Delaware State Police have arrested 32-year-old Michael Waller of Georgetown, Delaware for home improvement fraud following investigations that began earlier this summer.

In June and July of 2022, State Police detectives began investigating Michael Waller, owner of “Waller Precision” company, after they had received complaints of residential construction that was not completed. Detectives discovered that Waller had failed to fulfill contract agreements on two construction projects in Selbyville and Millsboro. The victims had paid Waller a significant amount of money for these projects to be completed earlier in 2022. However, Waller had stopped communicating with the victims and did not reimburse any funds.

On October 25, 2022, Waller turned himself in to Troop 4, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Home Improvement Fraud Over $1,500 and Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
• Home Improvement Fraud Over $1,500 (Felony)

Waller was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on his own recognizance.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit continues to investigate similar cases involving Michael Waller. Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded in a similar manner to please contact the Financial Crimes Unit by calling 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 102622  1345

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Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nancy Martino, 56, of Lewes, Delaware. Martino currently has several active warrants for her arrest, including two felony criminal warrants issued by Troop 7. Martino is described as a white female, approximately 5’03” tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Attempts to locate Martino have been unsuccessful. Troopers are asking anyone who has information regarding her whereabouts to contact Delaware State Police Troop 7 at 302-644-5020, or by calling 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 102522  1432

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Delaware State Police have arrested 55-year-old Ernest Lofland of Frankford, Delaware and 61-year-old Rosa Mitchell of Millsboro, Delaware on felony drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in the Seaford area last night.

On October 24, 2022, at approximately 11:58 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a silver 2004 Nissan Sentra with an extremely loud muffler traveling eastbound on Old Furnace Road approaching Dove Road. Troopers conducted a traffic stop on the car on Dove Road, and as they approached the vehicle they saw passenger Rosa Mitchell discarding drug paraphernalia out of the window. Mitchell was subsequently taken into custody without incident, and a search of her person led to the discovery of approximately 0.16 grams of crack cocaine. After the drugs were recovered, vehicle operator Ernest Lofland was also taken into custody without incident. A search of Lofland led to the discovery of approximately 0.021 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 6.13 grams of crack cocaine, some of which had been concealed in his mouth.

Mitchell and Lofland were transported to Troop 5, where they were charged with the following offenses:

Rosa Mitchell:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Mitchell was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,200 secured bond.

Ernest Lofland:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
• Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Improper Muffler

Lofland was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $16,401 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 102522  1341

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Delaware State Police have arrested 58-year-old Robert Cooper of Laurel, Delaware for felony DUI following an investigation that occurred yesterday afternoon.

On October 23, 2022, at approximately 12:17 p.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of the Nylon Capital Shopping Center, located at 1023 West Stein Highway in Seaford, regarding a subject who had been reportedly drinking and driving. Troopers located a red 2014 Chevrolet Cruze in the parking lot, which was occupied by Robert Cooper. A DUI investigation ensued after troopers contacted Cooper and noticed signs of impairment. Cooper was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. Computer checks of Cooper showed that he had five prior convictions for DUI.

Cooper was transported to the nearby Seaford Police Department, where he was charged with Sixth Offense DUI. Cooper was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $50,000 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 102422  1126

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal bicycle accident that occurred Saturday evening in the Milford area.

On October 22, 2022, at approximately 6:26 p.m., a 2013 Honda Civic was traveling southbound in the left lane of Bay Road (Route 1), just south of Tub Mill Pond Road.  The Honda was traveling behind another vehicle that was not involved.  At the time, a bicyclist entered the left, southbound lane of Route 1 attempting to cross from east to west.  The bicyclist entered the path of the uninvolved vehicle causing it to stop suddenly. This action caused the Honda to change lanes into the right travel lane. The bicyclist was crossing the right travel lane and in the path of the Honda.  The front of the Honda struck the right side of the bicycle and ejected the bicyclist.

The 36-year-old male bicyclist of Milford, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition. On October 23, 2022, the victim was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The 19-year-old operator of the Honda was not injured.

Route southbound 1 was closed for approximately 2 1/2 hours while the collision was investigated, and the roadway cleared.

This crash remains an active and ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Master Corporal Booth of the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-698-8451. Information may also be provided by messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook messenger or calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppers.com/.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 102322  1137

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The Delaware State Police announces the retirement of Major Matthew Cox on October 21, 2022. Major Cox is a Delaware State Police 60th DSP Recruit Class member that was hired on January 26, 1990.  His retirement comes after accomplishing a dedicated career of over 32 years as a faithful public servant to the citizens of Delaware.

