*UPDATE- Victim Identified* Troopers Investigate Fatal Single Car Crash on I-495

Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died during a fatal single motor vehicle crash on April 30, 2022, as Dennis E. Saulters Jr, 35, of Philadelphia, PA. 

On April 30, 2022, at approximately 3:57 a.m., a 2016 Mercedes Benz driven by Dennis E. Saulters Jr., was traveling southbound on I-495 south of Philadelphia Pike. For unknown reasons, the Mercedes crossed over the partial left shoulder, and the left side of the car struck the guardrail. As a result, the vehicle traveled southwest, crossing the three southbound travel lanes before exiting the road and traveling down the grass embankment and striking the concrete support and a DELDOT pole with the front right corner. The car then overturned and came to rest on its roof in the area of East Holly Oak Road.

Saulters was not properly restrained and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Senior Corporal Matthew Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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 Investigate Fatal Single Car Crash on I-495

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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 043022 2133

-End-


Troopers Arrest Suspect for 8th-Offense DUI Following Traffic Stop

Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old Donald Sheldon of Wilmington, DE for 8th-offense DUI following a traffic stop that occurred  on Saturday afternoon in Lewes.

On April 30, 2022 at approximately 1:59 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Ford Expedition traveling at a high rate of speed on northbound Coastal Highway in the area of Dartmouth Drive. A traffic stop was initiated and the trooper made contact with the operator of the Ford, identified as Donald Sheldon. Upon contact with Sheldon, the trooper observed signs of impairment and a DUI investigation ensued. Sheldon was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A computer inquiry revealed that Sheldon had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses.

Sheldon was transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following offenses:

  • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
  • Speeding

Sheldon was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,050 secured bond.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 050222  1142

-End-


Delaware State Police Investigating Robbery of Convenience Store

Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a New Castle area convenience store that occurred Sunday morning.

At approximately 5:43 a.m., Sunday, May 1, 2022, troopers responded to the Royal Farms, located at 2160 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, for an armed robbery. The investigation determined a male suspect entered the store and confronted two employees behind the sales counter. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money and cigarettes. The employees complied and the suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and cartons of cigarettes. The suspect was last seen running on foot towards the intersection of New Castle Avenue and Cherry Lane.

The suspect was described as a black male in his mid-20’s, approximately 5’6”-5’9” tall, 165-180 lbs., wearing all dark clothing, a mask, and armed with a handgun.

There are no surveillance images available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Harris of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 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.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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 050222 1130


Troopers Investigate Fatal Single Car Crash on I-495

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor-vehicle collision that occurred on I-495 early this morning.

On April 30, 2022, at approximately 3:57 a.m., a 2016 Mercedes Benz driven by a 35-year-old Philadelphia man was traveling southbound on I-495 south of Philadelphia Pike. For unknown reasons, the Mercedes crossed over the partial left shoulder, and the left side of the car struck the guardrail. As a result, the vehicle traveled southwest, crossing the three southbound travel lanes before exiting the road and traveling down the grass embankment and striking the concrete support and a DELDOT pole with the front right corner. The car then overturned and came to rest on its roof in the area of East Holly Oak Road.

The driver of the Mercedes, a 35-year-old Philadelphia man, was not properly restrained and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The two right southbound lanes of I-495 were closed for approximately 3.5 hours as troopers investigated the crash, and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Senior Corporal Matthew Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 043022 1141

-End-

 


Delaware State Police Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 042922 2239

-End-


Troopers Make Arrest for Drug and Weapon Charges Following Traffic Stop

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 29th, 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  2148

-End-


Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offenders

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.

Lied Malloy Sledge

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  1636

-End-


Homeless Sex Offender Notification

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.

Wilkerson Harris Strack Alfree Hicks Boone Kopp Evans Dotson Thomas

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  1626

-End-


Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

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 28th, 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 29th, 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042922  1624

-End-


Kent County Man Arrested on Sex Crime Charges

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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 042922 1419

-End-