The Delaware State Police is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Seaford last month.

On November 3, 2023, at approximately 3:02 p.m., a Chevrolet box truck was stopped southbound on Woodland Ferry Road for a stop sign at the intersection of Woodpecker Road. Simultaneously, a Ford F-150 was eastbound, approaching the intersection. Notably, Woodpecker Road is a throughway, and vehicles are not obligated to stop. For unknown reasons, the box truck failed to remain stopped at the stop sign, resulting in a collision with the left side of the F-150. The impact led to the F-150 rolling multiple times, ejecting the occupants from the vehicle.

The 22-year-old driver of the Chevrolet box truck, a Seaford resident, and his 37-year-old passenger from Millsboro were transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The Ford F-150’s 58-year-old driver and his 42-year-old passenger, both Seaford residents, were not wearing seat belts. They suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. On December 19, 2023, the 58-year-old man died from injuries sustained in the crash. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The intersection of Woodland Ferry Road and Woodpecker Road was temporarily closed for approximately 3 hours as investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling (302) 703-3264. 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 arrested 32-year-old Mark Morris from Dover, Delaware, and 29-year-old Aaliyah Coleman of Dover, Delaware, on Tuesday night for felony theft and other related charges.

On December 19, 2023, at approximately 10:15 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the area of Wood Duck Lane in Camden-Wyoming for suspicious individuals in a white Chevrolet Tahoe driving through the neighborhood and checking mailboxes. When troopers arrived, they searched the area for the Tahoe and found it on Hazletville Road. Troopers stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, identified as Mark Morris, the passenger, identified as Aaliyah Coleman, and a child. As troopers spoke with Morris and Coleman, they observed several mail envelopes and packages on the floorboard. Morris and Coleman were taken into custody without incident. A search of the Tahoe revealed more envelopes and packages with the names and addresses of victims who reside on Hazletville Road and in the community of Wild Quail Golf and Country Club. Morris and Coleman were taken back to Troop 3, where they were charged with multiple crimes.

Morris was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on his own recognizance.

• Theft Less than $1500 where Victim is Older than 62 Years of Age (Felony) – 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2nd (Felony)
• Theft Less than $1500 – 4 counts
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Traffic offenses

Coleman was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on her own recognizance.

• Theft Less than $1500 where Victim is Older than 62 Years of Age (Felony) – 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2nd (Felony)
• Theft Less than $1500 – 4 counts
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Delaware State Police arrested 40-year-old Shane Massey, of Georgetown, Delaware, on Tuesday night in Lewes for 5th offense DUI.

On December 19, 2023, at approximately 10:25 p.m., a trooper was dispatched to the intersection of Coastal Highway and Postal Lane in Lewes for a report of a driver who was asleep at the wheel and had missed several cycles of the traffic signal. The trooper arrived, saw a gray Jeep in the turn lane, and contacted the driver. After contacting the driver, identified as Shane Massey, the trooper observed signs of impairment during their interaction and conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. After tests were completed, Massey was taken into custody for DUI and transported to Troop 7. A computer check revealed that he had been convicted of DUI on four prior occasions. He was charged with the following crimes:

• DUI 5th Offense (Felony)
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

Massey was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,100 cash bond.

Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Katie Dilworth of Seaford, Delaware, for drug charges Wednesday night.

On December 13, 2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force conducting patrols in Laurel saw a white Ford Explorer traveling southbound on Sussex Highway turn onto 4th Street without signaling. Detectives stopped the car on West 6th Street, contacted the driver, identified as Katie Dilworth, and two children in the Explorer. As the detectives spoke with Dilworth, they saw a clear plastic bag between her legs, and she tried to conceal it when she was asked to exit the car. The plastic bag contained a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine and a cut straw. Dilworth was taken into custody without incident. A search of her person and the Explorer revealed approximately 6.69 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 1.66 grams of suspected powder cocaine, and two Alprazolam pills.

Dilworth was taken to Troop 4 where she was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
• Unlawfully Dealing with a Child under 18 to Remain in Place where Narcotics or Dangerous Drug Activity – 2 counts
• Failure to Signal

Dilworth was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $21,550 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police was founded on April 28, 1923. The initial four stations were located in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown. A fifth station was added in 1925 to patrol the western side of Sussex County. In May 1957, Delaware State Police began providing seasonal coverage to the east side of Sussex County with the opening of Troop 4A. The summer home for troopers was a small brick building on Delaware 1 located in the “forgotten mile,” the stretch between Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach. This coverage continued every summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day until the fall of 1970, when troopers found a permanent year-round assignment at the newly established Troop 7.

