Rehoboth Beach, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Thomas J. Obrien, 26, of Arlington, VA, early Sunday morning after he entered the victims’ residence and was found sleeping in bed.

On September 5, 2021, at approximately 4:24 a.m., troopers were dispatched to the 38000 block of Pine Lane for a burglary in progress. The homeowner awoke and found the male suspect in a rear bedroom on the second story of the residence. When troopers arrived, the male, later identified as Thomas J. Obrien, was partially clothed and sleeping in bed. Thomas complied with the troopers’ orders and exited the bed. Thomas was taken into custody without incident, and a strong odor of alcoholic beverages was detected. The victims located Thomas’ wet clothing in the bedroom and discovered he was wearing one of the victim’s t-shirts.

Thomas was taken into custody without incident, transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7, and charged with Burglary Second Degree (Felony) and Theft. He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $2,600.00 secured bond.

Troopers would like to remind the public always to remember to lock their doors. By remembering this important safety tip, you will make it more difficult for a burglary to occur.

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: 090521 1336

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Dagsboro, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died during a motor vehicle collision on September 3, 2021, at the intersection of Nine Foot Road (Rt 26) and Hickory Hill Road, as Lainegene P. VanDusen, 84, of Millsboro.

This case remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Nicholas DeMalto 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 .

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: 090521 1235

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision- Dagsboro

Dagsboro- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon at the intersection of Nine Foot Road and Hickory Hill Road.

On September 3, 2021, at approximately 12:35 p.m., a 2020 Ford Explorer operated by an 88-year-old male, was traveling southbound on Hickory Hill Road, approaching the intersection of Nine Foot Road. At this time, a 2000 Isuzu NPR flatbed delivery truck, operated by a 30-year-old male, was traveling eastbound on Nine Foot Road, approaching the intersection with Hickory Hill Road. The operator of the Ford failed to stop at the intersection and entered the intersection, directly into the path of the Isuzu. The operator of the Isuzu attempted to avoid the collision, but ultimately struck the passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles exited the south east corner of the intersection where they came to rest in a standing corn field.

There were two occupants, an 88-year-old male and an 84-year-old female inside of the Ford. The 88-year-old male operator who was properly restrained and was transported to Nanticoke hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. The 84-year-old female passenger who was properly restrained was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to the next of kin.

The 30-year-old male operator of the Isuzu who was properly restrained was transported to Nanticoke hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

The intersection of Nine Foot Road and Hickory Hill Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was being investigated and the roadway cleared.

Impairment and speed do not appear to be a factor for any operator.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Detective Argo with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit 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 .

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: 090421 0929

Wilmington- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Monday afternoon on Wilson Road west of Bellewood Road.

On August 30, 2021, at approximately 1:48 p.m., a gold 1997 Nissan Maxima was stopped in the parking lot of 900 Foulk Road waiting to turn left onto eastbound Wilson Road. At this time, a black 2021 Honda Civic was westbound Wilson Road approaching the entrance of 900 Foulk Road. The Maxima pulled into the roadway and attempted to turn left onto eastbound Wilson Road. The Maxima pulled directly in the path of Civic, causing the front of the Civic to strike the driver side of the Maxima.

There were two occupants, a 75-year-old male and a 72-year-old female inside of the Maxima. The 75-year-old male operator was transported to Christiana hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. On September 3, 2021, the male operator was pronounced deceased from his injuries. Identification is pending notification to the next of kin. The 72-year-old female passenger was transported to Christiana hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 58-year-old female operator of the Civic was not injured as a result of the collision.

Wilson Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash was being investigated and the roadway cleared.

Impairment and speed do not appear to be a factor for any operator.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Detective Forester with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8485. 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, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 090321 1907

Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Jimmie D. Hayes Jr., 45, of Georgetown, for multiple commercial burglaries with the community’s help. 

From August 18, 2021, through September 2, 2021, Delaware State Police investigated three separate burglaries to convenience stores in Sussex County. The unknown suspect forced entry into the business during the burglaries, removed merchandise, and placed it in a bag before fleeing the store. On August 26, 2021, Delaware State Police requested the public’s assistance identifying the unknown male suspect captured on surveillance footage during a burglary to the Uncle Willies BP Gas Station located at 17581 Coastal Highway, Lewes, on August 19, 2021. Thanks to the community’s assistance, Jimmie D. Hayes was identified as the suspect in the surveillance photograph. Troopers determined Hayes was also involved in two additional commercial burglaries in Sussex County within Delaware State Police jurisdiction through the investigation. On September 2, 2021, Delaware State Police located Hayes, and he was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

• Three Counts- Burglary Third Degree- Felony
• Three Counts- Possession of Burglar Tools -Felony
• Three Counts- Conspiracy Second Degree- Felony
• Three Counts- Theft Under $1,500
• Two Counts- Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 Damage Property
• Criminal Mischief $1,000 to $5,000 Damage Property

Hayes was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $19,000.00 cash bond.

