Dover– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred Friday afternoon near Dover.

The collision occurred on July 30, 2021, at approximately 12:21 p.m., as a 2010 Nissan Altima operated by a 48-year-old male from Dover was traveling northbound on Wyoming Mill Road towards Riverside Road. The vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, exited the roadway into a private yard and then struck a tree. After impact, the vehicle was redirected in an eastern manner while rotating counterclockwise and came to rest near the base of the tree. The operator was not seat belted, and was removed from the vehicle by citizens just before the vehicle caught fire. The operator was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Wyoming Mill Road was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was investigated and roadway cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Sergeant John Wheatley by calling 302-698-8518. 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 unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 073021 1628

Milford-Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in the fatal motor vehicle crash on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 on Canterbury Road, as 33-year-old Leslie J. McMullen of Wilmington.

Troopers Continue to Investigate Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision- Milford

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information should contact Sgt. John Wheatley by calling 302-697-4454.

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, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 073021 1353

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Bear– Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident, which took place in a shopping center Friday morning.

On Friday, July 30, 2021 at approximately 1:33 a.m., troopers responded to Fox Run Plaza Shopping Center, 1968 Pulaski Highway, Bear, DE, for a report of shots fired. The investigation determined a white vehicle, and a grey vehicle met up in the shopping center, and the white vehicle shot several rounds at the grey vehicle. Both vehicles fled the scene towards Wrangle Hill Road. There are no reported injuries at this time. Troopers canvassed the area, and fifteen spent shell casings were recovered from the scene.

There are no surveillance images available at this time, and currently no description of the suspects.

The investigation is in its early stages. Anyone with information regarding this incident may provide it 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 unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 073021 1251

New Castle County- Delaware State Police warn the public about leaving disabled vehicles unattended along New Castle County roadways.

Over the past several weeks, troopers in New Castle County have taken an increased number of motor vehicle theft reports. These vehicles become disabled, and the driver leaves them unattended on the side of the road. When the driver returns to retrieve the vehicle, they discover it has been stolen. This crime is a crime of opportunity, and there is no certain type of vehicle being stolen or length of time the vehicle is being left unattended.

To avoid becoming a victim, the Delaware State Police offer the following safety tips:

• If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull to the shoulder of the road in a very visible location if possible.
• Call for a tow truck or roadside assistance immediately.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended on the side of the road. Wait with your vehicle until help arrives.
• If you must leave your vehicle, close all windows and lock all doors. Also, turn your wheels toward the curb/edge of the roadway and engage the parking brake. This technique makes it more difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle.

The Delaware State Police hope by following these simple safety tips, you can avoid becoming a victim.

Anyone with information regarding these thefts of motor vehicle cases, please contact with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by contacting Detective James Dempsey by calling 302-365-8472. 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 072921 1848

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Milford, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Wednesday morning in Milford.

On July 28, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a 2009 Toyota Prius was traveling northbound on Canterbury Road approaching Deer Valley Road. A 2006 Peterbilt Truck Tractor pulling a trailer was traveling southbound on Canterbury Road, just southeast of Deer Valley Road. As the Toyota Prius traveled northbound, it crossed the double solid yellow line and partially entered the opposing travel lane. The 64-year-old male operator of the Peterbilt Truck Tractor was unable to avoid a collision, and the left front of the Peterbilt Truck Tractor collided with the left front of the Toyota Prius within the southbound lane. Following the initial impact, the Toyota Prius was redirected into a northwest direction. As the Toyota Prius rotated, the 33-year-old female operator was not seat belted and was ejected from the vehicle. The Toyota and operator came to rest on the grass shoulder of the northbound lane.

Following the initial impact, the Peterbilt Truck Tractor sustained severe damage and the operator was unable to steer the truck or trailer. The Truck eventually exited the southbound lane, traveled across the northbound lane, and off the northeast edge of the roadway. The truck struck several trees and came to rest in a wooded area just off the roadway.

The operator of the Prius is from Lincoln, DE. She was pronounced deceased on scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The operator of the Peterbilt Truck Tractor Trailer was from Milford, DE. He was not injured in the collision.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information should contact Sgt. John Wheatley by calling 302-697-4454.

