As the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week draws to a close, the Delaware State Police recognizes the importance of this year’s theme, “Rights, access, equity for all victims” by helping crime survivors find justice by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.

“Each year, thousands of Delawareans are affected by crime.  The Victim Services section of the Delaware State Police/Delaware Victim Center strive to ensure the rights of victims, expand access to services with equity and inclusion for all, not just during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week but every day throughout the year. To provide the best outcomes for victims, it takes a collaborative approach by law enforcement, system-based victim services and community partners who provide a range of services,” said Debra Reed, Director of Victim Services.

This week is also an opportunity to thank all those who help ensure the rights and compassionate treatment of crime victims in our State. Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, said “At the heart of our public safety mission is our desire to serve, protect and support our fellow Delawareans. As we close National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I extend my gratitude for the work that every member of the DSP contributes to support this noble calling.  In particular, the Victim Service Specialists in our agency, who provide direct, compassionate counsel to those impacted by crime or unexpected tragedy, are to be commended for their dedication and service.   As they work with the assistance of our School Resource Officers and Victim Service Officers, our Victim Services Specialists are vital to our ability to provide justice, equity, and inclusion to anyone impacted by crime.” 

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).  For local resources in Delaware, please visit www.delawarevictimservices.org.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 042922 2239

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Delaware State Police arrested 23-year-old Joredan Brown, of Newark, DE following a traffic stop on Friday morning in the Newark area.

On April 29^th, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m, a trooper on patrol observed a white Buick Regal traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway approaching the intersection of Bear Christiana Road. The operator failed to properly signal while changing lanes on Pulaski Highway, and a traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the operator of the Buick, identified as Joredan Brown. Upon contacting Brown, the trooper detected the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle’s interior. Brown was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of approximately 4.01 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 11.5 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a Glock semi-automatic handgun.

He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Numerous traffic offenses

Brown was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and was released on a $15,205 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  2148

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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 offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address. If anyone knows the location of these subjects, 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: 042922  1636

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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 subject is occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  1626

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle that occurred Thursday morning in the Seaford area.

On April 28^th, 2022, at approximately 9:20 a.m., a 2014 Peterbilt Truck Tractor towing a 2017 Western Trailer was traveling northbound on Ross Station Road approaching the intersection at Herring Run Road. A 2013 Nissan Frontier was stopped at the stop sign on westbound Herring Run Road at this intersection. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Frontier failed to remain stopped as the Peterbilt approached the intersection. The Nissan pulled into the tractor trailer’s path while entering the intersection. The driver of the Peterbilt attempted to steer to the left to avoid colliding with the Nissan, but was unable to resulting in the front-left of the Peterbilt striking the front-left of the Frontier.

The operator and sole occupant of the Peterbilt, a 32-year-old Preston, MD man, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital by ambulance, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The operator and sole occupant of the Nissan Frontier, a 79-year-old Greenwood man, was properly restrained and was initially transported to an area hospital by ambulance. He was later airlifted to another hospital, where he remained in critical condition. Unfortunately, on Friday, April 29^th, 2022, the driver succumbed to his injuries. Identification is pending notification of next-of-kin.

The roadway was closed for approximately three 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 Sergeant N. DeMalto by calling 302-703-3269. 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  1624

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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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