The Delaware State Police is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Interstate 495 Saturday night in Wilmington.

On April 4, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a Ford Windstar was traveling in the right lane of northbound I-495, near 12th street, followed by a Kia Optima. The preliminary investigation revealed the front of the Kia struck the rear of the Ford, pushing it into a guardrail. The Ford’s operator exited the vehicle and was walking on I-495 when he was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup truck.

The driver of the Ford, 45-year-old Mark Barnett Sr., from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was taken to a local hospital where he died.

The Ram’s driver, a 65-year-old man from Gillett, Pennsylvania, was not injured.

The Kia’s operator drove away from the scene as troopers arrived.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Investigators are asking anyone with video footage or information relevant to the crash to contact Cpl. D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (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 (800-842-8461).  You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police arrested 60-year-old Wade Bowersox, of Bethel, Delaware, on felony driving under the influence and drug charges following a crash Friday night in Laurel.

On April 3, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of Tacos Chabelita, located at 30661 Sussex Highway in Laurel, for a reported collision. The preliminary investigation revealed a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, operated by Bowersox, struck the passenger side of a parked Ford Explorer. Following the crash, Bowersox picked up the motorcycle and moved it to the rear of the business before entering the restaurant and taking a seat inside.

Troopers located Bowersox inside the establishment and observed signs of impairment. As troopers escorted him outside, he attempted to conceal a small bag of suspected cocaine in one of the motorcycle’s saddlebags. Troopers arrested him without incident.

A subsequent search of the motorcycle led to the discovery of:

• Approximately 1.68 grams of suspected cocaine
• A digital scale
• Additional alcoholic beverages

Further investigation revealed Bowersox has five prior DUI-related convictions and a suspended driver’s license.

Bowersox was taken to Troop 5 where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $30,602 cash bond.

• 6th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving While Suspended
• Related Traffic Offenses

The Delaware State Police arrested the second suspect, a 17-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware, in connection with the armed robbery that occurred in late March at the Christiana Mall in Newark.

On March 21, 2026, at approximately 6:45 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot near JCPenney, located at 606 Christiana Mall, for a reported armed robbery. Responding troopers were given descriptions of the suspects and located a 17-year-old male matching one of them. The teen ran away, and troopers chased him across multiple lanes of Route 1 before taking him into custody. A loaded handgun was recovered from his waistband.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit took over the case. The preliminary investigation revealed as two victims were preparing to enter their vehicle, the armed 17-year-old and an unknown male suspect approached and demanded the first victim turn over their personal property. The armed suspect produced a handgun while the second suspect removed the victim’s belongings. The second suspect ran away with the victim’s property and the gunman struck the victim on their head with the firearm. The armed teen then chased after the second victim while aiming the firearm at them, however they escaped uninjured. The armed 17-year-old was taken to Troop 6 and charged accordingly.

The victim who was struck, a 47-year-old man from Bridgeville, declined medical treatment on scene.

During the investigation, detectives recovered clothing which was discarded by the second suspect following the robbery.

While troopers were investigating the robbery, the New Castle County Police Department was already on mall property conducting a follow-up investigation into a carjacking incident. Although the incidents were initially believed to be separate, detectives later discovered that the 17-year-old taken into custody by New Castle County Police was in possession of property belonging to the robbery victim.

Further investigation confirmed that the same teen arrested by New Castle County Police was also the second suspect involved in the armed robbery. Detectives subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On April 1, 2026, the second teen, who was already in custody at the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by the New Castle County Family Court, and remained committed on a $115,000 cash bond.

• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Anthony Dejesus, of Claymont, Delaware, after threatening two students with a firearm Wednesday morning near Claymont Elementary School.

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit responded to Claymont Elementary School, located at 3401 Green Street, for a report of an adult who threatened children with a firearm. The preliminary investigation revealed a red Nissan sedan, driven by an adult male wearing a face covering, arrived at the school shortly before the start of the school day. A female passenger exited the vehicle to escort students into the building, while the driver relocated and parked on Green Street nearby.

While waiting in the vehicle, the driver engaged in a verbal exchange with two students who approached him. During the encounter, the driver displayed what the students believed to be a handgun and threatened to shoot them. The students ran away and reported the incident to school staff, who called 9-1-1 and alerted the school’s constable. School staff approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver, however he left prior to police arrival.

