The Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old William Paskey of Harrington, Delaware, a former Delaware and Maryland police officer, for rape following a sexual assault investigation.

In May 2025, the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit began investigating a sexual assault allegation against William Paskey.  Detectives learned that in September 2022, Paskey met the female victim on a dating app and invited her to his residence in Harrington.  The victim reported that during the date, Paskey became aggressive and engaged in nonconsensual sexual acts with her, refusing her multiple requests to stop. Paskey was employed as a law enforcement officer at the time of the incident, but was not on duty.

After consulting with the Delaware Department of Justice, a warrant for Paskey’s arrest was obtained, and he was taken into custody on May 5, 2026, without incident. Paskey was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with Rape Second Degree (Felony), arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released after posting a $20,000 secured bond.

Paskey is a former Delaware police officer who, between 2014 and 2021, was employed by various departments, including the Dagsboro, Ellendale, and Blades Police Departments.  Most recently, Paskey was employed as a police officer for the Town of Ridgely Police Department in Maryland.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information or who may be a victim to please contact Sergeant P. Taylor by calling (302) 698-8547.  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 has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 18-year-old Aaron Jernigan, of Dover, Delaware, on felony aggravated menacing and related charges after using a knife to threaten residents in a Smyrna community in mid-April.

On April 18, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Holly Hill Estates community in Smyrna for a report of a disorderly man threatening residents. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown male suspect engaged in a loud verbal dispute with several community members before brandishing a pocketknife and threatening to harm them. The suspect fled the area before troopers arrived.

Through continued investigative efforts, troopers identified the suspect as Jernigan and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On May 5, 2026, Jernigan was located and arrested in Dover. He was taken to Troop 9 where 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 $16,100 secured bond.

• Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 3 counts
• Terroristic Threatening
• Disorderly Conduct

The Delaware State Police have identified 23-year-old Kenya Hernandez-Gomez, from Millsboro, Delaware, as the woman who died in the single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Wednesday morning in Lewes.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash to contact Corporal Grade One K. Marvel 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 (800) 847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 identified 29-year-old Keith Stewart, from Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Tuesday night on Churchmans Road in Newark.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (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 (800) 847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 identified 34-year-old Jared Thompson, from Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Tuesday night on Christiana Road in Newark.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash.  Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video 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 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 has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 arrested 28-year-old Cole Burgess of New Castle, Delaware, following a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian crash in New Castle on Wednesday. 

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 12:20 a.m., a Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on Airport Road near East Edinburgh Drive in New Castle. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking northbound on Airport Road at the same location. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Jeep struck the pedestrian and then fled the scene without stopping. 

The pedestrian, 60-year-old Teddy Huff Jr., of New Castle, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Through investigative means, the Jeep was identified as belonging to Cole Burgess and was found in the backyard of his residence with damage consistent with the collision.  Troopers took Burgess into custody during a traffic stop for an unrelated traffic violation, during which he was also found to be in possession of a concealed handgun.  

Burgess was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below related to the crash, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $5,100 unsecured bond. 

• Leaving Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death (Felony) 
• Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury or Death 

Burgess was also charged with the crimes listed below related to the unrelated traffic stop, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.  

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony) 
• Traffic Violation 

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video 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 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 has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early Wednesday in Lewes.

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Kia Forte was traveling northbound, approaching a slight curve on Coastal Highway south of Nassau Road in Lewes. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia exited the east edge of the roadway and struck a traffic signal support pole.

The unrestrained driver, a 23-year-old woman from Millsboro, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.

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

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash to contact Corporal Grade One K. Marvel 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 (800) 847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred last night in Newark.

On May 5, 2026, at approximately 7:20 p.m., a Nissan Rogue was turning left from southbound Center Point Plaza onto eastbound Churchmans Road (DE 58) with a green light.  At the same time, a Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle was traveling westbound on Churchmans Road toward the intersection at an apparent high rate of speed. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Harley-Davidson failed to stop at the red light and struck the front of the Nissan as it entered the intersection. The motorcycle operator was then ejected and struck the front of a Chevrolet Equinox that was stopped at the red light in the left turn lane on eastbound Churchmans Road.

The motorcycle operator, a 29-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Nissan, a 55-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was not injured

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 43-year-old man, and an 11-year-old passenger, both from Bear, Delaware, were not injured.

The roadway was closed for an extended time while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki by calling (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 (800) 847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred Tuesday evening in Newark.

On May 5, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., troopers responded to Christiana Road, near Harmony Road, for a report of a crash. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda CBR motorcycle was traveling eastbound in the left lane of Christiana Road towards Harmony Road. At the same time, an Audi Q5 was turning left from westbound Christiana Road into McIntosh Plaza. For reasons currently under investigation, the front of the Honda struck the passenger side of the Audi, causing the motorcycle operator to be ejected.

The motorcycle operator, a 34-year-old man from Newark, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The Audi’s driver, a 37-year-old man from Bear, did not report any injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash.  Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video 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 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 has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 39-year-old James Bell, of Camden, Delaware, and a 36-year-old woman from Bel Air, Maryland, on drug, weapon, and driving under the influence charges following a traffic stop Sunday morning in Leipsic.

On May 3, 2026, at approximately 7:45 a.m., a trooper patrolling Second Street, near Denny Street, saw a Chevrolet Tahoe commit multiple traffic violations. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as James Bell, who showed signs of impairment. Also present was a passenger, identified as the 36-year-old woman, and an unrestrained and improperly seated child.

During the encounter, the trooper saw drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The 36-year-old woman also provided fictitious personal information an apparent attempt to conceal her identity. All occupants were removed from the vehicle and Bell continued to display signs of impairment.

A subsequent vehicle search led to the recovery of the following items:

-A loaded handgun

-Approximately .08 grams of suspected cocaine

-Approximately .09 grams of suspected heroin

-Various drug paraphernalia

A search of the woman resulted in the discovery of additional drug paraphernalia. A computer search determined Bell has a prior violent felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Troopers also learned the firearm was reported stolen through Delaware State Police Troop 7.

The 36-year-old woman was released after being issued a criminal summons for criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bell was arrested and taken to Troop 9 where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,700 cash bond.

• Possession of a Firearm Within 10 Years of Prior Conviction of Any Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child While Driving Under the Influence
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug
• Related Traffic Offenses