Despite the year-round staffing, additional troopers from throughout the state were reassigned to Troop 7 during the summer months and then returned to their permanent duty stations as the complaint load declined in September. Retired Captain Michael Cunningham recalls thirty troopers from various locations being reassigned during the summer of 1970 to assist with unrest occurring in Rehoboth Beach.

Troop 7 is historically known for its service to the Nation’s Summer Capital, but the women and men who serve there traverse an expansive 247 square miles that runs north to Kent County and westward, where it meets the Troop 4 boundary. By 1983, it was necessary to expand the patrol contingency to serve the growing population, prompting the move of patrol operations from Dewey to State Route 1 in Lewes. In 1985, the growing fatal accident investigation and reconstruction team for Sussex County became part of Troop 7. The FAIR team, now known as the Collision Reconstruction Unit, is responsible for investigating all crashes in Sussex County and provides support to local municipalities upon request.

As the population continued to grow on the east side of Sussex County, it was with great pride Delaware State Police welcomed motors back to their fleet under the command of Captain Gregory Nolt.  In 2004, the addition of four motorcycles to the fleet allowed for quicker response time to traffic crashes and medical emergencies along State Route 1. The Motorcycle Unit also participates in dignitary transfers. The tradition of providing dignitary transfers is not only a practical function but also adds a ceremonial and symbolic aspect to the role of the Delaware State Police.

In late 2019, Delaware State Police Troop 7 moved to its current location in a state-of-the-art facility located on Mulberry Knoll Road in Lewes. Although Troop 7 was the last of the three troops established in Sussex County, it is rich in history and continues to serve both Delawareans and visitors from around the world.

“Many generations have walked the ever-changing halls of Troop 7,” said Captain Mary McGuire, Commander of Troop 7. “Each and every trooper is a beacon of honor, integrity, and courage. They uphold the highest ideals and have forged a legacy of trust that binds them as guardians to the citizens they proudly serve. Serving alongside the members of Troop 7 for the last three years has been a source of great pride, as their commitment to these values forms a resilient foundation, creating a profound sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.”

Delaware State Police have identified 26-year-old Jakyrah Wayman, of Smyrna, Delaware, as the pedestrian killed in a fatal crash on Saturday evening.

The 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 by calling (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 47-year-old Terrance Perry of Bridgeville, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal crash on Friday afternoon.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash 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 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 actively investigating a fatal crash that unfolded yesterday evening in Smyrna.

On December 16, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a trooper driving a Chevrolet Police Tahoe was northbound on South Dupont Boulevard in the left lane, approaching Spring Meadow Drive. Directly behind the trooper was a Toyota Highlander, followed by a Kia Sorento. Simultaneously, a pedestrian was at the Economy Inn, located east of the northbound lanes of South Dupont Boulevard. The pedestrian entered the northbound travel lanes, walked into the path of the police Tahoe, and was struck. Subsequently, the pedestrian landed in the left lane and was run over by both the Highlander and the Sorento.

The 26-year-old female pedestrian from Smyrna, Delaware, was not carrying a flashlight nor crossing at a designated crossing area. It is not yet confirmed whether she was under the influence of alcohol or not.

The trooper was transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the Highlander, a 25-year-old female from Milford, Delaware, and the Sorento, a 32-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, were not injured. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is being withheld until her family is notified.

The northbound lanes of South Dupont Boulevard remained closed for approximately 3.5 hours as investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.

The 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 by calling (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 actively investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred at Dunkin’ Donuts on Thursday evening.

On December 14, 2023, at approximately 4:58 p.m., troopers responded to an armed robbery at Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 1700 Marsh Road in north Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified female suspect entered the store, approached the baristas, and brandished a knife. The suspect threatened to stab the victims if they did not give her money. The victims did not comply and escaped by running away. The suspect fled in an unknown direction. Troopers searched the area for the suspect but were unable to locate her. No one was injured during this incident.

The suspect is described as a black female armed with a knife. As of now, surveillance video and images are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is diligently pursuing this case. Investigators urge anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Rob Strecker at (302) 365-8413. Additionally, information can be shared via a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by 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 actively investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday afternoon in Milton.

On December 15, 2023, at approximately 1:35 p.m., a white Ford F-450 was traveling eastbound on Milton-Ellendale Highway, just west of Gravel Hill Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the right side of the road and crashed into a large tree.

The driver, a 57-year-old man from Lincoln, Delaware, and the rear passenger, a 60-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, were transported to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries. The front passenger, a 47-year-old man from Bridgeville, Delaware, was also taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. The victim’s identity is being withheld until his family is notified. Milton-Ellendale Highway remained closed for approximately 3 hours as investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash 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 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.