Milton- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal industrial accident that occurred yesterday.

The incident occurred on December 20, 2021, at approximately 2:11 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to Huff Road, Milton, in reference to an industrial accident. Investigation revealed that the victim, a 59-year-old male of Laurel, DE, was working for a tree company clearing a lot. The victim was cutting up a tree that was lying on the ground when his chainsaw became stuck. An excavator was then utilized by another employee to lift the tree so the victim could free his chainsaw. After recovering his chainsaw the victim turned to walk away when the tree snapped, and a portion struck the victim in the torso.

The victim was transported to Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.  The victim was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.  Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The case continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit.

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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 122121 0930

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Delaware- With the holiday season upon us, the Delaware State Police would like to remind you to make safety a priority to avoid being vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. By taking a few extra precautions you can help ensure your holiday is a happy and safe one. We would like to provide these safety reminders to help keep you safe this holiday season.

• Remember to always lock your car doors, even if they are in the driveway of your residence.
• Secure any valuables in a place where they aren’t visible from outside the vehicle. If you have arrived to your final destination, remove the valuables from your vehicle.
• Always leave outside lights on during the night to keep your home and vehicles parked outside visible from the roadway.
• Be aware of any suspicious activity or subjects in your community and report them immediately to the police.
• If packages are being delivered and you are not going to be home, ask a neighbor to collect the package for you.
• When meeting for transactions brokered online, find an easily visible spot to meet and ensure all money exchanged is legit.
• Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year people try various methods with distracting you to steal money or belongings.
• If you have a security system, always remember to activate it and lock the doors to your home.

• Try to shop during the day, but if you shop at night, do not do it alone.
• Parking lots are an easy place to fall victim to a crime. Always park in a safe, well lit location.
• When walking to and from your vehicle, stay alert to your surroundings and be aware of possible suspicious persons, vehicles or situations. Always remember, if you see something to say something.
• When going into a store, always turn off your vehicle, remove the keys and lock the doors.
• Use caution if carrying a wallet or purse and be sure to not leave them unattended.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid being preoccupied with your cellphone and other electronic devices.

The Delaware State Police wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released:122021 1645

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Dover- Delaware State Police arrested Dajaniel Smith, 29, of Camden, DE, for felony assault and related charges following an incident early Saturday morning.

On December 18, 2021, at approximately 7:30 a.m., troopers investigated an assault that occurred on Peachtree Run, Dover. The investigation determined a 25-year-old female victim was walking down the roadway to her residence when a dark colored sedan pulled up next to her. The suspect later identified as Dajaniel Smith, an acquaintance with the victim, got out of the vehicle an approached her while displaying a handgun. The victim attempted to getaway, but was struck in the side of the head with the firearm. After the attack the victim was able to run back to her residence. The suspect then fled in the vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim sustained a laceration and injuries to the head and was treated at an area hospital.

Later that evening on December 18, 2021, Smith turned himself in at Troop 3 and was charged with the following crimes:

• Assault 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)

Smith was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $40,000 cash bond.

The firearm has not been recovered at this time.

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 unit Director at Debra.Reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 122021 1142

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Milton – The Delaware State Police arrested 59-year-old Sandra L. Baker of Harrington with a 6th offense DUI after she was involved in a motor vehicle crash.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at approximately 4:15 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the area of Coastal Highway (SR-1) and Broadkill Road (SR-16) for a report of a white Volkswagen Jetta that drove off the road and struck a road sign.  A witness reported that after the impact, the vehicle continued northbound. Upon arrival to the area, troopers located the vehicle parked in the Valero gas station (25776 Deep Branch Road, Milton) with damage to the side of the car and a shredded rear tire. Contact was made with the operator, Sandra L. Baker, who was still in the driver’s seat. An odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued.

A computer inquiry revealed that Baker’s driver’s license was suspended and she had been arrested for 5 prior DUI offenses.  Baker was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 7 where she was charged with the following:

• 6th Offense after 5 prior offenses – Driving a Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
• Failure to Report a Collision

Baker was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $10,310.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 121921 1400

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Little Creek – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 16-year-old teen in connection with the October shootings in Little Creek.

