Dagsboro, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Monday night.

On May 31, 2021, at approximately 10:02 p.m., a 2007 Honda Accord operated by a 31-year-old Frankford man was traveling southbound on DuPont Boulevard (US 113), south of Molly Field Road, in the left travel lane. For unknown reasons, a 21-year-old Seaford man had exited his vehicle, parked on the southbound shoulder of US 113, and was in the left travel lane of DuPont Boulevard. He was wearing dark-colored clothing and was not using a light. The operator of the Accord was unable to see the victim, and the vehicle struck him in the left travel lane. After the collision, the driver came to a controlled stop just south of the crash scene.

The victim was transported to Christiana Hospital by helicopter, where he was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

The driver of the Accord and his 5-year-old passenger were not injured.

DuPont Boulevard was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed and the scene was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating this collision. Anyone with information should contact Cpl/3 K. Argo 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 .

With warmer weather an increased number of pedestrians will be out walking and around the roadways. As a reminder, troopers would like to offer the following pedestrian safety tips to help keep our citizens and visitors safe:

• Be visible. When walking at night, wear bright-colored clothing. Use a flashlight or reflective items.
• Never dart out. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible.  This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• If your vehicle breaks down, turn on your flashers and stay with your vehicle until assistance arrives.
• Use pedestrian pushbuttons and wait for the walk signal to cross.
• Take your time to cross. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area and wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely. Continue to watch traffic as you cross.
• Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. Walk on the shoulder facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by cellphones and electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs. They impair your judgment and coordination.

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: 060121 1036

-End-

Dagsboro- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Friday night on southbound Dagsboro Road south of Thorogoods Road.

On May 28, 2021, at approximately 10:09 p.m., a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, was traveling southbound on Dagsboro Road south of Thorogoods Road. A 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup, was traveling southbound on Dagsboro Road a short distance in front of the Santa Fe at a slower rate of speed. For reasons unknown, the front of the Santa Fe struck the rear of the Dakota.  As a result of the impact, the Dakota rotated counterclockwise while traveling in a southeasterly direction where it exited the roadway before overturning onto its passenger side. Following the impact, the Santa Fe traveled in a southeasterly direction and exited the roadway, while rotating counterclockwise, where its passenger side impacted a tree.

The operator of the Santa Fe, a 62-year-old male from Lebanon, PA, was transported to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The operator of the Dakota was not injured.

The roadway was closed down for approximately 3.5 hours as the collision was investigated and roadway cleared.

Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Sergeant DeMalto with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302- 703-3269. 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.

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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 052921 0807

-End-

Hartly – The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the individual that was shot and killed Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at a residence in the 700 block of Proctors Purchase Road as 37-year-old John H. Carter III of Ridgely, Maryland.

This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation conducted by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. 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-Homicide Investigation* Police Activity-Hartly

Notification of Police Activity-Hartly

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.

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: 052821 1600

-End-

Dover- The Delaware State Police would like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day Weekend. Lets not forget that this weekend, and more specifically Monday, Memorial Day, is a time to memorialize those members of our armed forces that made the ultimate sacrifice while preserving the freedom or our great nation. We also want to take time to thank those veterans who will be celebrating with us, as well as those brave men and women currently serving as members of our military.

The Delaware State Police will be out in full force patrolling the roadways this weekend to ensure that everyone is driving with due care and offering assistance to motorists in need. Troopers intend to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes on our highways during this “unofficial” start of the summer season, and will be focusing on distracted driving, motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, and any aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, following too close, and especially, driving under the influence.

By following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe holiday weekend travel without jeopardizing their life or the lives of others who may be 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.

The National Click It Or Ticket Campaign has already started and runs through June 6th, but everyone should ALWAYS wear their seatbelts. To read more about this campaign, please click on the link: Click It Or Ticket 2021

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: 052821 1500

-End-

With warmer weather and Memorial Day weekend upon us, the Delaware State Police would like to remind motorcyclists, motorcycle passengers, and individuals interested in purchasing motorcycles to use caution when traveling on Delaware roadways. In 2020 the Delaware State Police investigated 237 motorcycle crashes with 13 being fatal crashes. In 2021, we have already investigated 85 total motorcycle crashes with 8 of them being fatal, including one from yesterday. To decrease the number of crashes involving motorcycles, the Delaware State Police would like to share the following important information to help keep motorcyclists and drivers safe.

