Frankford, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Richard Howard, 37, of Frankford, Wednesday night on criminal charges after being involved in a domestic incident and resisting arrest.

On December 22, 2021, at approximately 9:15 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 34000 block of Echo Ct. for a domestic related complaint. The investigation determined Richard Howard had thrown a cell phone at his stepfather, causing a minor physical injury. When two troopers assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 4 attempted to take Howard into custody, he resisted arrest with force. During a significant struggle, both troopers were struck multiple times by Howard causing minor injury before eventually being taken into custody. The troopers did not require medical attention. Howard was not injured during the altercation.

He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Resisting Arrest With Force (Felony)
• Two Counts- Assault Third Degree
• Offensive Touching to Law Enforcement

Howard was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $7,000.00 secured bond.

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 Heather Pepper

Released: 122421 1530

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Bridgeville, DE- Delaware State Police arrested a Millsboro man Wednesday night on murder and related charges after he shot his ex-wife as he fired multiple rounds into her residence.

On December 22, 2021, at approximately 6:18 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 11000 block of Abbys Way, for a reported shooting. The investigation revealed Ronald Donaway,74, of Millsboro, responded to the residence which was occupied by his 70-year-old ex-wife and her 23-year-old grandson. While outside, Donaway began shooting with a rifle into the windows of the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The 70-year-old female was struck by gunfire in the kitchen where she died from her wounds. As Donaway was shooting into the residence, the grandson fled out a bedroom window to escape and was uninjured. The suspect then entered the home for a short period of time before fleeing the area in a black Kia. As troopers were responding to the scene, a traffic stop was conducted on Donaway’s vehicle at the entrance of the community and he was taken into custody without incident.

Ronald Donaway was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 5 and charged with Murder First Degree (Felony), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Home Invasion (Felony), and Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony). He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $900,000.00 cash bond.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Anyone with information to assist with the investigation is asked to contact Det. Mark Csapo by calling 302-741-2729 or emailing mark.csapo@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police Conducting Criminal Investigation- 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 Heather Pepper

Released: 122321 1212

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Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Thursday morning on westbound Pulaski Highway (Route 40) at the intersection to Rosetree Lane.

On Thursday, December 23, 2021, at approximately 12:45 a.m., a 2019 Jeep Cherokee operated by a 22-year-old male of Newark, DE, was traveling westbound Route 40 in the right thru lane east of Rosetree Lane. At this time a 35-year-old male from Chesapeake City, MD was walking westbound Route 40 in the middle of the right turn lane. The Jeep Cherokee merged into the right turn lane to enter a development, when the pedestrian suddenly appeared in the path of the Jeep. The operator of the Jeep attempted to maneuver around the pedestrian, but the front left of the vehicle struck the pedestrian from behind. The pedestrian was projected forward in a westerly direction and came to rest in the middle of the right thru lane. The Jeep traveled several feet off the roadway and came to rest down an embankment.

The 35-year-old pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was not equipped with any lighting device to make himself visible in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The 22-year-old operator of the Jeep did not sustain any injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

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 unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released 122321 1057

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Bridgeville- Delaware State Police are currently conducting a criminal investigation on the 11000 block of Abby’s Way, Bridgeville. As a result, there is an increased police presence in the area. This investigation is in the early stages but there is no threat to the safety of the community. Abby’s Way is closed in the area of Oak Road as a result of this investigation. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 122221 1930

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Rehoboth Beach – Delaware State Police are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying a person of interest in connection to shooting incidents that occurred on November 21, 2021, outside two Rehoboth Beach businesses. 

At approximately 12:06 a.m., troopers responded to The Pond Bar and Grill, located at 19266 Coastal Highway, for a report of subjects fighting in the parking lot. Within two minutes, Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) updated the responding troopers that shots were fired. Upon their arrival, it was determined one male victim had been shot during the ruckus, but had already left the area in a privately owned vehicle and traveled to Beebe Medical Center for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg. No other victims were located. 

A search of the crime scene was conducted and 32 shell casings were located in the parking lot. Two vehicles were struck as well as the front window of the bar. It was later determined that a round struck a second floor room in the Comfort Inn next door.

At approximately 12:24 a.m. another call was received by the Emergency Operations Center advising there were shots fired at the Wawa located at 35436 Wolfe Neck Road, Rehoboth. In this incident, there were no reported victims of the gunfire and several empty shell casings were located outside the business in the parking lot.

Through the investigation, the pictured individual has been identified as a person of interest. Troopers are asking if anyone can provide information on the identity of the individual or information about the shooting incidents to contact Detective A. Bluto with Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit by calling 302-752-3864. 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.

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 Heather Pepper

Released: 122221 1150

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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