Dover– At a ceremony held on Friday, April 1, 2022, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

To help recognize the significance of the ceremony Governor John Carney, Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, and Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, Nathaniel McQueen Jr., were in attendance to offer congratulatory remarks.

Trooper of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one Trooper for the Trooper of the Year Award. To be nominated, a Trooper must exceed performance standards and be recognized by his or her peers, as one who epitomizes the Core Values of the Division, which are Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.

This year, 10 Troopers were nominated, and out of those worthy nominees, the Executive Staff selected Sergeant Pierre Lawler, as the 2021 Trooper of the Year, for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of the State of Delaware. Sergeant Lawler is assigned to Troop 2 Patrol.

Sergeant Pierre Lawler has demonstrated all the key characteristics and Core values that make an exceptional Trooper in addition to his duties as a patrol Road Supervisor. As commander of “B” shift, this past year, his shift was responsible for several significant apprehensions and seizures through his guidance and instruction. His work ethic and efforts demonstrate excellence above and beyond his scope of patrol supervisor. He is very attentive to the administrative patrol duties of a Sergeant as well as delegating responsibilities to develop his subordinates. In many ways he puts his shift mates in positions to excel and his presence on the street affords them on scene supervision.

Sergeant Lawler was also presented with the Randall Armistead Trooper of the Year Award on behalf of the Delaware State Troopers Association. Presenting the award was Vice President of the DSTA, Master Corporal Mark Ryde.

Trooper of the Year Nominees

Trooper First Class Richard Link- Troop 1 Patrol

Sergeant Pierre Lawler- Troop 2 Patrol

Detective Ryan Kirchenbauer- Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit

Corporal Andrew Valeski- Troop 3 Patrol

Trooper First Class Thomas Vincent- Troop 4 Patrol

Detective Alan Bluto- Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit

Corporal Andrew Shea- Troop 5 Patrol

Trooper First Class Kevin Kelleher- Troop 6 Patrol

Trooper First Class Michael Short- Troop 7 Patrol

Corporal Stephen Douglas- Troop 9 Patrol

Civilian of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff also selects one civilian employee, for the Civilian of the Year Award. Civilian employees who are nominated for this award display outstanding performance and meet the following criteria:

1. Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations.
2. A consistent record of such service through their years of employment.
3. Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, five Delaware State Police civilian employees were nominated for the award, and the Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected Purchasing Services Administrator, Kimberly Cuffee, as the 2021 Civilian of the Year.

Ms. Cuffee continued to exemplify all of the values and work habits that we have seen from her over her numerous years of service, with enhanced challenges in 2021 from the global pandemic and supply chain shortages. Her performance during both 2020 and 2021 was exemplary.

Civilian of the Year Nominees

Ms. Kimberly Cuffee- Purchasing & Supply

Ms. Monica Holmes- Human Resources

Mr. Lance Lane- Communications (KENTCOM)

Ms. Rebecca Palicka- State Bureau of Identification

Mr. Andrew Valladares- Delaware Information and Analysis

In addition to the Trooper and Civilian of the Year, the following Troopers were also presented with the following awards:

Lifesaving Award:

TFC Hunter Bordley, Ms. Kayla Bright, Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company, TFC Anthony Carter, Tpr. Thomas Catalfamo, Sgt. Daniel DeFlaviis, Cpl/3 Justin Galloway, Cpl/1 Patrick Jackson, Cpl. George Justice, TFC Luke Justice, TFC Michelle Keane, Cpl. Kathleen Koff, Sgt. Edward Larney, Cpl. Mark Malloy, Cpl. Adam Orndorf – New Castle County PD, Cpl.  Andrew Osgood, TFC Nicholas Panissidi, TFC Trevor Pendleton, Capt. Kerry Reinbold, Cpl. Courtney Schrader, Cpl. Jordan Smith, Cpl. Robert Spanier Jr., Mr. Ronald Stamper, Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company, TFC Brian Whitehead

Exceptional Performance:

