New Castle, DE– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred Friday night west of New Castle.

On February 25, 2022, at approximately 7:29 p.m., a 65-year-old Bear man was traveling northbound on Bear Christiana Road (DE SR 7) approaching Newtown Road. Just prior to Newtown Road, a truck the Bear man was following had a couch fall out of the back into the roadway, landing partially in the center median and partially in the left travel lane of southbound DE SR 7. The victim and another driver stopped in the left turn lane of DE SR 7 northbound, south of Newtown Road, to remove the couch from the roadway. As the Bear man entered the left travel lane of southbound DE SR 7 to help remove the couch from the road, a 2008 Dodge Dakota was traveling southbound on DE SR 7 in the left travel lane approaching the intersection with Newtown Road. As the Dodge traveled through the intersection, the pedestrian was still in the left travel lane. The driver of the Dodge saw the pedestrian at the last second and veered to the right, attempting to avoid the collision. Unfortunately, the driver was unsuccessful, and the left front of the Dodge struck the victim within the left travel lane of southbound DE SR 7. The other individual helping to move the couch was uninjured.

The 65-year-old Bear man was transported to a nearby hospital by EMS, where he was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The 42-year-old Middletown man driving the Dodge Dakota was not injured.

The collision’s location is dark and only slightly illuminated by nearby lighting. Both directions of DE SR 7 were closed to vehicular traffic between Newtown Road and Freedom Road for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Cpl/3 John Breen by calling 302-365-8486 or emailing john.breen@delaware.gov. 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 http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.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: 022622 1439

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Dover – Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offender after he either failed to register or re-register his current address. If anyone knows the location of this subject, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or  www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 022522 2233

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 022522 2224

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Smyrna, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on DuPont Parkway Friday afternoon.

On February 25, 2022, at approximately 12:42 p.m., a 33-year-old Dover woman was walking northbound in the right-turn lane of southbound DuPont Parkway (US Rt 13) north of the Joe Goldsboro Road/Paddock Road intersection. A 2012 Mazda MZ2 was traveling southbound on US Rt 13 in the right lane, north of the intersection. While traveling southbound, the Mazda entered the right turn lane and began to drift off the roadway resulting in the right side and right-side rear tire contacting a concrete curb before it entered the grass area in front of Stover’s Construction LLC, located at 5621 DuPont Pkwy. The car continued to travel on the grass for several feet when the right front struck a mailbox. It then enters back onto the roadway when the front of the Mazda struck the pedestrian. 

EMS transported the 33-year-old Dover woman to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries a short time later. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

The 61-year-old Clayton man who was driving the Mazda MZ2 was not injured. Also in the vehicle was a 31-year-old Clayton man sitting in the front passenger seat, who was not injured. 

Southbound lanes of US RT 13 north of the intersection were closed to through traffic for approximately 3.5 hours for the crash investigation. 

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed or have a dashcam or video of the collision is asked to please contact Cpl/3 John Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.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: 022522 2133

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Rehoboth Beach, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred early Friday morning in Rehoboth Beach.

On February 25, 2022, at approximately 7:31 a.m., a 2019 BMW 330 sedan driven by a 68-year-old Lewes woman was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway in the area of Rehoboth Avenue Extended (SR 1A). For unknown reasons, the BMW exited the southbound lanes and entered the northbound lanes before crossing the Bay Vista Road intersection and exiting the east edge of the roadway. The car then struck a curb and numerous DelDOT signs while traveling south off Coastal Highway. The BMW then struck a steel handrail, traveled down an embankment, and struck a small tree.

The 68-year-old Lewes woman was the only occupant in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway cleared.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Cpl/3 Kenny Argo with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling (302) 703-3264. 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 http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.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: 022522 1453

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New Castle County– Over the course of the last week, the Delaware State Police have investigated a series of thefts from vehicles which were parked in shopping center parking lots. This recent trend is not widespread however the sudden increase in incidents is specific to shopping centers along Route 40 in the Bear and Newark area.

These incidents involved forced entry, where something of value was visible inside of the vehicle. By simply locking your doors and keeping any and all property out of plain view you can significantly lessen the chance of being a victim.

