Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9) west of EbbTide Drive, Lewes.

On Friday, April 16, 2022, at approximately 2:10 p.m., a 2012 Honda CR-V, was traveling eastbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), approaching the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. At this time a 2009 Ram 1500 was traveling westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, crossing the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. A non-contact vehicle was stopped eastbound waiting to turn left onto Ebb Tide Drive.  A second non-contact vehicle was slowing to a stop behind this vehicle.  The operator of the Honda failed to observe the stopped traffic ahead, and in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved left into the westbound lane. The Ram also swerved towards the shoulder, to avoid the Honda, but the front of both vehicles struck in a near-head-on collision. After impact the Honda overturned and struck a utility pole before coming to rest off the roadway.  The Ram came to rest in the same area as the impact.

There were five occupants inside of the Honda.

• An 18-year-old male of Bear, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
• A 17-year-old female of Bear, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
• An 18-year-old female of Wilmington, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
• A 16-year-old female of Middletown, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition
• A 17-year-old male of Middletown, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

At this time the operator of the Honda has not been confirmed. This remains an active and on-going investigation.

The 77-year-old male operator of the Ram was treated and released at an area hospital for minor injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact Corporal/1 Smith at 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

*Traffic Advisory* Roadway Closure Lewes Georgetown Highway (SR 9) West of Coastal Highway

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 041622 0733

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The traffic advisory issued for Lewes Georgetown Highway (SR 9) has been cancelled. The roadway in the area of Ebb Tide Drive, west of Coastal Highway (SR 1), has been reopened. Delaware State Police continue to investigate the serious injury motor vehicle collision that resulted in the roadway closing.

Once more information becomes available regarding the collision, an update will be provided.

*Traffic Advisory* Roadway Closure Lewes Georgetown Highway (SR 9) West of Coastal Highway

Presented by: Public Information Officer, Sgt. Heather Pepper

Released: 041522 1732

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Delaware State Police have issued a traffic advisory for Lewes Georgetown Highway (SR 9). The roadway is currently closed in the area of Ebb Tide Drive, west of Coastal Highway (SR 1), for a serious injury collision. As a result, the roadway will be closed for an extended period of time. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes of travel to avoid delays.

Once more information becomes available regarding the collision and roadway closure, an update will be provided.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 041522 1440

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Delaware State Police have arrested 38-year-old Tara Madden of Selbyville, DE on multiple felony criminal warrants following a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon.

On April 14^th, 2022 at approximately 3:56 p.m., an officer with the Greenwood Police Department observed a tan Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the area of Market Street. The operator of the Cruze failed to stop at the red light at this intersection, and a traffic stop was initiated. The officer made contact with the operator and owner of the vehicle, identified as Tara Madden. A computer check of Madden revealed that she had four active criminal warrants for her arrest, stemming from numerous incidents that had occurred throughout March and April in the Frankford, Millville, and Millsboro areas. Madden was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5, where she was charged with the following crimes:

• Theft of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony)
• Theft From a Senior (Felony) – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief
• Offensive Touching

Madden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041522  1050

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On Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th, 2022, the Delaware State Police working in conjunction with 14 other states and 11 Delaware municipal agencies completed the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic enforcement initiatives.  These high visibility traffic enforcement initiatives focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, unsafe driving behaviors of the operators of large trucks/buses and occupant protection.

DSP and the law enforcement agencies in the 14 other states focused on traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 stretching from Maine to Florida to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The 15 state police agencies included Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Rhode Island State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police and Maine State Police. During this period over 5,300 traffic contacts (traffic citations and warnings) were made. There were 2,140 contacts for speeding, 314 for cell phone use, 310 seatbelt violations, and there were 37 DUI arrests made.

During the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” initiative, Delaware State Troopers with support from the Office of Highway Safety and 11 municipal agencies including the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Dover Police Department, Cheswold Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, Milford Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Ocean View Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Milton Police Department, and Seaford Police Department conducted traffic enforcement statewide by targeting roadways throughout the state. During this period 266 traffic contacts (traffic citations and warnings) were made.

The Delaware State Police would like to thank everyone who participated in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic initiatives.  This campaign helped to keep Delaware citizens along with its visitors safe as they traveled throughout the state.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 041522 0917

Kent County, DE- Delaware State Police Troop 3 will be hosting a Community Café on Friday, April 29, 2022. The event will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Rudy’s Family Restaurant and Pizzeria located at 17064 S DuPont Hwy Harrington, DE. The Community Café will have Troop 3 Administration, Community Outreach Officer, and Harrington Police Department Administration in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public. This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sgt. Heather Pepper

Released: 041522 0900

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Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance locating the leader and three other individuals wanted in connection to a large-scale drug trafficking organization.

