Delaware State Police wish everyone a happy holiday as family and friends gather to enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities.

As we take time this holiday to celebrate, we must not forget the dangers that can arise from traveling on our roadways. Troopers will be patrolling the roadways this holiday to ensure everyone will arrive at their destination safely.

In addition, throughout the state, Delaware State Police will be focusing on safety and enforcement which include distracted driving, motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, aggressive driving and especially, driving under the influence.

By following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy safe holiday travel without jeopardizing their life or the lives of others on the road:

• Ensure all occupants are properly restrained.
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk or aggressive driver on the road, immediately contact 911 as soon as safely possible.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Delaware State Police would also like to remind motorists of the following safety tips:

• Plan your trip before you embark on your journey.
• Have your car checked by a mechanic. Make sure all fluid levels are checked and your vehicle is in top running condition.
• Take a break every two hours on long trips and take turns driving. Studies have shown that weary drivers are just as much a threat as drunk drivers are on our highways.
• Don’t let your children go to a rest stop alone. When taking a break, always accompany your children to the rest area facilities.

As you begin traveling this holiday we would like to cover a few safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

While Traveling

• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE RUNNING AND UNATTENDED.
• Be aware of the current road conditions.
• Park in a well-lit and well-traveled areas.
• Keep your car’s doors locked at all times.
• Don’t use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.
• Don’t place your baggage or other valuables in a place where criminals can easily see them.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and always remember to turn off your car, lock and remove your keys when exiting.
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and never carry a large amount of cash or valuables.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Don’t drink and drive, and don’t ride with anyone who has been drinking

While at your destination

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
• Be able to describe your exact location in an emergency situation.
• Teach your child to go and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone or should never be left alone in a car.
• If you’ve had something stolen or have been the victim of a crime, it’s important to report the incident immediately by calling 911.

Added crime prevention tips while you are away from home.

-Remember to place your mail, packages, and newspaper on hold. Criminals notice when the mail piles up or newspapers are scattered on the lawn. Criminals know this is a good indication that you are out of town.

-Place your lights, televisions, and radios on timers. This provides the image that someone is home. Be sure to close all blinds to ensure a potential criminal does not have the ability to peer inside your residence and monitor activity.

-Be sure to lock all doors, windows, garage doors, storage sheds, vehicles, and gates prior to leaving your residence.

-Remember to set your security alarm system if you have one. Test your system prior to leaving, to ensure it is functioning correctly. Ensure your personal contact information is also up-to-date; to ensure your alarm monitoring company has the ability to reach you.

-Have a close trustworthy friend or relative check on your residence while you are away.

-As excited as you may be to update your friends about your travel on social media, you may strongly wish to reconsider. Remember, anyone that is able to access your social media profile, will gain insight that you are away. Potential criminals pay attention to these details and could attempt to break into your home.

Delaware State Police would like to remind everyone that your safety is our priority and we wish you an enjoyable and safe Happy Thanksgiving.

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Presented by Delaware State Police Public Information Officer- Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 111921 1100

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Lewes – Delaware State Police have identified the name of the driver who died in a crash on Tuesday November 16, 2021, on John J. Williams Highway (SR24), as 37-year-old Julio D. Mendoza-Carcamo of Port Royal, Pennsylvania.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. Anyone with information regarding the incident or may have witnessed the collision should contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264 . 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.

*UPDATE-Fatal* State Troopers Investigating Serious Crash- Lewes

Original Release *Traffic Advisory* State Troopers Investigating Serious Crash- Rehoboth Beach

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, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 111921 1045

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Dover, DE- All Delaware State Bureau of Identification locations will be closed on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

THIS CLOSING DOES NOT APPLY TO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONTINUE TO REPORT AS REQUIRED.

For more information, please visit: Obtaining a Certified Delaware Criminal History – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111921 1028

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New Castle County- The Delaware State Police are continuing to warn the public about leaving their cars unattended while idling.

The Delaware State Police, Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit has been handling a rash of vehicle thefts occurring in the New Castle County area.  A large majority of the thefts have occurred from gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, and unlocked.

The most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase. Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots and once they see a car is left unattended, all they have to do is walk up and drive away.

