Bear, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the pedestrian who died as a result of a Sunday night fatal crash on Pulaski Highway (US Route 40) as Melissa A. Manger, 41, of New Castle.

This collision remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed this collision should contact Senior Corporal M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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.

Troopers Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Crash-Bear

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.

• Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
• Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
• Do not step into a cross walk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
• Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Do not risk crossing outside of a cross walk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high-speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
• Cross only at cross walks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again. Only start to cross when it’s clear.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless whether or not you have the right of way.
• If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle. Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance. Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
• If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.
• We urge pedestrians and drivers to be more observant, cautious and safe.

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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091421 2230

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in an early Sunday morning crash on Salem Church Road as Alex I. Ruiz, 21, of Newark.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information or who witnessed this collision should contact Master Corporal John Breen by calling 302-365-8486. 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 Two Vehicle Collision- Newark

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: 091421 2215

-End-

Dagsboro, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Michael Ellingsen, 31, of Georgetown, for murder related to a ten-year suspicious missing person case.

In February 2011, John “Doug” Wisniewski, 45, of Dagsboro, was reported missing to the Delaware State Police. Over the last ten years, detectives continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding Doug’s suspicious disappearance. During the investigation, detectives learned when Doug disappeared, he resided at a residence on the same property as Michael Ellingsens’ home, located in the 30000 block of R Farm Lane, Dagsboro. Detectives conducted many interviews, and leads were investigated, but Doug was never located. In January 2021, new investigative leads emerged with information showing during the evening hours of a day in late January 2011, Ellingsen shot and killed Doug and buried his body on the property where their homes were located. For numerous days in January 2021, multiple troopers and Division of Forensic Science Investigators searched the property on R Farm Lane for Doug’s remains. Finally, on January 22, 2021, his body was located on the property. The remains were exhumed by the Delaware State Police and Division of Forensic Science. An autopsy was conducted and Doug’s death was ruled a homicide. 

On September 13, 2021, a Sussex County Grand Jury issued an indictment for Michael Ellingsen’s arrest. Later that day, Delaware State Police located Ellingsen. He was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 for the charge of Murder First Degree (Felony). He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000.00 cash 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 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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091421 2155

-End-

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred Monday afternoon in Wilmington.

On September 13, 2021, at approximately 3:22 p.m., a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe operated by a 47-year-old Wilmington female was in the left turn lane of northbound Marsh Road at the intersection of Silverside Road. As the vehicle began to turn left onto Silverside Road on a solid green light, an 18-year-old female pedestrian attempted to cross Silverside Road from the south side of the roadway within the designated crosswalk. The pedestrian entered the path of the turning vehicle resulting in the front bumper of the Hyundai striking the pedestrian. The operator of the Santa Fe remained at the scene after the accident occurred.

The 18-year-old female pedestrian from Wilmington was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The 47-year-old female operator did not sustain any injuries.

Silverside Road in the area of Marsh Road was closed for approximately 3 hours as the collision was investigated and the roadway cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Sgt. D. Alexander by calling 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.

*UPDATE* Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Accident- Wilmington

Traffic Advisory Issued for Marsh Road and Silverside Road- 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 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: 091321 2220

-End-

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal pedestrian accident on Silverside Road in the area of Marsh Road. Silverside Road and Marsh Road was closed for an extended period of time as the crash was investigated. The roadway is now open. Additional information regarding the collision will be released once the information becomes available.

For up to date traffic advisories visit http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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: 091321 1905

-End-

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are issuing a traffic advisory for Silverside Road and Marsh Road. Both roadways are currently closed for a serious pedestrian accident. The roadways will be closed for an extended period of time. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes of travel.

For up to date traffic advisories please visit http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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: 091321 1550

-End-

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021 during Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 20-26, Delaware State Police will join with Amtrak Police and more than 600 local, state, federal and railroad law enforcement departments for “Operation Clear Track” to raise awareness and enforce railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws in 48 states across the U.S. “Operation Clear Track” is the largest single law enforcement railroad safety operation in the U.S.

During “Operation Clear Track,” agency law enforcement personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossings and other locations handing out railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians and issuing warnings and citations to violators. The goal of Rail Safety Week’s Operation Clear Track is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness.

