New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are currently conducting multiple accident investigations in New Castle County. As a result, the following roadways are closed:

• River Rd (Rte 9) at Federal School Lane, New Castle
• Intersection of SR 141 and SR 273, New Castle
• Castle Hill Drive to Edgewood Drive, New Castle
• Hamburg Rd off of Rt 13
• Rt 9 at Hamburg Road

Motorists should use alternate routes of travel to avoid delays. Additional information will be released regarding these crashes once it becomes available.

Presented by: Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031322 1055

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Dover, DE- Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, announced today the Delaware State Police launched a customized and confidential wellness app called the “DSP Wellness App”.

The “DSP Wellness App” is designed to help with mental health support and overall well-being for our civilian and sworn employees, employees families, and our retirees.

”We all realized that mental and physical wellness is critical to a professional and successful police agency,” Colonel Zebley stated. Troopers and civilian personnel are exposed to traumatic incidents at much higher rates than the general population making them more susceptible to mental health issues. This app offers confidential access to the employee assistance program, therapists, chaplain support, as well as resources and self-assessments for those individuals dealing with issues such as alcoholism, depression, emotional health, family support, finances, fitness, sleep optimization, and stress management.

These expanded resources on over 60 topics provide employee counseling services and 24/7 mental health care along with other mental and physical wellness tools.

The Delaware State Police remain committed to the overall wellness of all of our employees, both sworn and civilian and are excited to provide the “DSP Wellness App” as another tool available at their disposal.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 031122 1627

Millsboro, DE– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday night in the Millsboro area.

On March 10, 2022, at approximately 9:18 p.m., a 2009 Nissan Versa operated by a 58-year-old Parsonsburg, MD woman was traveling north on Lowes Crossing Rd just south of Carey’s Camp Rd, approaching a sharp left-hand curve in the road. For an unknown reason, the driver failed to negotiate the curve and exited the east edge of the road before overcorrecting and losing control. The Nissan then re-entered Lowes Crossing Rd and began to slide sideways across both lanes of travel. It then exited the west edge of the road, struck a mailbox, and continued sliding before the left side collided into an unoccupied home in the 19000 block of Lowes Crossing Rd, causing minor damage.

The 58-year-old Parsonsburg, MD woman, was transported by EMS to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries during the early morning hours of March 11, 2022. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Lowes Crossing Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while the on-scene investigation was completed.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this crash. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Cpl/1 James Smith by calling 302-703-3267. 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031122 1515

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Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police Troop 4 will be holding a Community Café on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. The event will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Indian River Fire House located at 32628 Oak Orchard Rd Millsboro, DE. The Community Café will have Troop 4 Administration and the Community Outreach Officer 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031122 1255

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Laurel, DE- Delaware State Police are issuing a traffic advisory for Sussex Hwy southbound at Laurel Rd. The roadway is currently closed for an overturned house moving trailer. Motorists should seek alternate routes of travel to avoid delays.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031122 1216

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police have active warrants for two suspects identified as Robert Baker, 30, of Claymont, DE and Andrew Masscotte, 27, of Claymont, who were involved in multiple robberies and a pursuit before fleeing into Pennsylvania.

The first incident occurred at approximately 5:56 p.m., on March 7, 2022, Delaware State Police responded to King of Gold, located at 2201 Silverside Rd., for a reported armed robbery. The unknown suspect entered the business and demanded money while displaying a handgun before fleeing the business. No one was injured during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of money was obtained.

The second incident occurred on March 9, 2022, at approximately 4:27 a.m., Delaware State Police responded to Sunoco, located at 3615 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, for a robbery. During the incident two male suspects entered the business and demanded money and merchandise while implying they had a weapon. The suspects then fled the business in an unknown direction of travel. No one was injured during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise was obtained.

The third incident occurred on March 9, 2022, at approximately 2:05 p.m., Delaware State Police responded to Acme, located at 2098 Naamans Rd., Wilmington, for two male suspects who entered the store and attempted to shoplift. When the suspects were confronted, one of the suspects struck the victim while the other implied he had a weapon before entering a white SUV fleeing the area. As the SUV fled, the suspect drove onto the sidewalk and attempted to strike five employees.

Through surveillance and investigative means troopers located the suspect vehicle, a white Ford Escape involved in all three incidents above on Dale Court, Wilmington. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Ford at which time the vehicle fled. A pursuit ensued but was ultimately discontinued for public safety. The suspect vehicle was located a second time in Pennsylvania where another pursuit occurred with local police, until the suspects crashed in the Upper Chichester area. The operator, Robert Baker and passenger Andrew Masscotte were then taken into custody.

Baker currently has active warrants for:

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)- 2 counts
• Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (Felony)- 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)- 2 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

Masscotte currently has active warrants for:

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)- 3 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)- 3 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief

Both suspects are awaiting extradition from Pennsylvania to be formally charged.

Any questions regarding the pursuit and vehicle crash should be directed at to the Upper Chichester police department.

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 Jason Hatchell

Released: 031122 1113

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died in a Wednesday night crash on Interstate 495 as Tyrone Trader, 54, of Chester, PA. 

