The Delaware State Police (DSP) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) are urging heightened awareness following a surge in suspected drug overdoses, particularly in Sussex County.

Between April 26 and 30, 2024, troopers recorded a significant increase in overdoses, tragically resulting in at least one fatality and severe medical emergencies. Many affected individuals exhibited symptoms resistant to Naloxone, with some requiring intubation, and experiencing uncontrollable convulsions despite administering anti-seizure medication. Repeat doses of Naloxone may be necessary in these incidents to restore normal breathing.

When caring for someone who may have overdosed, be extra cautious with powdered substances as they may increase the risk of substance ingestion or transmission.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the substances involved were packaged in small, white wax paper bags typically associated with heroin.  Testing is still ongoing to determine the composition of the substance. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

DHSS and DSP urge the public to exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether. Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services. To assist those in need, DHSS offers several avenues for support:

• 911: In cases of overdose or medical emergencies, dial or text 911.
• Delaware 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit delaware211.org for free, confidential assistance in multiple languages.
• Delaware Hope Line: Call 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support, and crisis assistance.
• Bridge Clinics: Explore treatment services and resources in Delaware and neighboring states. In-person assessments are available at locations in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.
• Treatment Connection: Find nearby treatment providers at TreatmentConnection.com.
• 988: For immediate crisis support, dial 988.
• Narcan Training and OpiRescueDE App: Information on Narcan training and accessing medication is available online.

The safety and well-being of all Delawareans are paramount, and collaborative efforts are underway to address this critical public safety issue. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Monday evening, which resulted in the loss of three lives.

On April 29, 2024, at approximately 6:18 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Cilento Drive following reports of gunfire. When troopers arrived, they discovered a 38-year-old Magnolia woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front yard. Troopers attempted lifesaving measures, but the woman succumbed to her injuries.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team responded to the scene and entered the residence. Inside the residence, a 43-year-old Magnolia man was found, also fatally wounded by gunfire. The suspect, a 49-year-old man from Magnolia, was found deceased inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three children were found in the residence, and they were physically unharmed. The identities of the victims are being withheld until their families are notified.

Preliminary findings suggest the suspect contacted a family member, confessed to shooting his wife and her new boyfriend, and expressed an intent to kill himself.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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 identified 57-year-old Robert Spencer Jr. of Felton, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal crash that occurred Friday afternoon in Felton.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451. 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 you 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 are investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle near Middletown yesterday.

On April 28, 2024, at approximately 2:20 p.m., a Ford F-250 was stopped in the left turn lane on Warwick Road eastbound, waiting to merge onto the ramp for Delaware 301 northbound. At the same time, a Honda CBR motorcycle was driving eastbound in the right lane on Warwick Road. The investigation revealed that the driver of the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, made abrupt lane changes and entered the left turn lane. As a result, the motorcycle hit the back of the F-250.

The driver of the F-250, a 24-year-old man from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, was not hurt. Two passengers in the F-250, a 25-year-old man and a 41-year-old man from Malvern, Pennsylvania, were not hurt. The driver of the motorcycle, a 61-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died.  His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling (302) 365-8484. 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 you 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 are currently investigating four daytime residential burglaries that occurred between April 22, 2024, and April 23, 2024. The burglaries occurred in the neighborhoods of Compass Point and Kindleton in Lewes, and Kings Crossing in Lincoln. The suspects appear to be targeting the owners of various local nail salons. Some of these burglaries involved forced entry to the homes.

The suspects were wearing construction vests, gloves, baseball hats, sweatshirts and surgical masks. The suspects are possibly operating a dark colored SUV.

The Delaware State Police are encouraging residents to lock their doors, secure large amounts of cash and jewelry through secure locations such as banks or safety deposit boxes. Please be alert, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Property Crimes Unit continues to investigate these incidents. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to contact Detective K. Perry by calling (302) 752-3800 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 you 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 crash involving a bicyclist on Friday afternoon in Felton.

On April 26, 2024, at approximately 5:09 p.m., a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling westbound on Willow Grove Road approaching Logan Drive. At the same time, a bicyclist was traveling southbound on Logan Drive, approaching Willow Grove Road. For reasons under investigation, the bicyclist did not stop at the stop sign on Logan Road, entered the westbound lane of Willow Grove Road, and into the path of the Chevrolet. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the bicyclist.

The 57-year-old man from Felton, Delaware, died at the scene. The identity of the bicyclist is being withheld until family and relatives are notified.

The 63-year-old driver of the Chevrolet, a woman from Camden, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451. 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 you 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 have identified 19-year-old Jeremy Snyder of Millsboro, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal crash near Millsboro on April 23, 2024.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith by calling (302) 703-3267. 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 you 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 following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are 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 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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred near Millsboro on Tuesday night.

On April 23, 2024, at approximately 11:46 p.m., a BMW 328 was driving westbound on Friendship Road west of Independence Drive. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control of the car causing it to leave the north side of the road, drive through wet grass, and hit a tree.

The 19-year-old-driver of the BMW, a man from Millsboro, was not properly restrained. He was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. On April 24, 2024, he died from injuries sustained in the crash. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash or might have more information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith by calling (302) 703-3267. 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 you 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.