Delaware State Police have identified the victim who was found deceased in Lincoln on July 31, 2022 as Jose Santiago-Zamora Jimenez, 40, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

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, 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 080322  0943

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Delaware State Police have arrested 28-year-old Wade Wilson of Millsboro, DE for felony assault and other charges following an investigation that began on Monday afternoon.

On August 1, 2022, at approximately 12:07 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Webbs Lane in Dover regarding a stolen motor vehicle. Troopers were advised that a gold 2009 Ford Crown Victoria was at this location, which had been reported overnight as stolen. A trooper contacted the occupant of the parked sedan, who was later identified as Wade Wilson. Wilson refused to comply with the trooper’s commands, and he subsequently placed the vehicle in drive and began accelerating forward. Wilson dragged the trooper with his vehicle until the trooper struck a tree. The vehicle then collided with a sign and came to a stop in a grassy area. Wilson exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The trooper was treated at an area hospital for several physical injuries sustained during the encounter.

Wilson was later apprehended and taken into custody by Dover Police Department on Monday evening after officers responded to a report of a suspicious person on Mimosa Avenue. Wilson was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

• Assault Second Degree (Felony)
• Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
• Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)

Wilson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 080222  1237

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Delaware State Police have arrested Justin Locke, 20, and Jeffrey Labarge, 22, both of Claymont, DE for Assault 1st Degree after an incident last weekend.

On Saturday July 23, 2022, at approximately 11:41 pm, the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit began investigating a felony level assault at the Claymont Auto Repair located in the 3500 block of Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE. Due to the suspicious circumstances of the initial investigation, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit began to assist with the investigation. During this joint investigation, it was determined that three subjects attacked a 56-year-old victim of Claymont in the area of Claymont Auto Repair as the victim was walking south along the sidewalk. After the assault, the three assailants left the victim lying motionless on the ground of the parking lot, where the victim remained for over 25 minutes. A vehicle then pulled into the same parking lot, and subjects were observed loading the victim into the rear of an SUV. This behavior was witnesses by a passing motorist, who called 9-1-1 to report the suspicious activity.

Through various investigative leads, the suspect vehicle and three persons of interest were identified as Justin Locke, Jeffrey Labarge, and Tyler Simpson, but there was no immediate report of an assault victim or missing person.  As investigators continued to work the investigation, further information was obtained that assisted law enforcement in identifying potential areas to search in the Claymont area for the unidentified assault victim. Through these steps, the body of a deceased white male was located on the property of Citisteel USA, located north of the assault location. Following an autopsy of the victim, his manner of death was ruled a homicide. Identification of the victim is not being released at this time.

During the week of July 25^th, the Delaware State Police apprehended two of the three identified suspects. On July 28, 2022, Justin Locke, was arrested on charges of Assault 1^st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to Delaware Corrections on a $1,00,000 cash bond. On Thursday July 28, 2022, Jeffrey Labarge was apprehended by Delaware State Police and arrested on charges of Assault 1^st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11, and committed to Delaware Corrections on a $1,000,000 cash bond.

Locke and Labarge, who are currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections, will be charged with Murder 1^st Degree. Arraignment information will be forthcoming.

The third suspect, Tyler Simpson, 22, of Wilmington, DE is still outstanding on charges of Murder 1^st Degree, Assault 1^st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree.

The Delaware State Police would like to ask for the public’s assistance in locating Tyler Simpson and cautions the public that Simpson should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, 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 are in need of 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: 080122 1608

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The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a criminal investigation in the Lincoln area that began on Sunday morning.

On July 31, 2022, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers responded to the area of Staytonville Road west of North Union Church Road for a report of a subject lying near the roadway. Troopers arrived on-scene and discovered an unknown male subject deceased at this location. The male subject has yet to be identified, and the investigation is still ongoing at this time.

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, 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 080122  1050

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Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died during a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on July 30, 2022, in Milton as Jennifer Urias Tacuri, 20, of Woodbridge, Virginia.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

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 Sergeant J. Burns by calling 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 073122  1634

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in Milton on Saturday morning.

On July 30, 2022, at approximately 7:04 a.m., a silver 2014 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on Milton Ellendale Highway approaching the intersection at Mulberry Street. At the same time, a gray 2016 Chevrolet Colorado was traveling westbound on Milton Ellendale Highway approaching the same intersection. The Colorado began turning left onto southbound Mulberry Street and entered the path of travel of the Corolla. As a result, the front left of the Chevrolet struck the left side of the Toyota in the intersection. This caused both vehicles to rotate counterclockwise, with the Corolla coming to rest in a grassy area off the south edge of the roadway and the Colorado coming to rest in the eastbound lane of Milton Ellendale Highway.