With this information in mind we offering the following prevention and awareness tips:

• Keep the doors of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, checkbooks, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
• Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload, such as using storage containers to transport.
• Lock your glove box, which should only store your registration and insurance cards. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it in a safe place in your residence.
• Do not leave items that have a perceived value, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be within the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store or house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
• If possible, keep your vehicle parked under a lighted area that you can check on from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens. Pay attention and be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, and other places that you frequent throughout the course of your day.

If you See Something-Say Something, by reporting all suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, call 9-1-1.

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://delaware.crimestoppers.com/.

In the event you become a victim of a vehicle break-in, it is imperative to monitor all credit card and bank account information as criminals tend to immediately use these personal items.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022422 1143

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New Castle- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred late Wednesday night in New Castle.

On February 23, 2022, at approximately 11:49 p.m., a 2011 Honda Accord was stopped on McMullan Avenue at the intersection of southbound Route 13.  The Honda turned right and entered the left turn lane of Route 13.  At this time, a 2004 Yamaha Motorcycle was traveling southbound Route 13 traveling at a high rate of speed.  As the Honda entered into the left lane, the Yamaha switched from the middle lane into the left lane.  The front of the Yamaha struck the rear of the Honda for point of contact in the left lane.  After impact, the 19-year-old male operator of the Yamaha was ejected.  The 23-year-old female operator of the Honda lost control and veered left into the center median and struck a guardrail.  The Honda then continued across the northbound lanes of Route 13 where it came to a rest off the roadway.

The 19-year-old operator of the Yamaha from Newark, DE was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The 23-year-old operator of the Honda was transported to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Northbound lanes of Route 13 at Boulden Boulevard and southbound lanes of Route 13 at McMullan Avenue were closed for approximately 3 hours while the collision was investigated, and roadway cleared.

This crash remains an active and ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Master Corporal Forester of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8485. 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://delaware.crimestoppers.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:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022422 0926

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New Castle – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 11:49 p.m. last night, February 23, 2022, on southbound North Dupont Highway (Route 13) south of I-295.

As a result of the crash, North Dupont Highway (Route 13) is closed in both directions for emergency response vehicles on scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel. The road closure is anticipated to be lengthy, with no estimated time for a re-opening.

For updated road closure information and traffic conditions log on to:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 022422 0100

 Laurel, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Wade L. Bryan, 40, of Laurel, on felony theft charges. 

Wade Bryan was employed as the school secretary at North Laurel Elementary School. During his employment with the school in the summer and fall of 2021, he was responsible for the incoming funds for the school’s pizza fundraiser and Pre-K tuition. When incoming checks from the fundraiser hadn’t cleared parents’ bank accounts, the school discovered Wade failed to make any deposits. In addition, he improperly gave the fundraising company the district’s bank account information to conduct an automatic withdrawal for payment for the fundraiser. Once district officials entered the school safe, they discovered all of the cash proceeds from the fundraiser were missing, and the checks were never deposited. District Officials conducted an internal audit for other financial activity Wade was responsible for and discovered he had taken incoming cash proceeds from the Pre-K tuition program and only deposited incoming checks to the district’s bank account. In total, $3,198.50 cash from the fundraiser and $1,775.00 from the Pre-K tuition funds were stolen. 

On February 14, 2022, Wade Bryan was indicted on two counts of Theft Over $1,500 (Felony) and turned himself in. He was released on his own recognizance. 

Any questions regarding Wade Bryan’s employment with North Laurel Elementary School should be directed to Laurel School District.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:022222 0930

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Seaford, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the shooting death of a 31-year-old Laurel man Sunday night in Seaford. 

On February 20, 2022, at approximately 8:59 p.m., the Seaford Police Department responded to a reported shooting at 1252 Norman Eskridge Highway. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the 31-year-old male in the parking lot with gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

At the request of the Seaford Police Department, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit was contacted to assume the investigation. Through investigative measures, detectives learned the victim was in the McDonalds drive-thru located at 300 S Dual Hwy when he first encountered a group of individuals also in the drive-thru. After exiting the drive-thru, the two parties continued their encounter in the adjacent parking lot off of Stein Hwy, at which time the victim was shot before the group of individuals fled the scene. No suspect information is currently available. 

This case remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about this case is asked to contact Det. Mark Ryde by calling 302-741-2730 or emailing Mark.Ryde@delaware.gov. 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 at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.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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Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 022122 2100

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