TFC Michael Aberman, Cpl. Amina Ali, Cpl. Justin Decowski, Cpl. Everett Eschbach, Cpl/1 Michael Fiore, Tpr. John Hasson Jr., Tpr. Kenneth Haynes, Cpl. Peter Irwin, TFC Kevin Kelleher, TFC Joseph Klink, Sgt. Dave Kristunas, Capt. Rodney Layfield, TFC Thomas Leonardi, Tpr. Erik Lima-Munguia, Cpl/1 Cheri Magda, Cpl. Benjamin Nefosky, Sgt. Troy Ralston, Tpr. Sean Setting, Cpl/3 Robert Strecker, Cpl. Andrew Valeski, TFC Emanuel Velez, TFC Thomas Vincent, Sgt. Michael Weinstein

Superintendent’s Citation:

Cpl. Derek Balaguer, Cpl. Christopher Delvecchio – Maryland State Police, Sgt. Michael Dill, Cpl. Zachary Drake, Tpr. Nicholas Gallo, Cpl. Christopher Garcia, Sgt. Bruce Graham – Clayton PD, Tpr. Jesse Guevara, Cpl. Dustin Hamilton, Deputy 1/C Michael Houck – Wicomico County Sheriff’s (Ret.),  Department Patrol Officer First Class Daniel Howard – Laurel PD, Sgt. Eric Landing – Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Pierre Lawler, Patrol Officer First Class Ashley Little – Laurel Police Department, Cpl/1 Rosendo Luna, Sgt. Christopher Martin, Cpl/1 Michael Morgan, Lt. Jerel Morton, Sgt. Daniel Parks, Police Officer First Class Richard Pizzaia – Salisbury PD, Cpl. Alexander Ricketts, Cpl/1 Sean Rodrigues, Deputy 1/C Brandon Scott – Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Cpl. Bruce Smith – Maryland State Police, Cpl. Christopher Story – Fenwick Island PD,  , Tpr. Heather Swain, Cpl/3 James Wharton

Valor Award:

Sgt. Jason Aviola, Cpl/1 Jeffrey Baldwin, TFC Schatzschneider Billy-Attoh Jr., Cpl. Jermaine Cannon, Cpl. Joshua Cary, Tpr. Kody Eichlin, Cpl. Andrey Green, Cpl. Dean Johnson, Cpl. Brandon Yencer

Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners! 

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 040122 1600

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred outside of a New Castle County nightclub early Wednesday morning.

On March 30^th, 2022 at approximately 2:44 a.m., a 31-year-old Middletown man was sleeping inside of his vehicle in the parking lot of Hak’s Sports Bar & Grill, located at 1050 S. Market Street, Wilmington, DE. An unknown suspect approached the victim while still inside of his vehicle and shot the victim once in the upper torso. The suspect fled the area on foot in an unknown direction. The victim immediately called 9-1-1 and was transported to Christiana Hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Strecker by calling 302-743-0998. 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: 033022 1059

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Delaware State Police have identified Bruce E. Wright, 33, of Dover, as the individual who died as a result of a shooting incident on March 24, 2022, in the Capitol Park community, Dover.

At approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined Bruce E. Wright, was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, entered the backseat of the car. Marcus engaged in a conversation with the Bruce before demanding his property. At some point during the encounter, Bruce was shot in the upper torso. Marcus fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel. Bruce was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police identified Marcus Bailey as the suspect involved in this shooting incident. On March 26, 2022, Marcus was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop in the Long Neck Wawa parking lot. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7 where he was charged with Murder First Degree (Felony), Robbery First Degree (Felony), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), and Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony). Marcus was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,120,000.00 cash bond.

*UPDATE* Delaware State Police Arrest Homicide Suspect

Delaware State Police Conducting Homicide Investigation

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: 032922 1336

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Delaware State Police have identified Katelyn P. Irwin, 18, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, as the victim who died during a two car fatal crash Saturday night in the Milton area.

On March 26, 2022, at approximately 8:02 p.m., a 2015 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by a 19-year-old Milford woman, was traveling westbound on Shingle Point Rd., approaching the intersection of Gravel Hill Road. At the same time, a 2009 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by a 43-year-old Smyrna man, was traveling northbound on Gravel Hill Road, approaching the intersection of Shingle Point Road. Traffic on Gravel Hill Road has the right-of-way in this area. On Shingle Point Road, just prior to the intersection, the eastbound and westbound lanes split, with the westbound lane making a sharp right curve. As the Chevrolet Cruz approached the sharp right curve in the roadway, for unknown reasons, the driver failed to negotiate the curve and entered the eastbound lane of travel, continuing westbound towards Gravel Hill Road. The Cruz then entered the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road, directly into the path of the Ford F-250. As a result, the front right of the Ford struck the front left of the Cruz in the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road. After the collision, the Cruz came to rest upright, facing eastbound. The Ford exited the west edge of the roadway and overturned on its left side before striking a fence post and tree.

