The Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Amanda Seward of Georgetown, Delaware, for possession of a destructive weapon and drug charges following a Probation and Parole search in Georgetown.

On January 7, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force was requested by Probation & Parole after they conducted an administrative search at probationer Amanda Seward’s residence on the 17000 block of McColley’s Chapel Road in Georgetown. During the search of the residence, probation officers found drugs, drug paraphernalia, and what appeared to be an explosive device. Seward and two men were detained without incident. Due to the circumstances, the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit responded and determined the device to be active and rendered it safe.

A search of the residence led to the discovery of the following items:

• Explosive device
• Approximately .07 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately .06 grams of heroin
• 12 mg buprenorphine sublingual film
• 3 mg naloxone sublingual film
• Digital scale

Seward was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on a $1,500 unsecured bond but committed to Sussex Correctional Institution for probation violations. The two men were charged with misdemeanor offenses and released.

• Possession of a Destructive Weapon – Bomb (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 3 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday night in Milford after a suspect fled from a traffic stop.

On January 11, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation on Johnson Road near North Old State Road in Lincoln. A computer check also showed a registration violation for the vehicle. The trooper pulled the Altima over on North Old State Road, but after stopping, it sped away for unknown reasons before the trooper had exited their vehicle. During the ensuing pursuit, the Altima drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed on several area roads, and the pursuit was ultimately canceled for the safety of other motorists. Shortly after the pursuit was canceled, the Altima crashed on Lakeview Avenue within the city limits of Milford.

The preliminary crash investigation showed that, while traveling at a high rate of speed, the Altima left the roadway on the south side of Lakeview Avenue and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle then crossed West Clarke Avenue, striking a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard before spinning and ultimately colliding with a large tree.

The driver of the Altima, a 37-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Lakeview Avenue was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (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 1-800-847-3333.

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.

The Delaware State Police arrested 64-year-old Whitey Moore of Felton, Delaware, for a fifth-offense felony DUI and related traffic charges following a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in Camden-Wyoming.

On January 10, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a trooper patrolling westbound on Henry Cowgill Road, near Dundee Road, saw a GMC Sierra weaving in and out of its lane. A computer search revealed the vehicle displayed an unregistered license plate. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as Moore, who showed several signs of impairment. During a search of the GMC, troopers located multiple bottles of alcohol that had been consumed. Moore was taken to Troop 3, where he continued to show signs of impairment, and a blood search warrant was obtained.

A computer check showed Moore had four prior DUI convictions and a suspended driver’s license.

Moore was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $5,700.00 cash bond.

• 5th Offense DUI (Felony)
• Driving while Suspended or Revoked
• Multiple Related Traffic Charges

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (SOAR) is issuing the following public notifications of homeless and wanted sex offenders.

Wanted Sex Offenders

SOAR is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address.  If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call (302) 672-5306.  Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individuals shown represent only a portion of the current wanted sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

Homeless Sex Offenders

The following individuals are not wanted for failing to register or re-register at their current address.  This is a homeless sex offender public notification.  If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call (302) 672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individuals shown are those recently reported homeless and represent only a portion of the current homeless sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Krista Rule of Wilmington, Delaware, for murder following a 2023 homicide in Dover.

On June 25, 2023, troopers responded to Case Ridge Road in Wolf Creek in Dover for a report that 72-year-old Denise Wood was found dead inside of her bedroom. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation and found that Wood had been stabbed to death. Through the course of the investigation, detectives ultimately identified the victim’s daughter, Krista Rule, as the suspect.

On January 6, 2026, after a thorough and detailed investigation by the DSP Homicide Unit, Rule was indicted by a Kent County Grand Jury for the murder of her mother.

On January 7, 2026, Rule was arrested and taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $2,100,000 cash bond.

• Murder 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

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.

Delaware State Police have arrested 59-year-old Stephen Kurtz. of Dover, Delaware, for home improvement fraud and felony theft.

Beginning in November 2025, troopers began investigating Stephen Kurtz for home improvement fraud. During the investigation, troopers learned that Kurtz had signed a contract with a 64-year-old Rehoboth Beach man in February 2025, to do construction work and received over $38,000 in payments. Kurtz never completed the work and the victim’s money was not reimbursed. A warrant was obtained for his arrest.

On January 7, 2026, Kurtz was arrested and charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

• Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense – $1,500 or Greater and the Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
• Theft $1,500 or Greater and the Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)

Troopers are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by Kurtz in a similar manner to please contact Troop 4 Financial Crimes at 302-856-5850. 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.

The Delaware State Police arrested 49-year-old James Atkins of Newark, Delaware, for felony assault following a road rage incident Tuesday afternoon.

On January 6, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., troopers responded to a parking lot outside Aspira Delaware, located at 326 Ruthar Drive, in Newark, for a report of an assault. Troopers learned Atkins and a woman were involved in a road rage incident on Ruthar Drive, near Red Mill Road. During the incident, Atkins followed the woman as she drove into the parking lot. Atkins blocked the only possible exit with his truck so the woman couldn’t leave. The woman asked nearby school staff for help. When the woman returned to her vehicle, Atkins pepper sprayed her and returned to his truck. The woman followed Atkins to his truck where a second confrontation occurred, and Atkins’ truck was damaged.

Troopers arrested Atkins without incident.

The woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Atkins was taken to Troop 6 where he was charged with Assault Second Degree (Felony), arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $10,000 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a convenience store robbery that occurred early Tuesday morning in Claymont.

On January 6, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., troopers responded to Dash In, located at 3700 Philadelphia Pike, in Claymont, for a reported robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed a man entered the business and acted as if he was armed. The suspect demanded the store employee open the cash register, then stole cash. The suspect ran away in an unknown direction. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect was described as a man, wearing all black clothing, a face mask, and gloves.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the robbery, or has relevant information, to contact Detective R. Strecker at (302) 365-8413. 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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Frankford.

On January 5, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., troopers responded to Honolulu Road near Kauffman Lane in Frankford for a report of shots fired. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown suspect fired multiple shots that struck an occupied residence. Five people were in the home at the time, and no one was injured.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who has relevant information to contact Detective P. LaPlaca by calling (302) 752-3798. 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.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit are investigating a shots-fired incident that occurred on Friday evening in Wilmington.

On January 2, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., troopers responded to the 700 block of Woodside Avenue in Wilmington for a report of a vehicle damaged by gunfire. The preliminary investigation revealed a man, driving a 2019 BMW X5, turned right onto Marsh Road from the Branmar Plaza shopping center parking lot located at 1812 Marsh Road. Shortly after traveling on Marsh Road, the driver heard glass shattering and saw the rear window of the vehicle broken.

There are no reported injuries. The BMW sustained a broken rear window. A projectile was recovered from the rear of the BMW. There is no further information available for the suspect(s) at this time. Surveillance video and images are not available.

The Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has information regarding this case to contact Detective B. Timmons at (302) 365-8434. 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.