The first incident took place on Friday October 15, 2021, at approximately 12:06 a.m. in the 300 block of Main Street when residents in the area were awakened to the sound of gunfire. Upon further examination, one resident located multiple bullet holes in their house. Troopers canvassed the area and discovered 22 spent shell casings on the west side of the residence in the roadway.

The second incident occurred this morning, Sunday October 17, 2021 around 4:08 a.m. when once again, residents in the same area were awakened to the sound of gun shots. The same house that was shot on Friday had more damage from bullets during this occurrence. Troopers canvassed the area, and discovered more than 30 spent shell casings on the west side of the residence in the roadway.

There were no reported injuries to anyone in the house during either event.

The suspects were described as three males wearing dark colored clothing. After firing the rounds, the suspects entered into two separate light colored sedans and fled northbound on Bayside Drive (SR9).

On October 18, 2021, a 16-year-old teen was arrested by Dover Police Department after he was found to be in possession of a firearm in Dover High School. See press release issued by Dover PD: Dover High School Student Arrested for Possessing Firearm on Campus. Upon recovering the handgun and ammunition, detectives from the Delaware State Police and Dover Police Department worked together in gathering information and sent the gun to the Forensic Firearms Services Unit for further follow-up. Upon firing the gun in the forensic lab, it was determined the shell casings recovered at the scene in Little Creek matched the ammunition and casings from the recovered handgun.

On Friday December 18, 2021, detectives responded the teen’s residence in Smyrna and took him into custody. He was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Juvenile)
• Reckless Endangering 1st (2 counts)
• Conspiracy 1st
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)

The juvenile was arraigned at JP7 and released on $26,050.00 unsecured bond.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or information regarding additional suspects should contact Detective K. Diaz by calling 302-698-8443. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com .

Original Release-State Police Detectives Investigating Shots Fired in Little Creek

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, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 121821 1800

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Bridgeville– Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in a fatal crash on December 17, 2021, as Cameron Gray, 20, of Federalsburg, MD.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Senior Corporal R. Albert at 302-703-3266. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Original Release-Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Crash-Bridgeville

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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 121821 1500

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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 Gary Fournier

Released: 121821 1300

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 121821 1300

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Wilmington– Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in a fatal pedestrian crash on December 16, 2021, as Kylie M. McVaugh, 40, of Newark, DE.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information on the vehicle involved, is asked to contact Sgt. Alexander at 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Crash – Wilmington

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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 121821 1023

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Felton – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Magnolia man after it was determined he placed a tracking device on an ex-girlfriend’s vehicle.

The investigation began on Tuesday November 9, 2021 after a female victim walked into Troop 3 in Camden to report that a GPS device had fallen off her vehicle in the parking lot of a business in Harrington. The victim was concerned it was an ex-boyfriend, who was identified as Brian C. Talley, 48 of Magnolia, that was tracking her. The victim turned over the device to troopers and a criminal investigation ensued by detectives.

Through the investigation it was determined that on October 3, 2021, Talley drove by the victim’s residence while she had a male visitor at her house and later contacted her about his visit. This was shortly after their relationship ended. Another incident occurred on October 10, 2021 when the victim observed a vehicle with its high beams on drive slowly by the her residence. The victim was able to identify the vehicle as one of which Talley would be driving due to the make of the vehicle and license plate. Finally, detectives were able to identify Talley as the owner of the GPS tracking device after a subpoena was obtained by the Department of Justice and sent to the company that sells the devices. It was confirmed the tracking device was purchased on October 2, 2021 and registered to Brian Talley.

On Thursday December 16, 2021, Talley turned himself into detectives at Troop 3 and was charged with Stalking (Felony) and Violation of Privacy (Misdemeanor). He was arraigned at JP2 and released after posting $1,500.00 secured bond. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.

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, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 121721 2330

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