Delaware State Police Troopers and Department of Justice Investigators assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested Jason D. Cooke, 45, of Clayton, on Dealing in Child Pornography charges.

On April 28, 2022, at approximately 8:46 a.m., Cooke was located and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• 5 Counts- Dealing in Child Pornography (Felony)

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $250,000.00 cash bond. 

Due to the sensitive nature of this case, additional information will not be released. 

This case remains an active investigation being conducted by the ICAC Task Force. We ask anyone who may have additional information regarding this case or was a potential victim to please contact the Child Predator Task Force at 302-739-2030. 

Information may also be provided 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

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, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 042922 1419

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Delaware State Police have identified John Joyce, 80, of Alexandria, VA as the victim who died during a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer and passenger vehicle, Wednesday afternoon in the Bridgeville area.

On April 27, 2022, at approximately 1:52 p.m., a 2022 Freightliner Truck Tractor towing a 2012 Viking Trailer was traveling westbound on Seashore Highway (DE Rt 404) approaching the intersection at Scotts Store Road (DE Rt 36). A 2021 Nissan Altima was stopped at the stop sign on southbound Scotts Store Road at this intersection. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Altima failed to remain stopped as the Freightliner approached the intersection, and pulled into its path while turning left onto Seashore Highway. The Freightliner attempted to brake and swerve to avoid striking the Nissan, but was unable to, resulting in the front right of the Freightliner striking the left side of the Altima.

The driver and sole occupant of the Freightliner, a 64-year-old Milford man, was properly restrained and was not injured.

The driver of the Nissan Altima, identified as John Joyce, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital by helicopter in critical condition. Unfortunately, on Thursday, April 28^th, 2022, Joyce succumbed to his injuries.

A 77-year-old Alexandria, VA, woman was properly restrained in the front passenger seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264. Information may also be provided 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.

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: 042922  1250

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Delaware State Police have identified Melissa Silva, 31, of Newark, DE as the victim who died during a single-vehicle fatal crash early Wednesday morning in the Newark area.

On April 27^th, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., Melissa Silva was driving a silver 2002 Buick LeSabre westbound on Chestnut Hill Road (DE Rt 4) west of Salem Church Road. For unknown reasons, she veered left off of the roadway and continued traveling in a southwestern direction before the car struck a steel overhead street sign support and a guardrail. The Buick then overturned onto its right side in the center median.

Silva, was pronounced deceased at the scene due to her injuries. There were no passengers in the Buick, and no one else was reported injured.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. Information may also be provided 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.

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: 042922 1215

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Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on Bay Road in the Dover area on Wednesday morning.

On April 27^th, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m.,  an 84-year-old Dover man was driving his vehicle on southbound Bay Road while accompanied by his acquaintance, 53-year-old Kathy Ware of Dover, DE. During this time, Ware became upset with the victim and she began physically assaulting him. The victim stopped his vehicle in the median of Bay Road near the Dover Air Force Base, and the victim exited his vehicle to avoid further injury. Ware then entered the driver seat and stole the victim’s vehicle, fleeing towards an unknown destination.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

Warrants were drafted for Ware’s arrest, for the following crimes:

• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Assault Second Degree (Felony)

Later on April 27^th, 2022, Ware was located by Salisbury Police Department in Salisbury, Maryland and taken into custody without incident. She is currently awaiting extradition back to Delaware.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective P. Campbell by calling 302-698-8504. Information may also be provided 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.

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: 042822  1943

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer and passenger vehicle that occurred Wednesday afternoon in the Bridgeville area.

On April 27, 2022, at approximately 1:52 p.m., a 2022 Freightliner Truck Tractor towing a 2012 Viking Trailer was traveling westbound on Seashore Highway (DE Rt 404) approaching the intersection at Scotts Store Road (DE Rt 36). A 2021 Nissan Altima was stopped at the stop sign on southbound Scotts Store Road at this intersection. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Altima failed to remain stopped as the Freightliner approached the intersection, and pulled into its path while turning left onto Seashore Highway. The Freightliner attempted to brake and swerve to avoid striking the Nissan, but was unable to resulting in the front right of the Freightliner striking the left side of the Altima.

The driver and sole occupant of the Freightliner, a 64-year-old Milford man, was properly restrained and was not injured.

The driver of the Nissan Altima, an 80-year-old Alexandria, VA man, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital by helicopter in critical condition. Unfortunately, on Thursday, April 28^th, 2022, the driver succumbed to his injuries. Identification is pending notification to next-of-kin.

A 77-year-old Alexandria, VA, woman was properly restrained in the front passenger seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being investigated and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264. Information may also be provided 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.

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: 042822  1242

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Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating two wanted Sussex County men.

During the middle of April, troopers began investigating multiple thefts from vehicles and one theft of a motor vehicle in the Milton and Lewes areas. Through investigative measures, Sherman Mitchell, 38, of Milton and Wade Kendorski, 34, of Millsboro, were developed as suspects in these cases. Attempts to locate the suspects have been unsuccessful and we are asking the public’s assistance with locating them.

