Delaware State Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery within a mental health center that occurred in the Newark area yesterday morning.

On Monday, March 27, 2023, at approximately 7:21 a.m., troopers responded to A Center For Mental Wellness, located at 25 South Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, regarding a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, troopers contacted a 63-year-old female victim who had just arrived at work through the front entrance. A suspect followed the victim into the business and demanded money from her. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and a physical altercation ensued. Ultimately, the suspect forced the victim to the ground and fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was described as a black male, 5’6”-5’7” tall, approximately 130-140 lbs., wearing dark clothing. There are no surveillance images available at this time.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is currently investigating the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective R. Kirchenbauer by calling 302-365-8428. 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 1800 VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 032823  1155

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 55-year-old David McAdams of Felton, Delaware for felony DUI following a traffic stop that occurred yesterday afternoon in Camden.

On March 27, 2023, at approximately 2:01 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a tan GMC pickup truck traveling southbound on Hazlettville Road near Bryants Corner Road. The trooper saw the truck swerve on the roadway and cross the solid white shoulder line several times. The trooper stopped the pickup on Westville Road and contacted the driver and only occupant, identified as David McAdams. The trooper detected signs of impairment, smelled alcohol coming from McAdams’ breath, and smelled burnt marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle. McAdams was subsequently taken into custody without incident for DUI. A search of the truck led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia, and computer checks of McAdams showed that he has four prior convictions for DUI.

McAdams was taken to Troop 3 and charged with the following offenses:

• 5th Offense DUI (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Failure to Remain Within a Single Lane

McAdams was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,002 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032823  1132

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The Delaware State Police have identified the man who died in a fatal accident on March 26, 2023, in Wilmington as Caesar Williams, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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 Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032823  0954

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The Delaware State Police, in partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, is joining forces with other law enforcement agencies along the I-95 corridor and across the State of Delaware in the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign. This campaign is a multi-jurisdictional, high-visibility traffic enforcement initiative that is meant to increase traffic enforcement presence and efforts along the I-95 corridor from Maine to Florida and across the State of Delaware from Saturday, April 1st through Monday, April 3rd, 2023. In 2022 alone, over 1,000 lives were lost along the I-95 corridor. The Delaware State Police will be the lead agency for this campaign by coordinating the efforts of the other 15 State Police and Highway Patrol agencies along I-95, as well as numerous participating Delaware law enforcement agencies, over this 72-hour period.

Law enforcement agencies from fifteen states bordering Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida will participate in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” campaign. Those agencies include Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Rhode Island State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Maine State Police.
The “Drive to Save Lives” campaign will consist of two simultaneous efforts, “I-95 Drive to Save Lives,” which involves State Police and Highway Patrol agencies handling their portion of I-95, and “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware,” which involves participating Delaware law enforcement agencies patrolling within their jurisdictions.

“Thousands of people are killed every year in motor vehicle fatalities across our nation and the impact to the family members of those involved in these fatalities can be devastating,” said Colonel Melissa Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “It is the shared critical mission of the Delaware State Police and its partners, to reduce the number of fatalities on our highways. Motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users in Delaware can be assured that our vigilant Troopers will be promoting safe driving practices, not just during this traffic initiative but each and every day. Please understand that when you see Troopers engaging you on the roadside, we are doing so to prioritize your safety and the safety of others.”

“The Delaware Office of Highway Safety proudly supports the ‘Drive to Save Lives’ high-visibility traffic enforcement initiative. In 2022, Delaware saw 165 traffic fatalities occur on our roadways tying the record high year from 1988. The increasing number of traffic fatalities is a nationwide trend and initiatives such as ‘Drive to Save Lives’ is one of the ways we can work together with our neighboring states to address these dangerous driving behaviors,” said Kimberly Chesser, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “This multi-state initiative starts on April 1^st in conjunction with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is one of the leading contributing factors in traffic fatalities on Delaware roads.   Drivers know that texting and driving is extremely dangerous and illegal, but many continue to do it anyway. These behaviors put everyone on the road at risk.  Drivers have a responsibility to drive safe.”

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety has continued to be a supporter of the “Drive to Save Lives” annual campaign. Delaware’s citizens and visitors can expect to see multiple agencies working diligently to keep them safe as they travel throughout our great state.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 032723  1334

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The Delaware State Police have identified the man who died in a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred in Wilmington on March 24, 2023, as Larry Mills, 47, of Wilmington, Delaware.