When considering purchasing a motorcycle, it is crucial to receive the proper training and required motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. There are multiple ways to obtain these. For example, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a written examination and road skills test. There are also motorcycle rider education programs at all DMV locations and participating local motorcycle dealerships. It is essential the necessary training be obtained by motorcycle riders to help keep themselves safe on the roadways and learn how to be more visible to the non-motorcycle riding community, which significantly increases their safety.

Dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, driving erratically and motorcycle drivers driving beyond their capabilities are dangerous and can be contributing factors to crashes. In addition, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs or prescription medication can negatively impact a driver’s ability to think, reaction time and balance.

It is important to remember, by taking precautionary measures, motorcyclists can help prevent crashes and injuries by:

• Reducing speeds and/or maintaining safer speeds.
• Keeping headlights and marker and taillights on during dark hours and inclement weather.
• Staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signaling the intention to turn, and then checking for oncoming traffic before passing.
• Checking their rearview mirror and quickly turn their head to ensure the vehicle is a safe distance behind them when completing a pass.
• Wearing helmets that meet a high protection standard.
• Wearing proper clothing, eyewear, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

Safer motorcycle rides start with respect. Check out the Office of Highway Safety’s Motorcycle Safety website at www.ArriveAliveDE.com/Respect-the-Ride and find out where you can take the Motorcycle Rider Safety Course, popular routes for riders throughout the state of Delaware, and check the street smarts section that teaches you how to conduct a pre-ride check-called T-CLOCS. While you’re visiting, check out the video section featuring some of Delaware’s riders as they talk about why motorcycle safety is so important.

Motorists can help to make the roads safer by taking some simple precautions:

• Be extra cautious on weekends and good weather days, when more motorcyclists take to the road.
• Provide adequate room for maneuvering by following at least three to four seconds behind them.
• Allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement transitions, and railroad crossings.
• Never try sharing a lane with a motorcycle.
• If a motorcycle is nearby, check your mirrors carefully before changing lanes. Motorcycles may be in your blind spots or difficult to see because of their smaller size.

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: 052821 1330

-End-

Ellendale – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is conducting an investigation into a fatal motorcycle crash on Beach Highway (State Route 16) that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:04 p.m., on Thursday, May 27, 2021, as a 2015 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, being operated by a 22-year-old male of Greenwood, Delaware, was traveling westbound on Beach Hwy., approaching the intersection at Webbs Road, at a high rate of speed.  A 2008 Honda Accord was stopped southbound Webbs Road at the intersection waiting to turn left onto Beach Highway. Unable to perceive it’s speed, the Accord proceeded to make a left turn into the path of the motorcycle.  Both vehicles then impacted in the westbound lane of Beach Highway.

The 22-year-old male operator of the Kawasaki was ejected from the motorcycle. He was transported to Bayhealth Sussex Campus where he was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Beach Highway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was investigated, and the scene was cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Corporal/1 Mitchell by calling 302-703-3269. 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:

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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 052821 1110

New Castle – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is conducting an investigation into a fatal motorcycle crash on River Road (Route 9) that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, as a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle, being operated by a 54-year-old male of New Castle, Delaware, was traveling southbound Route 9. At this time, a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling northbound Route 9 north of Saienni Boulevard. Due to unknown circumstances as the vehicles neared, the Harley Davidson traveled over the center double yellow lines and into the northbound lane. The Harley Davidson struck the front of the Equinox, which caused the operator to be ejected from the motorcycle.

The 54-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Route 9 was closed between Llangollen Boulevard and Saienni Boulevard for approximately 4 hours while the collision was investigated, and the scene was cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Corporal/1 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. 

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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 052721 0915