Delaware law states; (Title 21, § 4182) Unattended motor vehicle.  No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.  For a first offense, a fine of $25.00 – $75.00 can be imposed.

The suspects in these most recent cases appear to be juvenile males.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Property Crimes Unit at (302) 365-8430.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 111921 1000

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Marydel, DE- Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation in the 4400 block of Mahon Corner Road. There is no safety concern for the surrounding community. This investigation is in the early stages as it remains active and ongoing at this time. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111821 1415

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Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance identifying the pictured suspect who is wanted for a commercial burglary.

On Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1:50 a.m. the pictured suspect forced entry through the front glass door of the Valero located at 3668 N. DuPont Hwy Dover.  Once inside, the suspect removed items from within and fled on foot eastbound behind the store towards Bush Dr.

The suspect is described as a white female, 20 to 35 years old, 5’5” to 5’8” tall, wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt, black and white tie dyed pants, white Adidas sneakers and carrying a black duffle bag.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Jason Sydnor at 302-698-8426 or Jason.sydnor@delaware.gov. 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 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:

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Frederica, DE- Delaware State Police Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance identifying the pictured suspect who is wanted for burglary and thefts from motor vehicles.

On Saturday, November 13, 2021, during the early morning hours,  the pictured suspect entered multiple vehicles in the East Bay Point community in Frederica, DE and removed property.  The suspect also forced entry into an out building on one of the victims properties.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 35 years old, thin build, and 5’8” to 6’3” tall. He was wearing a light colored hooded sweatshirt with an unknown image/logo on the front, possible camouflage pants, sneakers and black socks.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Jason Sydnor with the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-698-8426 or Jason.sydnor@delaware.gov. If you reside in the East Bay Point community and were a victim of a similar incident, you are encouraged to contact Det. Sydnor to report the incident. 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 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111721 1142

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Camden, DE- Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance with locating William R. Figgatt Jr, 19, of Camden, DE.

William is wanted in connection to numerous burglaries, thefts of vehicles, motorcycles, ATV’s and golf carts. He is known to frequent the Dover, Camden, and Magnolia areas.

William is described as a white male, 5’9″, 160 lbs., brown hair and brown eyes.

Attempts to locate William Figgatt Jr. have been unsuccessful and troopers are seeking the communities help locating him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts are asked to contact Detective Rob Costlow with the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit by calling 302-698-8527. 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 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.

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: 111721 1058

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Lewes – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this morning west of Lewes.

Around 8:53 a.m. Tuesday November 16, 2021, a 2015 Chrysler 200 operated by a 37-year-old Port Royal, Pennsylvania man was traveling westbound on John J. Williams Hwy (SR 24), approaching the intersection at Mulberry Knoll Road.  At the same time, a 2005 Cadillac Escalade operated by a 42-year-old Salisbury, Maryland man was traveling eastbound in the same vicinity. For unknown reasons, the Chrysler drove onto the westbound shoulder and struck numerous traffic barrels before quickly re-entering the roadway and crossing into the eastbound lane, directly into the path of the Cadillac.  In an attempt to avoid a collision, the Cadillac operator swerved slightly right, however the front center of the Chrysler struck the front left of the Cadillac within the eastbound lane in a near head-on fashion.  The Chrysler was forced into a clockwise rotation before coming to stop in the westbound lane.  The Cadillac was forced off the roadway, coming to a stop in an open farm field.

The 37-year-old driver of the Chrysler 200 was not properly restrained and was transported by EMS to Beebe Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The 42-year-old Cadillac Escalade operator was properly restrained and did not report any injuries.

SR24 between Mulberry Knoll Road and Plantations Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Prior to this collision, the Chrysler was reported by numerous witnesses driving erratically and going the wrong way on Coastal Highway before turning onto John J. Williams Highway.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. Anyone with information regarding the incident or may have witnessed the collision should contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264 . 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 *Traffic Advisory* State Troopers Investigating Serious Crash- Rehoboth Beach

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 111621 1635

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Rehoboth Beach, DE – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 8:58 a.m. this morning, November 16, 2021, on John J Williams Hwy (SR24) in the area of Mulberry Knoll Rd.

As a result of the crash, SR24 between Plantations Road and Mulberry Knoll Rd is closed with 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111621 0926

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