Troopers Seek Publics Assistance Identifying Burglary Suspect- Sussex County

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: 090321 1738

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Seaford, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Maurice J. Baker, 56, of Dagsboro, for 5th Offense DUI and related charges.

On September 2, 2021, at approximately 2:27 a.m., troopers responded to Sussex Highway in the area of Bridgeville Highway for a report of an unconscious subject. Upon arrival to the scene, Maurice Baker was located lying across the driver and front passenger seat of a Ford F250. Through the investigation, troopers learned Baker was operating the F250 when he began to swerve on the roadway. When he stopped the vehicle on the shoulder, he became unconscious. As troopers and EMS were on scene, approximately .014 grams of heroin were located on his person. A criminal investigation ensued, and Baker was found to be Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. 

Additionally, a computer inquiry was conducted and revealed Baker had four previous DUI convictions. He was transported to a nearby hospital and medically cleared before being transported to Delaware State Police Troop 5 and charged with 5th Offense DUI of Any Drug (Felony), Consumption of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Baker was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6,200.00 secured bond. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 090321 1110

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Delaware State Police is conducting a statewide initiative to slow travelers and make Delaware roadways safer. Over the past year, Delaware State Police have seen an increase in vehicles speeding on Delaware roadways. Additionally, troopers have received several concerns from the community and elected officials regarding speeding. Many of Delaware’s fatal and serious personal injury crashes have involved speeding, along with intoxication (both alcohol and drug-related) and distracted driving.

As a result, the Delaware State Police is actively working to reduce speeding that is taking place on Delaware roadways, to include specific problem areas in and around Newark and Route 1. With the help of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, this ongoing effort has provided additional resources by deploying more law enforcement officers to combat this deadly issue. This initiative aims not only to increase enforcement of the posted speed limits, but also to educate the public on the dangers of speeding and the importance of speed enforcement.

Troopers want to remind the citizens and visitors of Delaware to obey the posted speed limits to help you arrive at your destination safely.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 090221 1333

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Millsboro, DE- Delaware State Police have identified the individual that died in a fatal motor vehicle collision late Tuesday night as Jesse Verdugo-Navarro, 16, of Millsboro.

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 11:55 p.m., a 2005 Infiniti G35 sedan was traveling southbound on DuPont Boulevard (US 113), north of Delaware Avenue. For an unknown reason, the 16-year-old male operator from Millsboro lost control of the vehicle and exited the roadway while spinning clockwise. It continued traveling southbound before striking several fence posts on the Atlantis Homes property. While still traveling sideways, the left side of the Infiniti hit a curb and began to overturn before going airborne and striking the steel Atlantis Homes signpost with the left rear side before coming to rest.

Verdugo-Navarro was the front-seat passenger and was not properly restrained. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 17-year-old male rear seat passenger from Milford was not properly restrained and transported to an area hospital and admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 16-year-old male operator was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with minor injuries and released.

The collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Master Corporal Kenny 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.

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: 090221 1005

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Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Single Vehicle Crash- Millsboro

Millsboro, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Millsboro juvenile.

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 11:55 p.m., a 2005 Infiniti G35 sedan was traveling southbound on DuPont Boulevard (US 113), north of Delaware Avenue. For an unknown reason, the 16-year-old operator from Millsboro lost control of the vehicle and exited the roadway while spinning clockwise. It continued traveling southbound before striking several fence posts on the Atlantis Homes property. While still traveling sideways, the left side of the Infiniti hit a curb and began to overturn before going airborne and striking the steel Atlantis Homes signpost with the left rear side before coming to rest.

Also in the vehicle was a 16-year-old front-seat passenger from Millsboro that was not properly restrained and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

A 17-year-old rear seat passenger from Milford was not properly restrained and transported to an area hospital and admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 16-year-old operator was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with minor injuries and released.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

The collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Master Corporal Kenny 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.

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: 090121 1045

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