In 2000, he was assigned to the Collision Reconstruction Unit (formerly known as the Fatal Accident Investigation Reconstruction Unit). He attained the rank of Sergeant one year later. After serving ten years as a member of the Collision Reconstruction Unit, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Troop 2 patrol. He is attributed to the development of innovative enforcement strategies and initiatives, which caused a reduction in fatal collisions as well as non-fatal collisions. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and appointed as the Director of the Traffic Operations Section, where he remained steadfast in improving safety on the roadways. During this time, DSP experienced a fifteen-year low in motorcycle and pedestrian collisions as well as a reduction in fatal collisions. In 2019, he was assigned as the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR, commonly referred to as Internal Affairs). Shortly after, he earned the prestigious rank of Major, where he oversaw daily operations for New Castle County and continued his involvement in many facets of highway safety. Major Cox has rewritten policies and legislation, in addition to developing traffic safety awareness programs for citizens. In September of 2022, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Highway Safety in Law Enforcement Award, which recognizes individual law enforcement officers who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to highway safety. While managing New Castle County Operations, Major Cox was also the officer in charge of the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums. Additionally, he was a dedicated bagpiper within the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drum Corps.

“The women and men of the DSP extend their sincere gratitude to Major Cox for his thoughtful leadership and friendship throughout his exemplary career. Major Cox has served the DSP and the citizens of Delaware with distinction. During his tenure on the Executive Staff, Major Cox has overseen numerous special events and dignitary assignments while also excelling in his role as the New Castle County Operations Officer. He will be greatly missed by his DSP family, and we wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter,” said Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 102222 1116

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred outside of a Wilmington area grocery store on Friday night.

On October 21, 2022, at approximately 7:10 p.m., troopers responded to the ACME, located at 1901 Concord Pike, Wilmington regarding a shooting that had occurred. The ensuing investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) parked their vehicle near the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot. The 36-year-old male victim from Wilmington, Delaware was returning to his vehicle when the suspect(s) fired a round striking the victim in his neck. The victim was transported to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. No other individuals were injured.

There is currently no description of the suspect(s), and no surveillance images are available. The suspect’s vehicle was described as a silver or gray 4-door mid-size SUV.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigation Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective Bange by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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: 102222  0818

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Delaware State Police are investigating a three-vehicle injury collision that occurred in the Newark area on Thursday morning.

On October 20, 2022, at approximately 11:35 a.m., a Tesla Model 3, operated by a 21-year-old male of Newark, DE was observed by a trooper traveling southbound on Interstate 95 south of the JFK Service Area at a high rate of speed. The trooper pulled out onto Interstate 95 southbound to initiate a traffic stop.  However, due to the Tesla’s speed, the trooper was unable to catch up.

The Tesla proceeded to exit onto Route 896 northbound from Interstate 95. Upon entering the left lane of Route 896, the Tesla made a left turn across the gravel median.  The Tesla lost control and began to slide sideways into the southbound lanes of travel, and directly into the path of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling in the left lane of southbound Route 896.  The front of the Chevrolet struck the passenger side of the Tesla. The Chevrolet was then pushed into the right lane of southbound Rt. 896, where it was struck by a 2018 Subaru Forester. The Tesla rotated counterclockwise in a southerly direction, coming to rest within the left lane of Route 896 southbound.  The Chevrolet and Subaru came to rest within the right shoulder. Upon contact with the occupants of the Tesla, troopers detected a heavy odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of vehicle and located approximately 30 grams of suspected marijuana in plain view on the front passenger side floorboard.

The operator of the Tesla, who was not properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital for his injuries. At this time, impairment is suspected to be a factor in this collision. Results are pending the outcome of a toxicology examination.

Also in the Tesla was a 20-year-old male, who was not restrained in the front passenger seat. He was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The 19-year-old rear passenger of the Tesla, who was not properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries

The operator of the Chevrolet, a 69-year-old female of Delaware, was properly restrained. The operator of the Subaru, a 53-year-old male of Pennsylvania, was properly restrained. Both operators were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Route 896 southbound was closed from West Chestnut Hill Road to Interstate 95 for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.

This remains an active investigation and charges will be forthcoming.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal Breen by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

*Traffic Advisory* Delaware State Police Investigating Collision

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: 102122 1745

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The following subjects are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 102122 1534

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Delaware State Police are on the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle collision that occurred today, October 20, 2022, at approximately 11:36 a.m., on southbound South College Avenue (Route 896) overpass at Interstate 95 in Newark. As a result of the crash, all southbound lanes of Route 896 will be closed for emergency response vehicles at the scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel. The road is expected to be closed for an extended period of time.

For updated road closure information and traffic conditions, log on to:

Travel Advisories – Delaware Department of Transportation (deldot.gov)

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 102022 1240

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