Milford, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred early Thursday morning south of Milford.

On February 17, 2022, at approximately 12:39 a.m., a 2008 Jeep Patriot was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway, north of Brick Granary Road, approaching a left curve. The vehicle failed to negotiate the curve and entered the grass median, traveling northbound between the guardrails approaching the double-span bridge of Cedar Creek. The Jeep struck a grass berm and vaulted into the water between the two spans, landing on the roof with the vehicle nearly completely submerged. Once the Jeep was removed from the water with the assistance of multiple Sussex County dive teams and Coastal Towing, two victims were located deceased inside.

The driver of the Jeep Patriot was a 17-year-old male from Dover. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

The passenger of the vehicle was a 17-year-old male from Camden. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this fatal collision. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Nicholas DeMalto by calling 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet 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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021722 0955

-End-

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance identifying a suspect wanted in connection to the unlawful use of a debit card.

On February 8, 2022, during the afternoon hours, an unknown suspect entered a construction site in the area of Boyds Corner Road and removed a wallet from a parked vehicle. After the theft occurred, the pictured male suspect unlawfully used the victim’s debit card at Target located at 800 Christiana Mall, Newark, and Best Buy located at 2700 Fashion Center Blvd, Newark. 

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20-years-old, thin build with brown eyes. He was wearing black pants, a grey hooded sweatshirt with unknown writing on the front, a black surgical mask, and black sneakers. 

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Cpl/Kevin Logue at Delaware State Police Troop 9 by calling 302-378-5218. Information may also be provided to the Delaware State Police through Facebook Messenger or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet 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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 1535

-End-

 Georgetown, DE- Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance locating Robert Eye, 50, of Georgetown, who is wanted on multiple felony charges after pointing a gun at an individual Tuesday afternoon. 

On February 15, 2022, troopers responded to the 23000 block of Asbury Road for a weapons complaint. The investigation determined the male resident walked to the camper where it was being stored on the property to check on it. When he opened the camper door, he discovered Robert Eye inside. Robert pointed a handgun at the male, who then ran back inside for cover. It was unknown whether Robert stayed inside the camper after the incident or fled the area. Robert is familiar with the property and has been told before he is not to be there. 

Troopers attempted to get Robert to exit the camper numerous times but were unsuccessful. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the camper by the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team. However, Robert was not located inside. 

An arrest warrant was obtained for Robert for the following charges:

• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Trespass 3rd Degree

A computer inquiry also determined Robert has an active arrest warrant out of Delaware State Police Troop 5. 

Robert Eye is described as a white male, 50-year-old, 6’00” tall, approximately 196 lbs., brown eyes, and brown hair. Robert may currently be located in Sussex County. 

This incident is being investigated by the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit. Anyone with information regarding Robert’s whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Dustin Yencer by calling 302-752-3791 or 9-1-1. Information may also be sent to Det. Yencer through the Delaware State Police Facebook Messenger. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet 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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021622 0004

-End-

Georgetown, DE- Delaware State Police have reopened Asbury Road between County Seat Highway (Rt. 9) and Raccoon Ditch Rd.

This was an isolated incident at a residence in the 23000 block of Asbury Road. There were no safety concerns for the surrounding community and no one was injured during the incident. The roadway was closed for approximately two hours. There will be no further updates.

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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021522 1450

-End-

Traffic Advisory- Asbury Road Closed in Georgetown

Georgetown, DE- Delaware State Police are issuing a traffic advisory for Asbury Road between County Seat Highway (Rt. 9) and Raccoon Ditch Rd. An increased police presence will be seen in the area due to an active and ongoing criminal investigation. There is no safety concern for the surrounding community. The roadway will be closed for an extended period of time and will reopen as soon as possible. Troopers encourage motorists to seek alternate routes of travel to avoid delays.

Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021522 1248

-End-

Seaford, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died during a fatal single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning as Dylan M. Rodriguez, 18, of Delmar, DE.

On February 13, 2022, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a 2001 Toyota Tundra pickup truck operated Dylan M. Rodriguez, was traveling southbound on Seaford Road, just south of Easter Lane. For unknown reasons, Rodriguez failed to negotiate a slight right-hand curve in the roadway and traveled off the east edge of Seaford Road before continuing to travel south and striking a wooden fence. The Tundra then sideswiped a large tree and was sent air-born and started to overturn before striking the rear left side of an unoccupied and legally parked 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in the driveway of a residence in the 27000 block of Seaford Road. The Tundra continued to overturn before colliding with another large tree and coming to rest on its roof.

Dylan Rodriguez was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. 

Seaford Road was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Senior Corporal Ryan Albert by calling 302-703-3266 or messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook Messenger. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com. 

