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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Delaware State Police have arrested 21-year-old Jayaire Brittingham of Smyrna, DE for drug and weapons offenses following a traffic stop on Tuesday evening.

On April 12^th, 2022, at approximately 8:10 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Dover area noticed a gray Honda Accord traveling northeast on Pearsons Corner Road north of Halltown Road. The trooper observed the vehicle fail to maintain within a single lane of travel. A traffic stop was initiated on Pearsons Corner Road and contact was made with the operator and sole occupant, identified as Jayaire Brittingham. Upon contacting Brittingham, the trooper detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle’s interior. Subsequently, Brittingham was taken into custody at the scene without incident and probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 3.93 grams of marijuana, approximately 0.196 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a black assault rifle, four rifle rounds, and a .40 caliber Glock handgun. The Glock handgun was reported as stolen by Delaware State Police Troop 3 in January 2022.

Brittingham was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of Marijuana
• Failure to Remain Within a Single Lane

Brittingham was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $27,600 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041322  1521

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the Lincoln area on Monday night.

On April 12th, 2022, troopers responded to a residence in the 10000 block of Dupont Boulevard for a report of shots fired. The investigation revealed that on April 11th, 2022 at approximately 10:00 p.m., a 38-year-old female was inside of the residence when she heard gunshots outside of her home. After further investigation the following morning, the resident discovered multiple bullet holes in the exterior of the home and in a vehicle parked outside. In addition to the resident, there was an 18-year-old male and two juveniles inside at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.

At this time there is no suspect information or surveillance images available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective D. Yencer by calling 302-752-3791. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041222  1825

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Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Arthur Darden of Dover, DE for weapons and drug offenses following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.

On April 11^th, 2022, at approximately 12:41 p.m., a trooper on patrol in Laurel, DE observed a black Kia Sportage speeding and change lanes without signaling on Sussex Highway south of Gordy Road. A traffic stop was initiated on Sussex Highway at Dorothy Road and contact was made with the operator, identified as Arthur Darden. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Darden and open alcohol containers inside of the vehicle. A subsequent DUI investigation ensued and Darden was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 13.79 grams of marijuana, a pair of brass knuckles, and a 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed Darden is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
• Speeding
• Improper Lane Change

Darden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,300 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041222  1353

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Delaware State Police arrested 50-year-old Richard Cook of Lincoln, DE for 8^th-offense DUI and other charges following a crash investigation on Monday afternoon.

On April 11^th, 2022, at approximately 2:57 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of southbound Dupont Boulevard and Redden Road, Georgetown, DE regarding a motor vehicle collision. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted Richard Cook, the operator of a black Nissan Quest. The Quest had overturned onto its side in the wooded area west of Dupont Boulevard, and the two passengers, a 49-year-old female victim and a 45-year-old male victim, had sustained non-life threatening injuries. The victims were transported to Bayhealth Sussex Hospital for medical treatment. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Cook and a DUI investigation ensued. Cook was subsequently taken into custody without incident at the scene. A search of Cook’s vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.04 grams of marijuana, suspected liquid heroin, drug paraphernalia, two fixed-blade knives, and a Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. revolver. Cook is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or deadly weapons.

A computer inquiry revealed that Cook’s driver’s license was suspended and he had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses. Cook was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) – 2 counts
• Vehicular Assault Second Degree – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Possession of Marijuana

Cook was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $39,501 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041222  1350

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles that occurred Monday morning on Interstate 95.

On Monday, April 11, 2022, at approximately 4:38 a.m., a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic was traveling southbound on I-95 south of Route 141. At this time, a 2011 Dodge Ram was also traveling southbound on I-95 in the area of the Sonic. For reasons unknown, the Sonic struck the right rear corner of the Ram, which caused the operator of the Sonic to lose control and then strike the guardrail along the left edge of the roadway. As a result of the second impact, the Sonic traveled back into the southbound lanes of I-95 and became disabled in the roadway, without any lights activated. The Ram came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder.

