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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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: 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.

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, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 031022 1325

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred Wednesday night on Interstate 495.

On March 9, 2022, at approximately 5:39 p.m., a 2007 Dodge RAM was traveling southbound I-495 just north of Edgemoor Road in the center travel lane. The Dodge began losing control due to wet road conditions. The Dodge continued traveling out of control into the left lane then back across all the southbound lanes and off the shoulder of the roadway where it struck the face of a guardrail. The Dodge went airborne and traveled over the guardrail for a short distance. The driver’s side of the vehicle then struck a utility pole and ejected both the driver and front passenger who were not restrained.

The 54-year-old male operator of the Dodge from Chester, PA was transported to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to next of kin.

The 53-year-old front passenger was admitted to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Southbound I-495 from the Pennsylvania line to the Edgemoor Road exit was closed for approximately 5 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway cleared.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Sgt. Alexander with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling (302) 365-8484. 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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 031022 0957

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Wilmington, DE-  Delaware State Police are investigating a serious motor vehicle crash on I-495 southbound in the area of Edgemoor Rd. As a result, traffic is being diverted to alternate routes. The roadway will be closed for an extended period of time. An update will be issued once information becomes available.

Presented by: Cpl/3 Heather Pepper

Released: 030922 1830

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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 offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address. If anyone knows the location of these subjects, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

(Click on notice to display information)

Dover– The following subjects are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed subject is 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.

Magnolia, DE- Delaware State Police are currently conducting a shooting incident that occurred early Thursday morning in a Magnolia community.  

On March 3, 2022, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Delaware State Police responded to the 200 block of Jeffrey Drive, in the London Village Community, for a 30-year-old Magnolia man, with an apparent gunshot wound to his torso. He was transported to an area hospital by EMS, where he was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. 

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently in the early stages of this active investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. There is currently no suspect information. 

Jeffrey Road was closed for approximately 6 hours as the on-scene investigation was conducted. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact Detective Daniel Grassi by calling 302-365-8441 or emailing Daniel.Grassi@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

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: 030422 1045

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Sussex County, DE- The Delaware State Police are issuing the following advisory in response to a recent phone scam involving a “spoofed phone number”.

On February 28, 2022, Delaware State Police were made aware of two incidents in which individuals received a phone call from what appeared to be from Delaware State Police Troop 5. In one incident the victim was told they had to pay a fine on a sex offender charge and another was going to be arrested for jury duty fines.

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.

Caller ID 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.

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: 022822 2221

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