Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle collision that occurred in the New Castle area last night.

On March 2, 2023, at approximately 9:17 p.m., a 2005 Ford Mustang was traveling northbound on Route 9 approaching Federal School Lane.  The 18-year-old male operator from New Castle, DE, lost control of the vehicle and it began to rotate clockwise skidding in a northeasterly direction across the southbound lane, back across the northbound lane, and then across the right shoulder. The driver-side tires of the Ford struck a raised concrete curb located at the entrance to a business on the 1300 block of River Road.  The curb strike caused the Ford to roll over and go airborne into a heavily wooded area where it eventually came to rest on all four tires. The Ford then caught fire.

The front-seat passenger who was wearing his seatbelt was able to exit the vehicle. He was not injured during the crash. The operator who was not properly restrained was unsuccessful at exiting the vehicle.  The operator was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

Route 9 between Hamburg Road and Federal School Lane was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Breen 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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 030323  0951

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Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a McDonalds restaurant that occurred in the Wilmington area last night.

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at approximately 9:13 p.m., troopers responded to McDonalds located at 1790 W. Newport Pike, Wilmington, for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed a male suspect approached an employee and demanded money from the cash register. The employee gave an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect who fled the area in an unknown direction. No one was injured during this incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 40-50 years old, 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 J. Dempsey by calling 302-365-8510. 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, Trooper Raushan Rich

Released: 030223 1715

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred near Bridgeville yesterday evening.

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at approximately 6:37 p.m., a Chrysler 300, operated by a 63-year-old man, was traveling northbound in the left lane on US Route 13, approaching the intersection of Rifle Range Road. A Chevrolet Cruze, operated by a 20-year-old woman, was traveling northbound on US Route 13, in the right lane, adjacent to the Chrysler 300.

For unknown reasons, an adult male pedestrian crossing westbound, from the east side of the roadway, walked in front of the Chrysler 300 and was struck. The Chrysler 300 swerved to the right and struck the left side of the Chevrolet Cruze.

The operators of the Chrysler 300 and the Chevrolet Cruze were not injured. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where, sadly he died from his injuries. The identification of  the victim is being withheld until his family members are notified.

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

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

 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Trooper Raushan Rich

Released: 030223 1522

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The Delaware State Police is investigating threats to multiple schools. Numerous phone calls regarding the threat of an active shooter at various schools throughout the State of Delaware were made to numerous police departments this morning. Similar incidents have been reported outside the State of Delaware.

These calls have been determined to be a hoax and a form of “swatting.” Swatting occurs when a prank call is made to emergency services in an attempt to generate a large police response at a particular address.

The DSP is working with allied law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our children and the community as a whole. We encourage you to contact your local school district for additional information pertaining to a specific school.

The Delaware State Police is still actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. Anyone who provides information leading to a successful arrest is eligible for a CASH reward of up to $5000. To report any suspicious activity, please call 9-1-1 or contact the Delaware Anti-Terrorism Tip Line at 1-800- 367-2312.

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 Jason Hatchell

Released: 030223  1451

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As the women and men of the Delaware State Police continue to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary, the Division strives to honor the agency’s history through a variety of methods.

One of the ways the Division has acknowledged its lasting legacy is through the addition of several “throwback” retro patrol vehicles to the active fleet.

A total of eight varied, marked vehicle schemes will patrol the highways, neighborhoods, and business districts of the State for the remainder of the centennial year.  Six of the retro graphic designs depicted on these 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes are in the likeness of State Police vehicles from the 1930s to the 1980s.

In addition to these six designs, the Division has also deployed several Tahoes, which will display our centennial graphics, all commemorating this momentous occasion.

While these vehicles may harken back to decades of the past, make no mistake that they are equipped with all of the modern-day equipment that Troopers need to effectively uphold the laws of the First State and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

Feel free to browse the gallery:

 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Trooper Raushan Rich

Released: 022823 1416

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On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., the Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Melissa Zebley announced the Division’s most recent promotions. The promotional ceremony was held at Wilmington University’s Dover campus, located at 3282 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, the following Delaware State Police Troopers were promoted to new ranks:

 

MAJOR

JASON SAPP

 

CAPTAIN

CHRISTY BALLINGER

JEREMIAH LLOYD

WILLIAM THOMPSON III

GERALD WINDISH JR.

 

LIEUTENANT

DERMOT ALEXANDER

JASON BAXLEY

DON COLEMAN JR.

ROBERT COWDEN

MARK DAWSON

DANIEL DEFLAVIIS

GREGORY EARLE

JEREL MORTON

TROY RALSTON

DANNAILE REMENTER

SCOTT WEAVER

 

SERGEANT

JOSHUA DEAR

MARK DOUGHTY

GARY FOURNIER

DEVON HORSEY

ERIC HUSTON

JALAL KELSEY

CHERI MAGDA

LLOYD MCCANN

ROLAND MILLS

ANDREW MITCHELL

DONNA OLIPHANT

SAMANTHA PARSONS

HEATHER PEPPER

MATTHEW RADCLIFFE

MICHAEL RIPPLE

SEAN RODRIGUES

ANDREW SHAUB

BRADFORD STEVENS

PAUL TAYLOR III

ANTHONY TENEBRUSO

TYLER WRIGHT

AUGUST ZICKGRAF III

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Trooper Raushan Rich

Released: 022823 1228

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Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died in Felton on February 27, 2023, as Joshua Riley, 35, of Houston, DE.

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Conducting Criminal Investigation

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859. 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 Jason Hatchell

Released: 022823  1053

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide that occurred last night in the town limits of Georgetown.

On February 27, 2023, at approximately 8:28 p.m., the Georgetown Police Department responded to the Dunbarton Apartments for a reported shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside an apartment. A preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was a visitor at the apartment. A female knocked on the apartment door. The victim answered and let the female in. Once the female was inside the apartment, an unknown male suspect forced the apartment door open and shot the victim several times. The suspect then fled on foot. Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The victim’s identification is being withheld until notification is made to the family. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation at the request of the Georgetown Police Department. No suspect information is available at this time.

The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. 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, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 022823 0925

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The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a criminal investigation in the Felton area that began early this morning.

On February 27, 2023, at approximately 12:30 a.m., troopers responded to the intersection of Hopkins Cemetery Road and Marshyhope Road for a report of a subject lying in a ditch near the roadway. Troopers arrived on-scene and discovered a 35-year-old male victim from Houston, DE with a gunshot wound to the upper extremity. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

Further investigation determined the victim’s vehicle broke down in the area and he utilized a nearby resident’s phone to call for assistance. After returning to his vehicle, a subsequent confrontation occurred, and the victim was shot.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859. 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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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022723  1315

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Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating Terrance Branch, 54, of Ellendale, DE.

Branch is wanted in connection with the stabbing of two victims and assaulting a third during an altercation in the Ellendale area on February 15, 2023. Branch has an active warrant for Assault Second Degree (Felony)- 2 counts, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited with a Prior Violent Felony Conviction (Felony), and Assault Third.

Branch is described as a black male, 5’8″, 200 lbs., bald with brown eyes.

Attempts to locate Terrance Branch have been unsuccessful and troopers are seeking the communities help with locating him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Corporal Schwartz with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 by calling 302-703-3292. 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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You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

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Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022723  1302

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