WHAT:                         “Operation Clear Track” Enforcement/Education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings and other locations.

WHEN:                         Tuesday, September 21 (rain date Wednesday, September 22)

WHERE/WHAT TIME:  River Road (SR9) in the area of the oil refinery (Picture #1) and Wrangle Hill Road (SR72) just west of Willamette Drive, (Picture #2) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

WHY:                            Federal statistics show that every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. “Operation Clear Track” is an effort by Operation Lifesaver Inc., Amtrak Police and law enforcement partners across the nation to raise awareness of the need for caution near railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, held September 20-26, 2021, in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

MORE INFO:                Visit the Rail Safety Week landing page and Operation Lifesaver, Inc.’s website for safety tips and statistics Contact news@oli.org or MediaRelations@amtrak.com for more information on “Operation Clear Track.”

###

About Amtrak®

 For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. OLI leads an international observance of Rail Safety Week each September. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091321 1345

-END-

Bear – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Sunday night on Route 40.

At approximately 8:47 p.m. Sunday September 12, 2021, an 18-year-old Newark man was operating a 1997 Honda Civic westbound in the right lane of Pulaski Highway (US40) just west of Fir Avenue. A 41-year-old female from New Castle had just crossed over the eastbound lanes of US40 from the south side of the roadway. She then walked across a paved cross-over and into the westbound lanes while continuing to walk in a northerly direction. The pedestrian then walked into the path of the Honda Civic which was unable to avoid colliding with her. After the collision, the Civic immediately came to a stop.

The 41-year-old female, who was not wearing any type of reflective clothing and was not carrying any kind of lighted device, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

The 18-year-old operator of the Honda Civic was uninjured.

Pulaski Highway (US40) westbound west of Fir Avenue was closed for approximately two and a half hours to vehicular traffic while the crash was investigated and cleared from the roadway.

This collision remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed this collision should contact Senior Corporal M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.

• Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
• Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
• Do not step into a cross walk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
• Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Do not risk crossing outside of a cross walk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high-speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
• Cross only at cross walks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again. Only start to cross when it’s clear.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless whether or not you have the right of way.
• If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle. Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance. Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
• If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.
• We urge pedestrians and drivers to be more observant, cautious and safe.

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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091321 1200

-End-

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating an early morning two-vehicle fatal collision.

On September 12, 2021, at approximately 12:18 a.m., a 2004 Chevrolet Impala operated by a 21-year-old Newark man was traveling northbound on Salem Church Road, approaching Reybold Road. A 2014 GMC Terrain operated by a 21-year-old Newark man was traveling southbound on Salem Church Road from the area of Reybold Road. The GMC crossed the solid double yellow line into the northbound lane attempting to pass another southbound vehicle. The operator of the Chevrolet saw the GMC in front of him, applied the brakes causing the Impala to skid across the center line into the southbound lane of travel. At the same time, the GMC re-entered into the southbound lane of travel resulting in the left front of the Chevrolet to collide with the left front of the GMC. After impact, the Impala came to rest in the middle of the roadway. The Terrain continued traveling in a southwesterly direction, rolled over, and came to rest in a grassy area on the southbound side of the road on the driver side. 

Also occupying the Chevrolet Impala were a 25-year-old Townsend woman and a 4-year-old Newark female. All occupants were transported by ambulance to an area hospital where they were admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The operator of the GMC Terrain sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Salem Church Road between Deasy Drive and Reybold Road was closed to vehicular traffic while the crash was investigated and cleared from the roadway.

This collision remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed this collision should contact Master Corporal John Breen by calling 302-365-8486. 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

Facebook

Twitter

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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: 091221 1405

-End-

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred early Saturday morning in New Castle.

On September 11, 2021, at approximately 1:36 a.m., troopers were dispatched to the area of East Hazeldell Avenue and North DuPont Highway (US 13) for a shooting. The investigation determined a large crowd was in the area fighting when a 25-year-old male from New Jersey was shot multiple times. The victim was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

There is currently no suspect or surveillance photographs available.

This case remains an active and ongoing investigation conducted by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit. Troopers are asking anyone who has information regarding this case to contact Detective Brian Timmons by calling 302-365-8434. 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

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: 091121 1218

-End-