Unfortunately as a result of injuries sustained during the collision, Katelyn P. Irwin was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Nick 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 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: 032822 1350

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Troopers Investigate a Two Car Fatal Crash

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Saturday night in the Milton area.

On March 26, 2022, at approximately 8:02 p.m., a 2015 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by a 19-year-old Milford woman, was traveling westbound on Shingle Point Rd., approaching the intersection of Gravel Hill Road. At the same time, a 2009 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by a 43-year-old Smyrna man, was traveling northbound on Gravel Hill Road, approaching the intersection of Shingle Point Road. Traffic on Gravel Hill Road has the right-of-way in this area. On Shingle Point Road, just prior to the intersection, the eastbound and westbound lanes split, with the westbound lane making a sharp right curve. As the Chevrolet Cruz approached the sharp right curve in the roadway, for unknown reasons, the driver failed to negotiate the curve and entered the eastbound lane of travel, continuing westbound towards Gravel Hill Road. The Cruz then entered the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road, directly into the path of the Ford F-250. As a result, the front right of the Ford struck the front left of the Cruz in the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road. After the collision, the Cruz came to rest upright, facing eastbound. The Ford exited the west edge of the roadway and overturned on its left side before striking a fence post and tree.

The 19-year-old Milford woman driving the Cruz was properly restrained. She was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.

An 18-year-old Rehoboth Beach woman was not properly restrained in the front right seat. Unfortunately, she sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The 43-year-old Smyrna man driving the Ford was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash.

A 41-year-old Smyrna woman was properly restrained in the front right seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the investigation was conducted. The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Nick 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 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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 032722 1319

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Delaware State Police Homicide Unit arrested Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, for the homicide that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.

On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man, was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when Marcus Bailey entered the backseat of the car. Marcus engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. Marcus then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police identified Marcus Bailey as the suspect involved in this shooting incident. On March 26, 2022, Marcus was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop in the Long Neck Wawa parking lot. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Murder First Degree (Felony)
• Robbery First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,120,000.00 cash bond.

Delaware State Police Conducting Homicide Investigation

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:

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released: 032722 0119

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Dover– The following subjects are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Scottie SotoYou can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 032622 1721

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred outside a New Castle gas station Thursday afternoon.

On March 24, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a 33-year-old Smyrna man arrived at Valero located at 891 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle, to get fuel. He pulled his vehicle into the diesel pump before realizing he was at the wrong pump. He reversed his car to another gas pump when a black male standing outside of a passenger vehicle parked at a nearby gas pump fired multiple rounds at the victim as he was still reversing. The victim immediately placed his car in drive, fled the area, and drove to a nearby hospital. The victim was struck multiple times and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

After the shooting, the unknown suspect fled the area northbound onto Bear Road. There is currently no suspect information or surveillance footage available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Amy Bange by calling 302-365-8411. 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:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 032422 2253

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Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a homicide investigation that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.

On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when an unknown male entered the backseat of the car. The male engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. The unknown male suspect then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel.

The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

At this time, there is no suspect information available. Delaware State Police Homicide Unit asks anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident to contact Det. Mark Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 032422 2228

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The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted carjacking that took place in a Christiana Mall parking lot Wednesday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m., March 23, 2022, in the parking lot of the Target at the Christiana Mall, located at 800 Christiana Mall, Newark. Investigation determined a male suspect approached a 14-year-old male victim as he returned to his brother’s vehicle in the parking lot. The suspect advised the victim to give him everything and the victim attempted to runaway, but fell to the ground. The suspect stood overtop the victim took his car keys and demanded him to get in the vehicle. The victim refused and fled into the food court.

The victim’s vehicle was later located in the parking lot running with the doors open. The victim was not injured during the incident.

The suspect was described as a thin black male in his 20’s, approximately 6’1” tall, and wearing all dark clothing. There are no surveillance images available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Pixley of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-365-8403. 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

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 032422 1220

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