The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Monday evening in Newark that left one woman dead.

On January 1, 2024, at approximately 6:38 p.m., a 2020 Jeep Compass was traveling in the single westbound lane on Old Baltimore Pike approaching Torrington Way. For reasons under investigation, a 63-year-old pedestrian wearing dark clothing and not carrying any type of reflective equipment was in the roadway in the Jeep’s path of travel. As a result, the pedestrian was struck by the Jeep in the westbound lane of Old Baltimore Pike.

The pedestrian, a woman from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld until her family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Jeep, a 28-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was not injured.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Corporal P. McAndrew by calling (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 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 following individual is 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.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting stemming from a road rage incident that occurred this morning on I-495 in Wilmington.

On December 28, 2023, at approximately 9:19 a.m., troopers responded to I-495 northbound, south of Philadelphia Pike, for a report of a road rage shooting. The preliminary investigation revealed a red Honda Accord was traveling on I-495 northbound when it was struck by multiple rounds of gunfire by an unknown suspect traveling in a burgundy passenger vehicle. The Honda then came to a stop on the shoulder of the highway as the suspect vehicle continued northbound on I-495.  The Honda’s occupants, a 32-year-old man, and a 2-month-old baby, were not injured.

Troopers located and collected evidence at the scene. There is no additional suspect or suspect vehicle information available at this time.

Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives are still investigating this shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Detective H. Carroll by calling 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 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 are investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday morning in a neighborhood in Ellendale.

On December 26, 2023, at approximately 7:08 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 18000 block of New Hope Road in Ellendale for a report of a shooting. When troopers arrived, they learned that a 65-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, were sleeping in a car when an unknown suspect fired several rounds at the car striking the 65-year-old man once in the arm. He was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no other injuries reported and there is no suspect information available.

Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Detectives are still investigating this shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Hickman by calling 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 are investigating a robbery that occurred at the Christiana Mall in Newark on Friday night.

On December 23, 2023, troopers were notified of a robbery that occurred the previous day in the Christiana Mall Food Court located at 100 Christiana Mall, Newark. During the investigation, troopers discovered that on December 22, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., the teenage victim was exiting the mall through the food court when he was approached by two unknown suspects. The suspects proceeded to punch and kick the victim before stealing the shopping bag the victim was carrying and fleeing in an unknown direction.

The suspects are described as teenagers. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. 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 continues to investigate a Bear area pedestrian crash that occurred Thursday night after 40-year-old Steven Wilkerson of Bear, Delaware, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

On December 21, 2023, at approximately 7:52 p.m., an orange 2016 Hyundai Veloster was traveling in the left eastbound lane of Pulaski Highway approaching the area of the Glenn Motel located at 1176 Pulaski Highway. At the same time, a pedestrian left the Glenn Motel and began walking northbound across the eastbound lanes of Pulaski Highway. The pedestrian entered the left eastbound lane of Pulaski Highway in the Hyundai’s path of travel and was struck by the car.

The pedestrian, identified as Steven Wilkerson, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was admitted for life-threatening injuries. On December 22, 2023, he died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 50-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was not injured.

The left eastbound lane of Pulaski Highway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the scene was investigated and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Senior Corporal M. Calio by calling 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 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 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.

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 hopes everyone will have the safest and hap-hap-happiest Christmas and holiday season this year. Before families kick off their fun, old-fashioned family adventure by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape, troopers are unwrapping a gift of safety tips with a sprinkle of wordplay.  As we navigate through the twinkling lights and festive delights, let’s keep safety at the top of our wish list.

1. Plan Your Trip – No Grinches Allowed: Before hitting the road, map out your journey. It’s not just a roadmap; it’s your holiday GPS to ensure you don’t end up ‘Lost in New York.’  Happy trails, Hans! Yippee-ki-yay!
2. Car Love – Give Your Sleigh a Little TLC: Make sure your ride is more than just ‘not a bad little car.’ Check all fluid levels and tire pressure, and don’t forget the spare tire. It’s not a bad little car. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.
3. Weather Check – Don’t Let Weather Snow on Your Parade: Look into road and weather conditions to ensure your car can handle them. After all, we wouldn’t want you ‘stranded like a lonely Christmas tree.’
4. Home Sweet Home Security – Light up the Night: Lock doors, set the alarm, and put those ‘fragile’ leg lamps and lights on timers. It’s not just home security; it’s ‘Grinch-repellent.’
5. Phone Down, Sleigh Up – No Texting While Sleighing: Don’t let a screen light guide your sleigh tonight. Distracted driving is naughtier than the Grinch!
6. Pit Stop Pleasantries – Pudding and Roast Beast Approved: Take breaks, stretch, and maybe snack on some pudding or some carved roast beast.
7. Don’t Let Kevin Go Solo: If you stop at a rest stop, park in a well-lit area, stay with your children, and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let ‘Kevin’ wander on his own.
8. Deck the Halls, Not Your Car: When your car is parked, lock the doors and don’t leave any valuables or gifts in sight. The Grinch may be lurking, staring down from his cave with a sour grinchy frown, at the warm lighted windows below in the town.
9. Ovaltine Over Eggnog – Stay off the Naughty List: Don’t drive impaired. If you’ve been ‘sipping’ on holiday cheer, call a friend, family member, or ride-sharing service. Instead of eggnog, go for Ovaltine!
10. Social Media Silence – Foil Harry and Mary: Avoid updating your location on social media. Harry and Marv will know when no one is home, and they may try to break in. Save those photo dumps for when you return!
11. Channel your inner ‘Elf’ on the road: When traffic gets ‘Griswold ‘-y, remember to stay as patient as Santa’s elves and be as flexible as Buddy’s spaghetti recipe!

Ensuring that all these points are checked can prevent a family trip from being jeopardized. The “obvious” things can be easily overlooked – wouldn’t it be quite the bulbous blunder to meticulously check thousands of tiny twinkling lights, only to discover the extension cord was plugged in and the light switch was off?

And when it comes to safety, there’s always time to double-check. Even if you still have to brush your teeth, feed the hog, have some homework to do, and still have those bills to pay – make the time! This isn’t charity – it’s family.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific – travel safely and enjoy the holiday season!