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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 052821 1500

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 052821 1330

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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. 

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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. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 052721 0915

New Castle – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m., this evening, May 26, 2021, on River Road (Route 9) in the area of Malcolm Forest Road.

As a result of the crash, River Road is closed between Saienni Blvd. and Malcolm Forest Road. 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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 052621 1754

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Hartly– The Delaware State Police are conducting a homicide investigation that occurred early this morning near Hartly.

The investigation began around 4:29 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021, when troopers were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call reporting a person shot and multiple persons stabbed in the 700 block of Proctors Purchase Road. Upon arrival, troopers secured the scene and escorted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) into the home where they located numerous people with injuries.

Initial investigation revealed several individuals were in the home watching tv and playing games through the night. A 37-year-old Ridgely, Maryland man became enraged and began attacking the other occupants with a knife. At some point during the altercation, one of the stabbing victims retrieved a shotgun and shot the male subject in the leg.

The 37-year-old Ridgely man was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General where he was pronounced dead.

A 56-year-old male from Hartly was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries sustained in the knife attack.

A 30-year-old man from Hartly was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries sustained in the knife attack.

A 34-year-old male from Centreville, Maryland was transported to an area hospital where he is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the knife attack.

A 53-year-old male from Sudlersville, Maryland was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the knife attack.

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.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 052621 1740

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Delmar, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Tuesday evening on Providence Church Road.

On May 25, 2021, at approximately 8:44 a.m., troopers responded to the 36000 block of Providence Church Road for reports of shots fired at a residence. The investigation revealed two individuals were inside the home sleeping when they heard a popping noise around 2:30 a.m. They initially thought it was someone at their door and after looking outside, didn’t see anyone and went back to sleep. It was later determined that someone fired an unknown type of gun at their residence. An examination of the crime scene revealed at least three rounds struck the home and four rounds struck their vehicle parked in the driveway. Neither of the residents were injured.

A canvas of the area of the residence revealed multiple shell casings located on Providence Church Road.

At this time, there is no vehicle or suspect information.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Det. D. Yencer with Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-752-3791. 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: 052621 1330

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Hartly – The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a criminal investigation in the 700 block of Proctors Purchase Road, in regard to an incident that was reported at approximately 4:29 a.m., Wednesday, May 26,2021. The incident is contained to this specific location and at this time the area is secure and there is no threat to public safety.

There will continue to be a police presence as the investigation continues. There are no road closures at this time.

Further details regarding the incident will be released as they become available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 052621 0710

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Milford – The Delaware State Police have made an arrest in the serious crash that occurred late Sunday afternoon south of Milford.

William T. Ackridge Jr., 18 of Newark, DE was taken into custody without incident at his residence by Probation and Parole Officers on the afternoon of Monday May 24, 2021. He was transported to Troop 2 where he was processed for the following charges.

• Three counts of Vehicular Assault 2nd (Misdemeanors)
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Three counts of Failure to Stop At a Red Light

Ackridge was arraigned via videophone with Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released after posting $4,104.00 secured bond.

Troopers with the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit were able to identify William Ackridge as the driver of the black Toyota Corolla after receiving information from Probation and Parole about his location on Sunday during the incident through his GPS ankle monitor. This information, along with the video footage from Delaware State Police Aviation (Trooper 2), capturing Ackridge exiting the the driver’s side of the Corolla assisted troopers in their investigation.

Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Crash in Milford

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Sgt, Nick DeMalto 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

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Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 052521 1755

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