The Delaware State Police arrested 55-year-old Francis Robinson, of Dover, Delaware, on felony 6th Offense DUI and weapons charges following a traffic stop Sunday afternoon in Leipsic.

On April 26, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a trooper patrolling Smyrna Lespic Road near Front Street conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Dakota after observing it displaying a registration plate assigned to a different vehicle. Upon contact with the driver, identified as Robinson, the trooper observed signs of impairment and saw multiple open beer cans inside the vehicle.  The trooper learned Robinson had consumed alcohol just prior to driving and he refused to participate in any Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Robinson was arrested without incident.

During a search of the Dakota, troopers recovered a loaded shotgun. A computer check revealed Robinson has five prior DUI-related convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous violent felony conviction. Troopers also determined Robinson was operating the vehicle in violation of a court order prohibiting him from driving. Additionally, he was found to be in possession of approximately 7.88 grams of suspected marijuana.

Robinson was 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 11, and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $83,700 cash bond.

• Possession of a Firearm if Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony)
• 6th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Noncompliance with Conditions of Recognizance Bond or Conditions (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm while Under the Influence
• Related Traffic Offenses

The Delaware State Police is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early Sunday morning in Lewes.

On April 26, 2026, at approximately 12:20 a.m., a Dodge Ram was traveling southbound on Wil King Road, just south of Kendale Road in Lewes. For reasons currently under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch, and overturned onto its roof before striking a tree.

The driver, a 26-year-old man from Lewes, Delaware, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.  He was transported to a local hospital, where he died. The victim’s name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.  Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Master Corporal R. Albert at (302) 703-3266.  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 identified 26-year-old Rhys Newcombe, from Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in the two-vehicle fatal crash Thursday night in Wilmington.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed or has video of the crash is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (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 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 announced the recipients of the 2025 Trooper of the Year and Professional Staff of the Year Awards during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. To highlight the importance of the event, notable attendees included Governor Matt Meyer, Chief Deputy Attorney General Dan Logan, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Colonel William D. Crotty, and Sergeant Shawn Doherty, President of the Delaware State Troopers Association, who all offered congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

The Delaware State Police Trooper of the Year is awarded annually to one sworn employee who is recognized by their peers as having outstanding character and integrity and whose actions or performance significantly exceeded expectations during that calendar year.

From the twelve nominees, Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Corporal Robert Prettyman as the 2025 Trooper of the Year for his exceptional efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Trooper First Class Colin Osler – Troop 1

Detective Justin Adams – Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Jonathan Lado – Troop 2 Patrol

Detective Brandon Yencer – Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Jacob Pangle – Troop 3 Patrol

Detective Heidi Lingo – Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit

Trooper First Class Brian Nieto – Troop 4 Patrol

Corporal Robert Prettyman – Troop 5

Corporal/1 Matthew “Ty” Snook – Troop 6

Corporal/1 Ryan Nowakowski – Troop 7

Corporal Emanuel Velez – Troop 9

Detective Michael Macauley – Headquarters

Professional Staff of the Year

The Delaware State Police Professional Staff of the Year is awarded annually to one employee whose service with the Delaware State Police has been outstanding throughout the course of that calendar year.

From the eleven nominees, Colonel Crotty and the Executive Staff selected Revered Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. as the 2025 Professional Staff of the Year.  Reverend Miller is assigned to Troop 2 and also serves as a Chaplain for the division.

Professional Staff of the Year Nominees

Ms. Mayra Cruz-Chavez – Victim Services

Ms. Ashleigh Haines – State Bureau of Identification

Ms. Sonia Jonas – Troop 3

Mr. Barry Laise – KENTCOM

Ms. Kerry-Gene Lussier – Information Technology

Reverend Jeffrey A. Miller, Sr. – Troop 2

Ms. Heather Neeld – RECOM

Ms. Donna Newth-Showell – Troop 6

Mr. Schyler Outten – SUSCOM

Ms. Nicole Sund – Delaware Information Analysis Center

Mr. Robert Zurlo – Troop 5 Transportation

Additionally, Troopers, Professional Staff, and non-divisional members received several awards for Life Saving, Exceptional Performance, the Superintendent’s Citation, and Valor.

Congratulations to all award nominees and the recipients.  Please enjoy the award ceremony highlight video below.

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 Offenders

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 arrested 24-year-old Xavier Lamour, of Dover, Delaware, a 16-year-old male, from Dover, a 15-year-old male, from Dover, and a 15-year-old male, from Harrington, Delaware, after a stolen vehicle pursuit ended with a crash and a recovered stolen firearm Thursday morning in New Castle.

On April 23, 2026, at approximately 9:50 a.m., a trooper assigned to the Highway Safety Unit was patrolling Route 1 near School House Road, in New Castle, when they saw a Kia Sportage traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. The trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, at which point the driver accelerated and refused to stop. The trooper initially pursued the vehicle, but the pursuit was discontinued due to public safety concerns just south of the William V. Roth Jr. Bridge.

The vehicle’s description was radioed to area law enforcement. A short time later, troopers searching for the vehicle in the area of Route 1 near Middletown Odessa Road observed the Kia approach at a high rate of speed, strike a tractor-trailer, and overturn in the center median. Troopers responded and took the four occupants into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.

A subsequent vehicle search resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun reported stolen from Alabama. Additionally, a computer check showed that the Kia had been reported stolen by the Dover Police Department.

Lamour was taken to Troop 9, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $50,504 secured bond.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Related Traffic Offenses

The three teenagers were also taken to Troop 9 where they were each charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by the New Castle County Family Court, and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on $55,000 secured bonds.

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Related Traffic Offenses

The Delaware State Police identified 71-year-old William Thomas Jr., from New Castle, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal pedestrian crash Wednesday night in New Castle.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Investigators ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or has video, to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (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 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 shots fired incident that occurred Thursday afternoon in Newark.

On April 23, 2026, at approximately 12:40 p.m., troopers responded to the 700 block of Prides Crossing, near the Liberty Square apartment complex, for a report of shots fired. The preliminary investigation revealed two people were involved in a verbal altercation on Prides Crossing. During the incident, one of them discharged a firearm. Afterwards, one person ran into the apartment complex while the other entered a blue sedan and drove away.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene and took over the case. At this time, no injuries were reported. Additionally, investigators have not located any spent shell casings or property damage.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked contact Detective J. Lucyk at (302) 365-8446. 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 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 an armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday morning in New Castle.

On April 22, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., troopers responded to the 3800 block of North Dupont Highway for a reported robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim exited a business and was walking to their vehicle when they were approached by two masked men. One of the suspects was armed with and handgun and demanded the victim’s personal property. The armed suspect searched the victim’s pockets before both suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The victim was not injured during the encounter.

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 D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8440. 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 is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Thursday night in Wilmington.

On April 23, 2026, at approximately 10:20 p.m., troopers responded to Powder Mill Road near Alapocas Drive, in Wilmington, for a report of a crash. The preliminary investigation revealed a Saturn SC2 was traveling in the right lane of southbound Powder Mill Road, south of Alapocas Drive. A Dodge Charger was traveling in the same direction, approaching the Saturn at over 120 miles per hour. The front of the Dodge struck the rear of the Saturn causing it to spin and crash into a guardrail. After the initial impact with the Saturn, the Dodge continued for a short distance before crossing over the northbound travel lanes then crashing head-on into a tree.

The driver the Dodge, a 26-year-old man from Wilmington, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The Saturn’s driver, a 27-year-old man from Wilmington, was not injured.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed or has video of the crash is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (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 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.