following day.  During their response, they found the knife in the suspect’s bookbag. The suspect was suspended from the school, and the Delaware State Police was contacted.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.

On January 23, 2026, the 12-year-old suspect turned himself in at Troop 2.  He was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by the New Castle County Family Court, and released on a $4,000 unsecured bond.

• Attempted to Commit Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Weapon in a Safe Recreation Zone (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)

The Delaware State Police have arrested 40-year-old Charles Fax Jr. of Newark, Delaware, and 39-year-old Amber Hoffmaster of Bear, Delaware, for felony drug and gun charges following a search warrant in Newark.

On January 23, 2026, members of the New Castle County Drug Unit, the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on the first block of Leaf Lane in Newark. The search warrant was obtained following a several-month-long investigation of Charles Fax for the distribution of illegal narcotics from the home. During the search warrant, Fax was located near the sump pump in the basement and was detained without incident. Amber Hoffmaster was also detained without incident in the basement.

A search of the residence led to the discovery of the following items:

• Approximately 117.25 grams of cocaine floating inside the sump pump’s cavity
• Approximately 331 grams of marijuana
• Drug paraphernalia to distribute narcotics
• 14 shotgun shells
• Stephens Model 320 shotgun

Fax, who is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, was arrested and taken to Troop 2. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $206,200 cash bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Hoffmaster was arrested and taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $172,200 unsecured bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia