Delaware State Police arrested 54-year-old Brian Thomas of Laurel, DE for 8th-offense DUI and other charges following a crash investigation conducted on Wednesday afternoon.

On June 8, 2022 at approximately 3:57 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of northbound Sussex Highway and Concord Road in Seaford regarding a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision. The investigation revealed that a black Mazda Tribute had struck a black GMC Acadia that was stopped at a red light at this intersection. The Tribute fled from the scene of the accident and was seen traveling northbound on Sussex Highway. Troopers located the vehicle on Sussex Highway north of West Stein Highway a short time later, and a traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the operator of the Tribute, identified as Brian Thomas, and signs of impairment were observed. A DUI investigation ensued, and Thomas was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. No parties involved in the accident were injured.

A computer inquiry revealed that Thomas had been convicted of seven prior DUI offenses. Thomas was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony) and numerous traffic offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,004 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 060922  1234

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The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a criminal investigation in the Millsboro area that began on Tuesday evening.

On June 7, 2022 at approximately 5:41 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Long Neck Road and Banks Road for a report of a deceased subject found on the property of the Baywood golf course. The victim, a 64-year-old man from Millsboro, DE, was located and pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation is still ongoing at this time, and identification of the victim is pending notification to the next-of-kin.

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: 060822  1319

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Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the New Castle area on Tuesday afternoon.

On June 7, 2022 at approximately 2:32 p.m., troopers responded to the PNC Bank located at 1 Penn Mart Shopping Center for a robbery involving a gun. The investigation revealed that the suspect entered the bank and confronted a teller with a firearm. The suspect demanded cash and the teller complied. The suspect then fled from the bank on foot and was last seen heading eastbound across East Basin Road towards an unknown destination. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-20’s, approximately 5’06” – 5’07” tall, with a thin build. There are currently 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 D. Armstrong by calling 302-365-8440. 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: 060822  1222

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Delaware State Police have identified the adult victim who died during a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on June 4, 2022 in the New Castle area as Warren Harmon Sr., 31, of New Castle, DE.

The passenger, 5-year-old Warren Harmon Jr. of New Castle, DE, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on June 5, 2022.

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving an Off-Highway Vehicle

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident 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, 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: 060722  1106

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Delaware State Police have arrested 37-year-old Dontra Batson of Seaford, DE on drug, DUI, and weapon charges following a vehicle pursuit that occurred in the Seaford area on Sunday morning.

On June 5, 2022 at approximately 2:57 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Ford Escape traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Sussex Highway in the area of Concord Road. The trooper saw the Escape exit the southbound lanes of Sussex Highway and begin traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Dontra Batson, fled from the area and proceeded eastbound on Concord Road. A short time later the Escape struck a residence on Haven Drive, and Batson began fleeing on foot. The trooper gave chase and was able to take Batson into custody without further incident. Batson displayed signs of impairment, and a DUI investigation was conducted. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.89 grams of marijuana, approximately 0.15 grams of cocaine, and a Ruger 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed that Batson is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Batson was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Driving Under the Influence
• Possession of Marijuana
• Numerous traffic offenses

Batson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,850 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 060722  0908

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Dollar Tree located in Wilmington, DE.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 6, 2022, at approximately 10:23 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to the Dollar Tree located at 3603 Silverside Road, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was learned that two male suspects approached a male and a female employee who just exited the store after closing for the night. One of the suspects demanded the store’s deposit money and began striking the male victim over the head with an unknown object. The victim fell to the ground and dropped the deposit. The suspects grabbed the deposit and fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries to the head. The second employee was able to run away and was not injured during the incident.

There are currently no photos of the suspect available at this time.

The suspects were both described as two unknown males approximately 6’ tall, 190 lbs., wearing all dark clothing and a mask.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Harris of Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit at 302-365-8410. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delawarecrimestoppersweb.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 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: 060722 0825

Delaware State Police have arrested 56-year-old Donald Gladden of New Castle, DE for robbery and other associated charges following an incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

On June 5, 2022 at approximately 12:50 p.m., troopers responded to the Tobacco Outlet located at 287 Christiana Road in New Castle regarding a robbery that had just occurred. The ensuing investigation revealed that the male suspect, later identified as Donald Gladden, had entered the business armed with a handgun. Gladden directed the victim to fill a bag with cartons of cigarettes before leaving the scene in a black pickup truck. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the truck, but Gladden fled from the area. While attempting to get away, the pickup truck struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot of Hank’s House of Liquor in New Castle. Gladden exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers from multiple agencies gave chase to Gladden, and took him into custody a short time later without further incident.

Through investigative means, it was determined that Gladden had been the suspect in two other nearby tobacco store robberies that had occurred on May 27, 2022 and May 31, 2022.

Delaware State Police Investigating Robbery of Tobacco Store

Delaware State Police Investigating Robbery of Tobacco Store

Gladden was transported to Troop 6, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Criminal Mischief
• Traffic offenses

Gladden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $83,000 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is currently investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective R. Kirchenbauer by calling 302-365-8525. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, 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: 060622  1315

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred Sunday morning on Bunker Hill Road, Middletown.

On June 5, 2022, at approximately 2:40 a.m., a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling westbound on Bunker Hill Road from the intersection with Choptank Road.  A 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle and another, unidentified motorcycle were traveling westbound on Bunker Hill Road behind the Jeep.  The operator of the Jeep activated his left turn signal in preparation for making a left turn into a residence on Bunker Hill Road in the area of Winfield Lane.  As the Jeep made the left turn, the Harley crossed the solid, double yellow line and into the opposing (eastbound) lane of travel.  The front of the Harley struck the driver side rear door of the Jeep for the point of impact.  The impact forced the Harley to rotate counterclockwise in a southwesterly direction and into a driveway off Bunker Hill Road.  The operator of the Harley was ejected from the motorcycle. The other motorcycle did not come into contact with either vehicle and left the scene.

The operator of the Jeep, a 46-year-old male of Middletown was wearing a seatbelt and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  He refused transportation to a hospital for further evaluation.

The operator of the Harley, a 25-year-old male of Newark, DE was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Identification of the victim pending notification to the next of kin.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are continuing to investigate this fatal collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Cpl/3 Breen at 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-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, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 060522 1650

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The Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newark gas station that occurred early Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:08 a.m., Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the Shell gas station, located at 1148 Christiana Road, Newark. A male suspect entered the business and confronted an employee at the sales counter. The suspect produced a handgun, demanded money, and handed the employee a bag to fill. The employee was unable to open the register, so the suspect struck him in the face with the handgun. The suspect then removed an undisclosed number of cigarettes and fled the area on foot towards the rear of the business. The employee was transported to an area hospital for a laceration to the face.

The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 6’3”-6’5” tall, 225 lbs., wearing all dark clothing, a mask, and in possession of a handgun.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Dempsey of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8510. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delawarecrimestoppersweb.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 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: 060522 1035

Delaware State Police are conducting a fatal crash involving an off-highway vehicle that occurred Saturday night.

On June 4, 2022, at approximately 9:11 p.m., a dirt bike was traveling southbound on New Castle Avenue passing the intersection with Halcyon Drive. The 31-year-old operator of the dirt bike from New Castle, DE had a 5-year-old male seated on the front of dirt bike between himself and the handlebars. The dirt bike is unregistered and does not have any lighting equipment.  At this time, a Volkswagen Golf was in the northbound left turn lane of New Castle Ave, turning onto Halcyon Dr.  As the Volkswagen crossed New Castle Ave, the dirt bike struck the front of the Golf.  Both occupants on dirt bike were ejected.

The 31-year-old operator of the dirt bike was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The 5-year-old passenger was transported to AI Dupont Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

Southbound lanes of New Castle Ave were closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact Sergeant Jefferson at 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of 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 060522 0823