This crash remains an active and ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Sergeant Alexander of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook messenger or calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delawarecrimestoppers.com/.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Single Vehicle Crash- Wilmington

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: 031122 1035

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Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance locating the leader and 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, 46 individuals have been arrested on 286 felony charges and 38 misdemeanor charges. Additionally, two individuals are in custody in Maryland pending extradition on seven felony charges, and seven individuals are currently wanted, including George Johnson. 

As a result of the investigation, Delaware State Police seized the largest amount of pre-packaged heroin in Delaware Law Enforcement history.

Additionally, the following items were seized during the investigation:

• 330,605 bags Heroin (2,543 logs / 2,314.235 grams / 2.314 Kilos)
• The main seizure was 2,500 logs of heroin
• Street value of approximately $1,653,025.00
• 20 Heroin/Fentanyl mixture caplets
• 5.82 Grams of Crack Cocaine / Cocaine
• 771.06 Grams Marijuana
• 10 Ecstasy doses
• 3 Firearms and Ammo (3 Handguns – 1 stolen with removed SN)
• $65,000.00 US Currency
• Drug Paraphernalia/Cell Phones/Documents
• 3 Motor Vehicles Seized – Valued at over $50,000.00

The following seven individuals are still wanted in connection to Operation Dawg House. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the 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

George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville/Laurel area

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 Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Allen White, 35, of Georgetown

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

Andre Washington,27, of Seaford 

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

Kevin Ricketts, 59, of Seaford

• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• 2 Counts- Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Semeion Reed, 21, of Georgetown

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

Courtney Cahall, 35, of Delmar

• 3 Counts- Possession of Heroin (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Brian Bell, 34, of Ocean View

•  With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (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 lead to the successful conclusion of Operation Dawg House.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031022 2218

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Sussex County, DE– Delaware State Police conduct an in-custody death investigation.

On March 9, 2022, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Delaware State Police Detectives responded to the Bait and Tackle Shop at the Indian River Inlet located at 25012 Coastal Hwy, attempting to contact Stanley Bradley, 72, Milton, after receiving information he may be at the business hanging out. Bradley was wanted on an outstanding warrant for Rape 2nd Degree (Felony). As detectives pulled into the parking lot, Bradley was observed exiting the business. Contact was made with Bradley, who was very cooperative and was taken into custody without incident. He was placed in the front seat of the detectives’ divisionally issued Ford Taurus, with one of the detectives sitting in the backseat and the other driving. As the vehicle was traveling to Delaware State Police Troop 3 on Coastal Hwy in the area of Johnson Road., Bradley requested the detectives pull over because he thought he was suffering from a medical event. Detectives immediately pulled over, and both exited the vehicle to check on Bradley, who was now unconscious. One detective immediately contacted 9-1-1 to request medical assistance as the other began performing CPR. Life-saving measures were performed until EMS arrived, who continued CPR before transporting Bradley to the Bayhealth Sussex Campus. Bradley was stabilized and transported to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, where he died at approximately 6:00 p.m. The investigation revealed Bradley had a long medical history and had been hospitalized multiple times during the last year for cardiac issues. Bradley was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy to be performed. On March 10, 2022, the Medical Examiner ruled Stanley Bradley died from natural causes pending a toxicology examination. There was nothing suspicious and no signs of trauma found during the investigation. 

This case remains pending active by the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit pending the toxicology results.

Due to the sensitive nature of the charges Bradley was wanted for, no information will be released regarding the case.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 031022 1602

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Delaware – The Delaware State Police is providing a Scam Alert Advisory. This is a general alert that is applicable to the entire State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have been investigating multiple incidents in which victims have been receiving phone calls from individuals posing as troopers and advising they are wanted and owe bail money. These individuals are utilizing spoofed, Delaware State Police issued phone numbers.

As a reminder, the Delaware State Police will never request payment for fines, traffic tickets or bail. All these transactions are conducted by the respective court systems and never over the phone. Electronic payments are also never requested via phone for court matters.

“Spoofing” is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.

The following tips can help you avoid becoming victim to a spoofing scam:

1. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do so by accident, hang up.
2. If a caller (live or recorded) suggests hitting a button to stop receiving calls from them, hang up. This can be a trick to engage you in conversation.
3. Never give out any personally identifiable information – for example, account numbers, Social Security Number, passwords or PINs, or your mother’s maiden name.
4. If a caller claims to be with a legitimate company, call back using the phone number on a statement you have from them, or on their verified, secure website.  This is particularly important if the caller asks you to verify personal information or make a payment.
5. If you are immediately pressured for information – be cautious. You are not obligated to answer any question asked of you.
6. Set your own password for your voicemail.  Some voicemail services are set up to automatically allow access to your mailbox if you call in from your own phone. If a scammer spoofs your number, they can access your messages unless there is a password or PIN requirement in place.
7. Use a call blocking tool (talk to your phone company) or reputable app on your mobile device.  There are different options for different platforms. Do some research and choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 031022 1325

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