In November 2020, Delaware State Police began a large-scale drug investigation named “Operation Dawg House.” Operation Dawg House targeted the George Johnson Drug Trafficking Organization, where George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville, was identified as the organization head. Johnson’s organization was targeted due to the increase of heroin overdoses and possession of heroin cases occurring in Sussex County, DE, and Worcester County, MD. In Delaware, 16 overdose cases were reported, with four being fatal. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred in Worcester and Wicomico County, MD. The year-long investigation involved local and state agencies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania working together to combat the heroin and opioid drug distribution. During the investigation, numerous members of Johnson’s organization were identified, and a hierarchy of distribution was established. In total, 55 individuals were indicted or arrested on street warrants. Currently, 51 individuals have been arrested and four individuals are still wanted, including George Johnson.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling 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-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance Locating Leader and Others Involved in Large Drug Trafficking Organization

George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville / Laurel

Johnson is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• Racketeering (Felony)
• 7 counts – Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• 33 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Allen White, 35, of Georgetown

White is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• 3 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Andre Washington, 27, of Seaford

Washington is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• 3 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Semeion Reed, 21, of Georgetown

Reed is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• 2 Counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police would like to thank the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that provided investigative support that led to the successful conclusion of Operation Dawg House.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041422  1445

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Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old Antoine Burgess of Dover, DE on multiple charges following a pursuit that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

On April 13^th, 2022, at approximately 1:33 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of South Dupont Highway and South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE observed a black Audi Q7 with a cancelled registration traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated away and a pursuit ensued. The operator of the Audi left the roadway, drove through the sports fields at the Kent County Recreation Center, and became disabled after striking a fence on Oats Lane in Wyoming, DE. The operator exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the area on foot. Troopers gave chase and successfully took the suspect, identified as Antoine Burgess, into custody without further incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 0.11 grams of cocaine. A 22-year-old female victim who was a passenger in the vehicle was transported to Kent General Hospital for minor injuries.

A computer inquiry revealed that Burgess had a revoked driver’s license and active warrants for his arrest. Burgess was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following offenses:

• Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Numerous traffic violations

Burgess was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,012 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041422  1214

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Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police Troop 5 will be hosting a Community Café on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The event will be held at 9:00 a.m. at TS Smith Orchard Point Market located at 9047 Redden Road Bridgeville, DE. The Community Café will have Troop 5 Administration and Community Outreach Officers in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public. This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sgt. Heather Pepper

Released: 041422 1000

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Delaware State Police Sergeant Gary Fournier of Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol was recently recognized by Special Olympics Delaware as the recipient of the 2022 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year. The Torch Runner of the Year award is the most prestigious honor presented to a law enforcement officer who supports the ideals, values, and principles of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics movement.

Sergeant Fournier received this award at a ceremony held on April 12, 2022, for his extensive involvement with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE). Over 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier began volunteering with Special Olympics Delaware as a recruit trooper. However, his passion for this program started as a young child growing up in New York. Sergeant Fournier has fond memories of attending Special Olympic competitions to watch his cousin participate in various events. As a result, when he had the chance to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run as a Recruit Trooper in the Delaware State Police Training Academy, he did so without hesitation.

Since his initial Torch Run approximately 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier’s involvement has expanded in positions held and time spent volunteering with Special Olympics. In 2012, he became a member of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Executive Committee and served in Kent County as a fundraiser and leg coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. In addition, Sergeant Fournier used his experience as a Delaware State Police Public Information Officer to ensure messaging related to the Torch Run events, activities, and purpose was effectively communicated to the community and media.

In addition, as the Delaware State Police Motorcycle Supervisor, Sergeant Fournier has coordinated motorcycle escorts for several SODE events, including the Torch Run, Ride to the Tide, and Truck Convoy events. He is also involved as a volunteer and participant in events such as Dodgeball Madness, Over the Edge, 5k Run to the Plunge, and the Polar Bear Plunge. In 2019, through his work with the Special Olympics of Delaware was awarded the honor of representing Delaware in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

At the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Sergeant Fournier will be presenting the “Flame of Hope” to the Athlete of the Year, Steve Dagg. It will be one more opportunity for Sergeant Fournier to present an athlete with a symbol of accomplishment, as he has done numerous times. Special Olympics Delaware credits Sergeant Fournier’s efforts over the past 25 years for what contributed to him winning the title of 2022 “Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.”

Congratulations, Sergeant Fournier, for your accomplishment, and thank you for proudly representing the Delaware State Police.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released:041322 1936

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