Canterbury Road will remain closed for an extended period due to roadway repairs and cleanup. For up-to-date information, please visit: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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: 072821 1415

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Millsboro- The Delaware State Police are investigating a report of a stabbing incident that occurred Tuesday night.

On July 27, 2021, at approximately 11:01 p.m., Troopers responded to the 22000 block of Donna Drive, Millsboro, DE, for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Troopers located a 20 year-old male victim with several stab wounds. Further investigation revealed that two unknown males approached the victim from behind while the victim was walking home from a nearby park. The two unknown males stabbed the victim several times.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital with serious physical injuries.

The suspects are described as males wearing black masks, and dark clothing. There is no known surveillance footage at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 4, Criminal Investigations Unit, Detective Mills at 302-752-3800.  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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released:072821 0949

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Bridgeville, DE- Delaware State Police arrested a Greenwood man for felony assault, and DUI after he assaulted a female acquaintance Tuesday morning.

On July 27, 2021, at approximately 5:52 a.m., Dennis B. Buckley, 43, of Greenwood, DE, was involved in a domestic with a 42 year-old female acquaintance in the 16000 block of Adams Road, Bridgeville, DE. During the course of the argument, Buckley struck the female victim in the upper body multiple times with a firearm. The female victim was treated at a local urgent care center for serious physical injuries. The investigation identified Buckley as the assailant, and warrants were drafted for his arrest. 

On July 27, 2021 at approximately 2:14 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a Mazda sedan in the area of Oak Road and Haven Road, Bridgeville, DE. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Buckley, who was taken into custody without incident. Buckley was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4, where he was charged with:

• Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
• DUI
• Possession of a Firearm During a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Criminal Contempt of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (Felony)
• Theft Under $1500
• Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession

Buckley was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $102,000 cash bond.

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, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 072821 0945

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Milford – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 9:02 a.m., this morning, July 28, 2021, on Canterbury Road (SR15) near Deer Valley Road.

As a result of the crash, Canterbury Road between Deer Valley Road and Rothermel Road 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 Gary Fournier

Released: 072821 0930

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Harrington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday west of Harrington.

On Monday July 26, 2021 at approximately 7:11 a.m., a 2021 Ram 2500 pickup truck, operated by a 57-year-old Lewes man, was traveling eastbound on Vernon Road (SR 14) approaching Whiteleysburg Road entering a slight right curve. A 2009 Toyota Camry being operated by 29-year-old Elias B. Diaz-Perez of Dagsboro was traveling westbound on SR 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road approaching the same curve. A 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by a 31-year-old Harrington woman, was traveling westbound on SR 14 behind the Toyota Camry. The Ram pickup truck failed to maintain its lane of travel, crossed the double yellow line and entered completely into the westbound lane in front of the Toyota Camry striking it head-on. The impact of the collision pushed the Camry backwards (eastbound) for approximately 57 feet where the truck and the Camry came to a stop in the westbound lane. The Chevrolet Malibu attempted to avoid the crash by swerving right onto the westbound shoulder, and as the Camry is being pushed backwards, the right rear strikes the Malibu the driver’s side doors and rear fender pushing the Malibu off the north side of the roadway and into a soybean field.

Elias B. Diaz-Perez, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 57-year-old Lewes man was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 31-year-old Harrington female was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where she was treated and released with minor injuries.

State Route 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road was closed for approximately five hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling 302-698-8457. 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 unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 072721 1000

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New Castle- Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 40-year-old Charles J. Holotanko who is wanted for numerous felony property crimes in Delaware State Police’s jurisdiction.

Holotanko is wanted in connection to a burglary from car wash in May 2021, during which he gained access by cutting a hole in the roof, and a theft of a motor vehicle in June 2021. Holotanko is also wanted in a series of burglaries from a self storage center in July 2021. Holotanko is also wanted by the New Castle County Police Department, and for Delaware Court Capias.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Charles Holotanko is asked to contact Detective Cassel of Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit, at 302-365-8551 or by calling 911. 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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal Amina Ali

Released: 072621 1241

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