Troopers Investigate Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash

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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021422 1735

-End-

Bear, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the pedestrian killed Friday night in Bear area crash as Michele D. Taylor, 49, of Townsend.

On February 11, 2022, at approximately 6:59 p.m., a 2016 Land Rover SUV was traveling southbound on Summit Bridge Rd. (DE-896) in the right lane approaching Madelyn Dr. The driver, a 46-year-old man from Bear, initiated a lane change into the right turn lane for westbound Madelyn Dr. At this location, the right shoulder transitions to a bicycle lane and a right turn lane. The bicycle lane separates the right thru lane from the right turn lane. As the Land Rover entered the right turn lane, the left front of the SUV struck Michele D. Taylor, who was walking in the area of the bicycle lane. After Taylor was struck, she came to rest in the right travel lane. A vehicle approaching in the right lane was able to swerve into the left lane to avoid striking the injured pedestrian in the roadway. A 2018 Toyota Rav 4 operated by a 73-year-old Allentown, PA, man was traveling in the right thru lane directly behind the vehicle and could not avoid striking Taylor. Both cars pulled over and remained at the collision scene after the collision.

Michele D. Taylor was wearing dark clothing and not carrying a light. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the collision scene. 

The 46-year-old Bear man operating the Land Rover SUV was not injured during the collision.

The 73-year-old Allentown, PA, man operating the Toyota Rav 4 was not injured during the collision. There were also two passengers in the Toyota who were not injured.

During the on-scene investigation, southbound DE-896 between Porter Rd and Denny Rd was closed to vehicular traffic for approximately 3 hours.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Dermot Alexander by calling 302-365-8437 or by sending a message to the Delaware State Police through Facebook messenger. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com.

*UPDATE- FATAL CRASH* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Injury Pedestrian Crash

Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Injury Pedestrian Crash

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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021422 1720

-End-

Bear, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the homicide victim killed last Thursday night outside a Bear area gym as Kwa’jree Turner, 22, of New Castle. 

On February 10, 2022, at approximately 9:41 p.m., Delaware State Police responded to the parking lot of LA Fitness, located at 900 Eden Circle, for reports of a shooting. The investigation determined Kwa’jree Turner, exited LA Fitness and was approaching his vehicle in the parking lot when an unknown suspect approached and began shooting at him. Multiple spent shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Turner sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

There is no suspect information at this time. 

This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Brian McDerby by calling 302-741-2821 or emailing Brian.McDerby@delaware.gov. Information may also be sent to the Delaware State Police through the Delaware State Police Facebook Messenger or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com.

Delaware State Police Investigate Homicide Outside a Bear Area Gym

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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021422 1705

-End-

Seaford, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning.

On February 13, 2022, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a 2001 Toyota Tundra pickup truck operated by an 18-year-old Delmar, DE man, was traveling southbound on Seaford Road, just south of Easter Lane. For unknown reasons, the driver failed to negotiate a slight right-hand curve in the roadway and traveled off the east edge of Seaford Road before continuing to travel south and striking a wooden fence. The Tundra then sideswiped a large tree and was sent air-born and started to overturn before striking the rear left side of an unoccupied and legally parked 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in the driveway of a residence in the 27000 block of Seaford Road. The Tundra continued to overturn before colliding with another large tree and coming to rest on its roof.

The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

Seaford Road was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Senior Corporal Ryan Albert by calling 302-703-3266 or messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook Messenger. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet 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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021322 1625

-End-

Smyrna, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Damon Johniken, 26, of Newark, on multiple criminal charges following a domestic incident involving a weapon early Saturday morning. 

On February 12, 2022, at approximately 2:28 a.m., troopers were dispatched to a home on Ivy Glen Ct. for a physical domestic involving a weapon. Before police arrived, the suspect, later identified as Damon Johniken, fled the scene with a firearm in the vehicle. As troopers were responding to the residence, a trooper observed Johniken driving northbound on Rt 13 in the area where the incident occurred. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. During a vehicle search, an unloaded Smith and Wesson MP22 Compact handgun and a magazine with 10 bullets were recovered. A computer inquiry revealed that Johniken does not have a concealed weapon permit.

 The investigation determined Johniken entered a female acquaintances’ residence and engaged in an altercation with the female. As Johniken entered the home, he pointed a firearm at the victim, and a physical altercation ensued. The victim sustained minor facial injuries during the fight before Johniken threatened the victim with the gun for a second time before fleeing the scene. 

 Johniken was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 9 and charged with the following crimes:

• Assault Third Degree
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Expired Temporary Registration Plate
• Conspiracy Third Degree

Johniken was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and was released on a $25,500.00 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 021222 2205

-End-