Milford, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Thursday afternoon on Coastal Highway.

On September 16, 2021, at approximately 4:23 p.m., a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway within the median crossover directly across from Lady Slipper Lane. The 84-year-old male operator intended to cross over the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway and enter Lady Slipper Lane. As the Equinox prepared to cross over the highway, a 2017 Dodge Durango, operated by a 30-year-old Dover woman, was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway, approaching the crossover in the right travel lane. As the Durango was approaching, the Equinox began crossing the northbound lanes, directly into the path of the Durango. As a result, the front of the Durango struck the right side of the Equinox. As a result of the impact, the Equinox overturned, exited the east side of Coastal Highway, and came to rest with the Passenger side resting against a hedgerow. The Durango came to rest on the shoulder of Coastal Highway.

The 84-year-old Milford man operating the Equinox suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The 30-year-old Dover woman operating the Durango sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Northbound Coastal Highway was closed for approximately three hours as the accident was investigated and the roadway cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information or who witnessed the collision should contact Master Corporal Kenneth Argo by calling 302-644-5020.

*Traffic Advisory Update- Coastal Highway*- Delaware State Police Conducting Serious Injury Crash Investigation- Milford

*Traffic Advisory* Coastal Highway Northbound- Milford

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: 091621 2201

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Lewes, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Roy H. Hanna, 30, of Elkton, MD, and George W. Whiteman, 52, of North East, MD, for felony theft Wednesday night.

On September 15, 2021, at approximately 8:14 p.m., Blue Heron Construction Company contacted Delaware State Police after receiving information about their Ditch Witch SK800 construction equipment being removed from the parking lot of the clubhouse in Middle Creek Preserve, Angola Beach. It was now located in the Lewes BP Gas Station parking lot located at 17580 Coastal Highway, Lewes. Troopers responded to the Lewes BP and found a white 2021 Dodge Ram pickup towing a trailer with the stolen Ditch Switch SK800 on it. Troopers contacted the operator of the Dodge, Roy H. Hanna, and passenger, George W. Whiteman. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7.

Roy Hanna was charged with the following crimes:

• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and released on a $5,500.00 unsecured bond.

George W. Whiteman was charged with the following crimes:

• Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and released on a $5,500.00 unsecured 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091621 1742

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Lincoln, DE- Delaware State Police are issuing a traffic advisory for northbound Coastal Highway. Due to a serious injury accident on Coastal Highway northbound in the area of Lady Slipper Lane, northbound Coastal Highway is closed. Traffic is being diverted onto eastbound Sharps Road. Northbound Coastal Highway will be closed for an extended period of time. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes of travel. The accident investigation remains in the early stages. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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

*Traffic Advisory* Coastal Highway Northbound- Milford

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091621 1726

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Milford, DE- Delaware State Police are issuing a traffic advisory for Coastal Highway in the area of Lady Slipper Lane. Northbound Coastal Highway will be closed for an extended period of time for a serious injury accident. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes of travel. The accident investigation is in the early stages. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091621 1701

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Felton, DE- Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance identifying the pictured suspect vehicle involved in a recent early morning theft.

On September 12, 2021, at approximately 5:53 a.m., the unknown suspects trespassed onto the Diamond State Pole Buildings property located at 7244 South DuPont Highway, Felton, and removed a catalytic converter from a company vehicle. The suspects then fled the area in the pictured vehicle.

The vehicle is described as a late model 1990’s Chevrolet Silverado with blue spray paint on the driver’s side and white on the passenger side. In addition, white stars are sprayed on the hood and left front. The driver-side door is white, and the windshield is possibly shattered.

The suspects are described as two unknown white males. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Detective C. Bowie with Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-698-8503 or emailing Christine.Bowie@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: 091521 1541

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Millsboro, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred in a Millsboro community Tuesday.

On September 14, 2021, at approximately 9:27 a.m., a 67-year-old female was loading items into her car in the driveway to her residence in the 35000 block of Sussex Lane in the Mariners Cove Community when an unknown male approached her. The male pointed a gun at the victim and demanded money. When the suspect was unsuccessful in obtaining any money, he fled the area in an unknown make and model vehicle. The victim was uninjured during the incident.

The suspect is described as an unknown male, thin build, average height, and wearing a face covering.

This incident remains an active investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Detective Lindsay Coleman by calling 302-752-3813. 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: 091521 1135

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Milton, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle collision that occurred Tuesday night in Milton.

On September 14, 2021, at approximately 6:17 p.m., a 2009 Jaguar XF operated by a 36-year-old Milton man was traveling eastbound on Cave Neck Road. For an unknown reason, the operator failed to maintain his travel lane and exited the south edge of the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the front of the vehicle hit a road sign along a private driveway. It then continued traveling south before the front right struck a utility pole. The force of the impact caused the Jaguar to rotate clockwise and overturn.

The operator was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was transported from the accident scene to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours as the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this crash should contact Sgt. Nicholas DeMalto by calling 302-644-5020. 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: 091421 2305

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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.

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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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091421 2215

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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:

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Nextdoor

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 091421 2155

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