Through further investigation, detectives identified the driver as Anthony Dejesus and determined he is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic violence-related misdemeanor conviction.

Dejesus responded to Troop 2 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace 2, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $41,000 cash bond.

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Terroristic Threatening – 2 counts

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (SOAR) is issuing the following public notifications of homeless and wanted sex offenders.

Wanted Sex Offenders

SOAR 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) 739-5882.  Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individuals shown represent only a portion of the current wanted sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

Homeless Sex Offender

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 individuals are occupying a residence, please call (302) 739-5882. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individual shown recently reported homeless and represents only a portion of the current homeless sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Wednesday evening in Newark.

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m., a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound on South College Avenue (Route 896) north of the intersection with Old Baltimore Pike in Newark.  At the same time, a Chevrolet Silverado and a Subaru Ascent were traveling southbound on Route 896 in the same area.  For reasons currently under investigation, the Jeep crossed over the center median and struck the Chevrolet.  During the crash, the Subaru was also struck.

The driver of the Jeep, a 45-year-old man from Newark, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died.  His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 42-year-old man from Newark, was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the Subaru, a 42-year-old male from Middletown, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately five hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.  Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483.  Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (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 (800-842-8461).  You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov

The Delaware State Police arrested 58-year-old Robert Morrison and 35-year-old Cori Morrison, both from Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, on felony firearm charges following a shots fired investigation Tuesday evening in Claymont.

On March 31, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Claymont Transit Center, located at 191 Transit Center Drive, for a report of shots fired. Responding troopers stopped a Kia Soul as it was leaving a service road near the train tracks. Troopers identified the driver as Robert Morrison and the passenger as Cori Morrison, and learned they were target shooting near the Delaware River.

Troopers searched the Kia and found two loaded handguns that were concealed, along with ammunition. Further investigation revealed Robert has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Both were arrested without incident and taken to Troop 1.

Robert was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on his own recognizance.

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony) – 2 counts
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)

Cori was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on her own recognizance.

The Delaware State Police is investigating an armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday morning in New Castle.

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m., troopers responded to the 3000 block of New Castle Avenue for a reported robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed a 37-year-old man from New Castle was walking in the area when an unknown gray SUV approached. Two male suspects, wearing masks and dark-colored clothing, exited the vehicle and confronted the victim. During the encounter, the suspects struck the victim with a handgun and stole his personal property before fleeing the scene in the SUV. The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the incident 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.gov.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a robbery that occurred on Monday in Claymont.

On March 30, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of the Town & Country Shopping Center parking lot located at 99 Harvey Road in Claymont for the report of an armed robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 36-year-old man from Pennsylvania had arranged to sell an item online and met the potential buyer at the location. During the meet-up, the buyer drew a gun, and a second suspect also became involved and displayed a gun. The suspects ransacked the victim’s vehicle and stole personal belongings. The victim escaped without injury and called 9-1-1.

The suspects are described as black males wearing dark-colored clothing who fled the area prior to police arrival.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact Detective H. Carroll at (302) 365-8467.  Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.

Troopers remind the public to prioritize safety when arranging meetings for online sales transactions. Choose busy, public meetup spots or the parking lot of your local State Police Troop. Let someone know where you’re going and keep transactions quick and simple. If something feels off, walk away – your safety comes first.

The Delaware State Police arrested 55-year-old James Pyrtle, of Whitsett, North Carolina, on felony drug and related charges following a traffic stop Sunday morning in Wilmington.

On March 29, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a trooper patrolling Interstate 95 southbound near Marsh Road saw a Ford Edge with a registration violation. The trooper pulled over the Ford and spoke with the driver, identified as James Pyrtle.

While speaking with Pyrtle, the trooper grew suspicious of drug trafficking activity and requested a narcotics K9 respond. A New Castle County Police K9 responded and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the Ford led to the recovery of the following:

• Approximately 2287 grams of suspected cocaine
• Six oxycodone hydrochloride pills
• Three tramadol hydrochloride pills
• Three alprazolam pills

Pyrtle was arrested and taken to Troop 1. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $120,801 cash bond.

• Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession with the Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a controlled substance – 4 counts
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