The Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Neal Barnes, 52-year-old Anthony James, and 51-year-old Kevin Walker, all from Dover, Delaware, for felony drug and gun charges following three search warrants in Dover.

On December 11, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit executed search warrants at three residences on the 60, 70, and 100 blocks of Vanessa Drive in Dover. The search warrants were obtained following an investigation of Neal Barnes, Anthony James, and Kevin Walker for the distribution of illegal narcotics from their residences. During the search warrants, all three suspects were detained inside their respective homes without incident, and a child was present in Walker’s residence.

During a search of Barnes’ residence, detectives found the following items:

• Approximately 2.76 grams of cocaine
• Approximately 99.76 grams of crack cocaine
• 9mm handgun and ammunition
• .38 caliber handgun and ammunition
• Digital scales
• Drug paraphernalia

During a search of James’ residence, detectives found the following items:

• Approximately 19.88 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 52.59 grams of cocaine
• Drug paraphernalia
• $2,472 in suspected drug proceeds

During a search of Walker’s residence, detectives found the following items:

• Approximately .69 grams of heroin
• Approximately .35 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately 11.77 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 31 ecstasy pills
• Approximately 14 acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride pills
• Approximately 21 buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual films

Barnes was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,000 cash bond.

• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

James was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $146,000 cash bond.

• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Walker was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $39,500 secured bond.

• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 5 counts
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Committing a Drug Offense with a Child in the Dwelling

Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old David Thornton of Essex, Maryland, following a carjacking incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in Middletown.

On December 12, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., a Texas man was traveling north on State Route 301 near Summit Bridge Road, in a white Chevrolet Silverado, when he saw two vehicles that had been involved in a crash. The man stopped to help and spoke to the driver of a Mercedes involved in the crash, later identified as David Thornton. While the victim was calling 9-1-1, he saw Thronton get into the driver’s seat of his Silverado. When the victim opened the back door of the Silverado, Thornton began reaching for something, told the victim to get out, and sped away.

The Silverado was tracked electronically and was located a short time later on the ramp from northbound I-95 to Airport Road after it struck a guard rail. When troopers arrived, Thornton was taken into custody without incident. During a search of the Silverado, troopers found a revolver style CO2 BB gun.

Thornton was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries from the crashes. After he was released, he was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $20,000 cash bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Multiple Crash Related Traffic Violations

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Note: Some of the individuals listed below are also homeless. Their profiles will not be duplicated in the separate homeless sex offender news release, as their wanted status is already reflected here and within their public sex offender registry listing.

The following individuals are not wanted for failing to register or re-register at their current address. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individual is occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

The Delaware State Police continues to investigate the fatal hit-and-run pedestrian crash that occurred Saturday morning in Wilmington.

Through investigative means, troopers have identified and located a gray 2011 Saab 93 as the vehicle involved in the crash and have identified the Saab’s driver as a 24-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the crash, and no charges have been filed yet. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, has surveillance or dash-camera footage, or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (302) 365-8417. 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 arrested 55-year-old Jason Doyle, of Wilmington, Delaware, for felony drug offenses and related charges on Wednesday.

On December 10, 2025, the Delaware State Police Governor’s Task Force (GTF) executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Denn Place, in Wilmington. The search warrant was obtained after GTF detectives investigated Doyle for selling illegal narcotics from his home. Doyle was seen outside his home just prior to the search and was detained without incident.

The following items were found during the search:

• Approximately 520.90 grams of suspected cocaine
• A digital scale
• Packaging materials

Detectives discovered contraband in areas where children who live in the house could’ve accessed the illegal substances.

Doyle was taken to Troop 2 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $42,200 cash bond.

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Delaware State Police have identified 77-year-old Jeffrey Holloway, of Dover, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal crash Wednesday morning in Hartly.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. 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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred yesterday morning in Hartly.

On December 10, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a Honda Accord was traveling eastbound on Judith Road approaching Hartly Road. At the same time, a Ford Focus was traveling southbound on Hartly Road approaching Judith Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Honda pulled away from the stop sign, and into the path of the Ford. As a result, the front of the Ford struck the driver’s side of the Honda.

The driver of the Honda, a 77-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Ford, an 18-year-old woman from Hartly, Delaware, was treated at the scene but refused transport to the hospital.

Hartly Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. 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 has arrested 28-year-old Pavan Patel, of Townsend, Delaware, for murder and related charges following a two-car fatal crash last Wednesday in Middletown involving a pregnant woman.

On December 3, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., a Mazda CX-9 was traveling southbound on Jamison Corner Road, approaching a green light at Boyds Corner Road. At the same time, a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling eastbound on Boyds Corner Road, approaching a red light at Jamison Corner Road. The preliminary investigation revealed the Jeep failed to stop at the red light and crashed into the passenger side of the Mazda.

The driver of the Mazda, a 31-year-old pregnant woman from Middletown, Delaware, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Due to complications resulting from the crash, the woman gave birth to the baby, La’Royce Johnson-Young. On December 6, 2025, La’Royce was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Jeep, Patel, was not injured. Troopers saw signs of impairment from Patel. On the night of the crash, Patel was taken to Troop 9 where he was originally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to stop at a red light.

The roadway was closed for approximately 1.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

After learning of La’Royce’s death, the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit consulted with the Delaware Department of Justice, who authorized additional charges. On December 10, 2025, Patel turned himself in at Troop 2 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $280,102.00 cash bond.

• Murder 2nd Degree Recklessly Caused Death with Indifference to Human Life (Felony)
• Assault First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
• Speeding
• Failure to Stop at a Red Light

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 is investigating a shooting that injured a teenager Tuesday night in Middletown.

On December 9, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Delaware State Police and the Middletown Police Department responded to a business in the 600 block of Middletown Odessa Road, for a report of a teen who had been shot. The preliminary investigation revealed a 17-year-old was driving a Nissan Altima with two other teens in the car. As they traveled eastbound on State Route 299, another unknown dark-colored sedan followed them. When the teenagers entered the ramp connecting Route 299 to Route 1 southbound, the sedan drove around the teenagers and someone in the sedan fired multiple shots, hitting the teen driver once and the Nissan multiple times. The two passengers were not injured. The three teens walked to the business where they requested emergency services.

The 17-year-old male, from Middletown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The ramp was closed for an extended period of time while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting, or has relevant information, to contact Detective M. Conway at (302) 365-8411. 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.go