The operator of the Colorado, a 24-year-old male from Lewes, DE, was properly restrained and was not injured during the collision. The driver of the Corolla, a 20-year-old female from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained. She was transported via ambulance to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The front-right passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old male from Hyattsville, Maryland, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The rear-left passenger of the Corolla, a 19-year-old female from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained and was airlifted via helicopter to an area hospital in serious but stable condition. The rear-right passenger of the Toyota, a 20-year-old male from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained and was not injured.

No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being 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 please contact Sergeant J. Burns by calling 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 073022  1431

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Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offender after he either failed to register or re-register his current address. If anyone knows the location of this subject, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or 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: 072922  2127

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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 sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, 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: 072922  2021

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Millsboro area on Wednesday afternoon.

On July 27, 2022, at approximately 3:14 p.m., a white 2019 Kia Optima was traveling eastbound on Mount Joy Road approaching a moderate left curve east of Cannon Road. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Kia failed to negotiate the curve, and the Kia exited the south edge of Mount Joy Road and continued traveling eastbound until it struck a utility pole off the roadway. After striking the pole, the Kia overturned onto its roof and caught fire.

The operator of the Optima, a 27-year-old male from Milford, DE, was not properly restrained. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the vehicle sustained extensive thermal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim was turned over to the Office of the Medical Examiner for identification confirmation.

No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being 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 please 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, 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 072822  1355

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The PDP Team

The Delaware State Police have collaborated with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to offer prompt and personal services for individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance abuse disorders. The three agencies developed a partnership and a program called the Delaware Police Diversion Program (PDP), which provides real-time intervention and diversion from the criminal justice system.

The program’s goals are to (1) provide access to recovery services for those with substance abuse disorders in order to decrease overdose fatalities; (2) provide immediate intervention services for those experiencing a mental health crisis; and (3) provide arrest diversion from the criminal justice system by participating in recovery mediation, leading to decreases in recidivism, calls for service, and drug-related crimes. When interacting with people who suffer from substance abuse or mental health disorders, sworn officers are now utilizing care managers, peers, and/or crisis intervention services to divert individuals from the criminal justice system. The program is not intended to hinder enforcement of the law but rather to seek alternatives to arrest when appropriate. The PDP facilitates the diversion of these individuals from the criminal justice system and into treatment, which is monitored and managed by DSAMH.

The PDP leadership team began its initial research into these intervention services in 2019. There was incremental implementation of the PDP program in 2020, and by 2022 it was fully implemented statewide. DSAMH care managers and peers were physically placed at DSP facilities so they could partner with troopers and offer immediate co-responder responses and services to the public. This partnership allows for timely follow-up services to be provided, such as additional education and treatment options. The program’s final phase focuses on arrest diversion, which coincides with specific criteria and processes aligned with court rulings and national best practices. In February 2022, the program was fully operational throughout Delaware, and it began offering these resources to every Delaware law enforcement agency that requests services.

As the PDP continues to evolve, the initial results have been astounding. Since the start of the program, Delaware State Police have made more than 1,200 referrals to DSAMH. As of June 2022, DSAMH care managers have contacted 631 referred individuals, with 236 accepting enrollments into the program (37% acceptance rate) and 187 (79%) admitted for further treatment. This exceeds the national acceptance rates of similar diversion programs by approximately 11%. The collaboration among these agencies has led to a program that positively impacts the lives of Delaware residents and visitors.

In May 2022, the PDP leadership team received the 2021 Governor’s Team Excellence & GEAR-P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award.

“We’ve advocated for law enforcement diversion programs for years because the justice system cannot be one-size-fits-all,” said Attorney General Jennings. “Behavioral health is an unavoidable part of the criminal justice landscape, to say nothing of the addiction epidemic’s impact on non-violent, low-level crime. In these cases, the best guarantee of long-term success — and the best guard against recidivism — can often be diversion, treatment, and recovery for eligible offenders. I’m proud that DOJ is a part of this partnership and applaud DSP and DSAMH for their commitment to this work.”

“This partnership with State Police and Department of Justice and DELJIS allows us to provide clinical and peer support services to people who are struggling with addiction.  We often talk about wanting to ensure there is ‘no wrong door’ for people who need clinical services- and this program partnership is another way to meet people where they are and offer them treatment when they come into contact with law enforcement. The success rates so far indicate that many people are willing to ‘walk through the door’ when it’s offered and choose treatment,” said DSAMH Director Joanna Champney.

“The boundless dedication among all involved in the program’s creation and implementation demonstrate our shared mission of compassion and safety for all residents and visitors to Delaware.  We are look forward to continuing this innovative work with our partner agencies and encourage any individual who wants information about the program to call or respond to any DSP Troop,” said Superintendent of the Delaware State Police Melissa A. Zebley.

The Delaware Police Diversion Program will continue to be utilized throughout the State of Delaware. Through its use, the Delaware State Police expect a lasting reduction in crime, overdoses, and mental health crises.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 072822  1209

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