A 2007 Kenworth tractor trailer that was traveling southbound on I-95 and who’s operator was unable to see Sonic disabled in the roadway, struck the Sonic with its front. After impact, the tractor trailer continued south and struck the center median prior to coming to a stop. Subsequently, a 2020 GMC Sierra that was traveling southbound also attempted to avoid the Sonic disabled in the roadway, but struck the vehicle with its right side. A 2022 Western Star tractor trailer traveling southbound on I-95 also struck the Sonic.

After the collisions, the front of the Sonic caught fire and the 62-year-old male operator from Bear, DE was removed from the vehicle by responding troopers. The operator was was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

All other remaining operators involved refused medical attention.

The contributing factors that resulted in this fatal crash are still being investigated 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 Senior Corporal Calio at 302-365-8483. 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 041222 0924

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Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is seeking assistance locating Frank Deshields, 52, of New Castle for a homicide that occurred Sunday afternoon outside a New Castle area motel.

On April 10, 2022, at approximately 2:42 p.m., troopers responded to The Super Lodge located at 1213 West Avenue, New Castle, for a reported stabbing. Responding troopers found the victim, a 45-year-old New Castle man, outside the motel suffering from an apparent stab wound to his upper torso area. He was transported to an area hospital by EMS, where he was pronounced deceased.

Through investigative measures, Frank Deshields,  was established as a suspect in this homicide. On April 11, 2022, an arrest warrant was obtained for Deshields for Murder First Degree and weapon charges.

Frank Deshields is described as a black male, 5’09”, 200 lbs., brown eyes, bald head, beard and mustache. Deshields may currently be in the New Castle area.

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continue investigating this case as this investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Daniel Grassi by calling 302-365-8441. 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: 041122 2326

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Delaware State Police Conducting Homicide Investigation Outside Super Lodge Motel

Delaware State Police have arrested 43-year-old Elridge Brundge of Dover, DE on weapons charges following a pedestrian stop on Saturday evening.

On April 9^th, 2022, at approximately 9:49 p.m., a trooper responded to the area of Briarbush Road and Woodleytown Road in Magnolia, DE after receiving a report of a pedestrian in the roadway creating a traffic hazard. The trooper made contact with the subject, who was identified as Elridge Brundge, standing in the road at this location. Brundge was not equipped with a light, and the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emitting from his breath. Brundge attempted to flee the scene on foot, but the trooper gave chase and was able to take him into custody a short distance away. A search incident to arrest revealed Brundge was in possession of a concealed and loaded Springfield handgun. Brundge is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Brundge was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Resisting Arrest
• Drunk on a Highway
• Failure to Carry a Light on a Public Roadway

Brundge was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,550 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041122  1041

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Frankford on Sunday morning.

On April 10^th, 2022 at approximately 12:12 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 36000 block of Country Lane in Frankford, DE regarding a report of shots fired. The ensuing investigation revealed that a 55-year old female victim and a 57-year-old male victim were present inside of the residence when a bullet struck a front window. The victims were not injured, and no other nearby homes were damaged.

There is currently no description of the suspect and no surveillance images are available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective C. Simpson by calling 302-752-3855. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041122  1310

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Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Joseph Jackson of Clayton, DE following a traffic stop on Thursday evening.

On April 7^th, 2022 at approximately 10:04 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Halltown Road and Pearsons Corner Road in Hartly, DE observed a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck traveling eastbound on Halltown Road at a high rate of speed. The trooper noticed that the truck was displaying a fictitious registration and was being operated by Jackson, who has a suspended driver’s license. When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, Jackson stopped the truck and fled the scene on foot. Troopers canvassed the area but were unsuccessful at locating Jackson. A subsequent search of Jackson’s vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded H&R .32 caliber revolver, approximately .65 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Jackson is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On April 8^th, 2022 at approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers obtained information that Jackson was at a residence on Downs Chapel Road in Clayton. Troopers responded to the residence and located Jackson hiding in a barn and took him into custody without further incident.

Jackson was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving While Suspended / Revoked
• Fictitious Registration
• Driving a Vehicle at an Unreasonable Speed

Jackson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $16,752 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041122  1300

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