Sherman Mitchell, 38, of Milton, DE is currently wanted for the following charges:

• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
• Theft From a Senior Citizen (Felony)
• 3 counts- Theft Under $1,500 
• 2 counts- Criminal Trespass Third Degree 

Mitchell may currently be in the Milton, Lewes or Seaford areas.

Wade Kendorski, 34, of Millsboro, DE is currently wanted for the following charges:

• Theft Under $1,500
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree

Kendorski is also wanted for numerous active capiases for his arrest. He is possibly in the Millsboro or Georgetown areas.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continue to investigate these cases. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Mitchell or Kendorski’s whereabouts to contact Detective W. Saylor by calling 302-752-3897. Information may also be provided 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. In addition, if you believe you were a victim in one of these cases and have not filed a police report, please contact Detective W. Saylor at 302-752-3897.

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 Heather Pepper

Released: 042722  2300

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision on southbound South DuPont Hwy (US 13), Harrington.

On April 27, 2022, at approximately 10:24 a.m., a 2017 Kentworth Truck Tractor pulling a 2014 Wilson Trailer was stopped in the left turn lane median crossover on US 13 northbound, preparing to turn left across southbound US 13 onto westbound Tower Hill Rd. At the same time, a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling southbound in the left lane of US 13, approaching the intersection with Tower Hill Rd. The truck driver failed to remain stopped and proceeded across the southbound lanes and into the path of the Jetta, resulting in the Jetta striking the right rear tandem wheels of the trailer.

A 65-year-old Townsend man was driving the truck and was not injured in the collision.

An 18-year-old Dover man was driving the Jetta. He was transported by helicopter to an area hospital. At the time of this release, the status of his injuries is unknown.

An 18-year-old Millsboro woman was seated in the front passenger seat of the Jetta. Unfortunately, due to injuries sustained during the crash, she was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours as the crash was investigated and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision or may have surveillance footage in the area is asked to contact Sgt. John Wheatley by calling 302-698-8518. Information may also be provided 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.

Traffic Advisory Road Closure- Southbound South DuPont Hwy at Tower Hill Road (Harrington)

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, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 042722 1448

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Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the Wilmington area on Monday morning.

On April 26^th, 2022, troopers responded to the Home Depot located at 3616 Miller Road for a robbery that had occurred the previous morning. The investigation revealed that on Monday, April 25^th, 2022, at approximately 8:45 a.m., an unknown black female entered the business and attempted to remove merchandise from a secured display cage. When a store employee confronted the suspect, she displayed a knife towards the employee. The suspect then removed merchandise and fled the area on a bicycle in an unknown direction of travel. The employee was not injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as a black female wearing a COVID-19 mask. There are currently no surveillance images available for the suspect.

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 D. Armstrong by calling 302-365-8410. Information may also be provided 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.

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: 042722  1407

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Delaware State Police are currently investigating a strong-arm robbery that occurred in the Wilmington area on Tuesday evening.

On April 26^th, 2022, at approximately 6:06 p.m., troopers responded to the Family Dollar located at 2021 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, for a reported robbery. The investigation determined three subjects entered the business and attempted to remove merchandise without paying. When store employees confronted the subjects, a physical altercation ensued which resulted in two employees sustaining minor injuries. The three suspects then fled the area. The victims refused medical treatment at the scene.

The first suspect is described as a black female, approximately 25-30 years old, approximately 5’07” – 5’09” tall, weighing approximately 160-170 pounds, with a ponytail in her hair.

The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25-30 years old, approximately 5’07” – 5’08” tall, weighing approximately 160-170 pounds, with short hair.

The third suspect is described as a black female, approximately 30-35 years old, approximately 5’05” – 5’07” tall, weighing approximately 180-200 pounds, with long black braided hair.

There are currently no surveillance images of the suspects available.

This case remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident 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-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: 042722  1341

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Delaware State Police have arrested 20-year-old Jashaun Johnson of Selbyville, DE following a traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon in the Selbyville area.

On April 26^th, 2022, at approximately 12:09 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Ford Focus traveling southbound on Roxana Road approaching Polly Branch Road. The driver failed to signal while turning onto westbound Polly Branch Road and was seen using his cell phone and not wearing his seatbelt. A traffic stop was conducted on the Focus on Lincoln Avenue and contact was made with the operator and sole occupant, Jashaun Johnson. During the stop, Johnson was observed throwing a belted bag away from him that he had been wearing. When troopers retrieved the bag, Johnson attempted to flee the area on foot. He was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. A search conducted incident to arrest resulted in the discovery of approximately 41.4 grams of cocaine, approximately 0.476 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and over $900.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

Johnson was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and charged with the following offenses:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
• Several traffic offenses

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on a $9,700 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042722  1332

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