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 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032723  1055

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on Interstate 495 in the Wilmington area late yesterday afternoon.

On March 26, 2023, at approximately 5:34 p.m., a dark blue 2006 Volvo S70 was traveling southbound on I-495 south of Philadelphia Pike. For unknown reasons, the car drifted off the right side of the roadway and into the grass shoulder, where it struck a tree near the fence line that separates I-495 from Governor Printz Boulevard. The driver and only occupant of the Volvo, a 60-year-old man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

No other vehicles were involved in this collision. Governor Printz Boulevard was closed and I-495 southbound was reduced to one lane of travel for approximately five hours while the scene was investigated and 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 Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032723  1045

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal accident where a man drove into Broad Creek in Laurel two weeks ago. His vehicle was found in the water and recovered on Friday.

Sometime between March 11 and March 12, 2023, a 2015 blue GMC Sierra pickup truck was traveling southbound on North Central Avenue approaching the drawbridge that spans over Broad Creek. For unknown reasons, the pickup exited the east side of the roadway and continued southbound until it entered Broad Creek and became fully submerged. The incident went unreported at the time.

On March 12, 2023, at approximately 8:47 p.m., fishermen found the body of 44-year-old Jose Roaro-Alanis of Seaford, Delaware in Broad Creek and contacted the police. The Delaware State Police responded to assume the investigation, and the man’s body was turned over to the Office of the Medical Examiner so the cause of death could be determined.

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 12 noon, another fisherman located a submerged truck under the Broad Creek drawbridge. Investigators from the Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to have the vehicle removed, and they discovered that it was the GMC Sierra that belonged to Roaro-Alanis.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal Grade One 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032623  1103

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Octavio Lopez-Hernandez of Dover, Delaware for felony DUI following a traffic stop that occurred early this morning in Dover.

On March 25, 2023, at approximately 1:50 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a silver Nissan Rogue traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on North Dupont Highway near Scarborough Road. The trooper stopped the Rogue and contacted the driver and only occupant, identified as Octavio Lopez-Hernandez. The trooper smelled alcohol coming from Lopez-Hernandez’s breath and detected signs of impairment. Lopez-Hernandez was subsequently taken into custody for DUI. A computer check of Lopez-Hernandez showed that he has seven prior convictions for DUI.

Lopez-Hernandez was taken to Troop 9 and charged with the following offenses:

• Driving Under the Influence, 7^th Offense or Greater (Felony)
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
• Speeding

Lopez-Hernandez was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $20,201 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032523  1129

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Yoel Baez-Marte and 27-year-old Jonathan Rojas-Pena, both from Wilmington, Delaware, on drug dealing charges following a traffic stop that took place early yesterday morning in Dover.

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 5:52 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue 2010 Mazda Tribute traveling southbound on State Route 1 at a high rate of speed. The trooper stopped the Tribute as it turned off the highway onto the Puncheon Run Connector at exit 97. As the Mazda began slowing down, the trooper saw several bags of narcotics being thrown from the passenger window. These bags were recovered at the scene and both the driver Baez-Marte and passenger Rojas-Pena were taken into custody without incident. Troopers found approximately 1.74 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 3.47 grams of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, inside of the discarded bags.

Baez-Marte and Rojas-Pena were taken to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

Yoel Baez-Marte:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Tampering With Evidence (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Speeding

Baez-Marte was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $22,102 cash bond.

Jonathan Rojas-Pena:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Tampering With Evidence (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Rojas-Pena was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $22,100 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032523  1102

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian that occurred last night in Wilmington.

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 7:59 p.m., a black Acura ILX was traveling westbound on Kirkwood Highway west of Farrand Drive. At the same time, a male pedestrian was walking southbound across Kirkwood Highway when he entered into the path of the Acura. As a result, the Acura struck the man in the roadway, causing significant injuries.

The victim, a 47-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was pronounced dead while he was being taken to an area hospital. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. The driver of the Acura, a 39-year-old woman from Newark, Delaware, was not injured.

No other vehicles were involved in this collision. Kirkwood Highway westbound was closed for approximately two hours while the scene was investigated and 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 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 032523  1026

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