Smyrna, DE – Delaware State Police and Smyrna Police Department are currently conducting a criminal investigation in the area of Monrovia Avenue. As a result, there is an increased police presence in the area and Monrovia Avenue is closed between East Commerce Street and US 13. This investigation is in the early stages and is active and ongoing. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

Presented by Public Information Officer: Cpl/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 042521 1930

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Milford- Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Monday evening on Slaughter Beach Road.

On April 26, 2021, at approximately 7:07 p.m., troopers responded to the 6000 block of Slaughter Beach Road for reports of shots fired at a residence. The investigation determined two individuals were inside the home when an unknown vehicle drove by and fired several rounds in the direction of their residence. An examination of the crime scene revealed at least four rounds struck the home. One of the rounds entered through the east wall, traveled through the living room, and hit an object sitting in the living room. The female resident was sitting in the living room at the time the incident occurred but was uninjured.

A canvas of the area of the residence revealed multiple shell casings located on Slaughter Beach Road.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Det. Hickman with Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-752-3856. 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 Heather Pepper

Released: 042721 1651

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New Castle- Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident which took place Monday afternoon.

On April 26, 2021, at approximately 12:03 p.m., troopers responded to the Relax Inn located at 133 South DuPont Highway, New Castle, for a report of shots fired. The investigation determined a 23-year-old male was operating a red 2008 Toyota Camry northbound Route 13 at Route 40. The Camry made a lane change that cut off a dark colored sedan. The Camry then made a u-turn and entered the parking lot of the Relax Inn. The dark colored sedan pulled next to the Camry in the parking lot and the operators exchanged words. The 23-year-old male victim got back into his vehicle and attempted to exit the parking lot when his rear windshield was struck by gunfire. No one was injured during the incident.

Troopers discovered eight .380 caliber shell casings at the scene.

The suspect was described as a black male wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective Timmons with Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit 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 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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 042721 0857

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Lewes- Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in the fatal pedestrian crash on April 25, 2021, as 30-year-old Jennifer L. Hoffman of Huntington, MD.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Sgt. N. DeMalto with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit 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.

 Delaware State Police Conducting Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation- Lewes

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, Corporal/3 Heather Pepper

Released: 042621 2305

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Clayton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide-suicide in the Clayton area that occurred Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 1:05 p.m. on Sunday April 25, 2021, troopers were dispatched to the 300 block of Hopewell Drive for a report of someone shot. Prior to their arrival, it was determined that the shooter, later identified as Raymond C. Bell, 45 of Clayton, was possibly still in the house with his girlfriend, Heather L. Truitt, 39 of Clayton, and was armed. Upon the initial troopers arrival, two people were located outside the rear of the residence near a horse stable. One being a male victim identified as Russell N. Bell, 48 of Clayton, having apparent gunshot wounds to the upper extremity and a 73-year-old female who was unharmed. Troopers were able to perform first aid on Russell and rescue him from the scene before he was placed in the care of Emergency Medical Services. Russell Bell was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Evacuations in the immediate area of the residence were made and robo-calls were made to residents in a one mile radius to alert them of the police activity.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations Team and Conflict Management Team responded to the scene in an attempted to establish communications with Raymond. After several attempts to contact him with no answer, entry was made into the residence. Troopers then located Raymond Bell and Heather Truitt with apparent gunshot wounds.

The bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing their investigation into this suspected murder/suicide incident and there is no concerns for public safety. No motive has been established for this incident.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Grassi at 302-365-8441. 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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 042621 1710

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Delmar, DE – The Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Randon D. Wilkerson in connection with the assaults that occurred in Yorkshire Estates.

At approximately 5:12 am on Sunday April 25, 2021, Delmar Police Department was dispatched to the 11000 block of Buckingham Drive in the Yorkshire Estates Community for a report of a fight in progress. The 9-1-1 caller reported one of the occupants, who was later identified as Randon Wilkerson, was being disorderly, fighting with other residents of the house, and destroying items inside the residence. Moments later, a separate 9-1-1 call was received from a neighbor across the street from the original caller, stating he and his wife had been assaulted by a male subject. The caller then stated the assailant was no longer at his house.

Corporal Keith Heacook (Photo Attached) responded to the house of the initial call and was met with a physical confrontation with Wilkerson inside the home.

The dispatchers began checking on Cpl. Heacook and received no response. At that time, additional officers were dispatched and a Wicomico County Sheriffs Office Deputy and a Delaware State Trooper arrived on scene to find Cpl. Heacook unconscious inside the residence. Officers from Laurel Police Department arrived on scene, and upon pulling Cpl. Heacook from the house, began First Aid until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived. Cpl. Heacook was transported to TidalHeath in Salisbury and then given a police escort to Shock Trauma in Baltimore with significant head injuries.

The investigation into the separate, but related assault, which involved an elderly couple across the street revealed, Wilkerson knocked on the back door of residence and was met by the 73-year-old male victim. The male victim was then assaulted as Wilkerson entered the house and then struck numerous times with a glass object. Wilkerson then repeatedly assaulted a 76-year-old female with the same object before fleeing the house. Both of those victims sustained significant injury and were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. The female victim was later transported to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

Randon Wilkerson (Photo attached) was observed by the allied police agencies walking on the rear of the property of the first 9-1-1 call and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Troop 5 in Bridgeville and charged with the following:

• Attempted Murder 1st
• Assault 1st (2 counts)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
• Burglary 1st
• Assault 3rd
• Terroristic Threatening

Randon Wilkerson was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $451,000.00 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police is continuing the investigation into both events and is working collaboratively with the Delmar Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, and all other involved agencies.

“Corporal Keith Heacook is a 22 year veteran and has been employed with our department since 1998.” said Chief Ivan Barkley of Delmar Police Department, “He is a husband, son, brother, and father. Keith is fighting for his life right now and he needs your prayers along with the elderly couple who were also injured. Members from the Delmar Police appreciate the outpouring of community support as we continue to move forward. We appreciate the support from the Delaware State Police, Wicomico County Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, and all other agencies who responded and are assisting with this investigation.”

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 042521 2210

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Clayton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide in the Clayton area that occurred Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 1:05 p.m. on Sunday April 25, 2021, troopers were dispatched to the 300 block of Hopewell Drive for a report of someone shot. Prior to their arrival, it was determined that the shooter was possibly still in the house with another person and was armed. Upon the initial troopers arrival, two people were located outside the residence with one male victim having apparent gunshot wounds to the upper extremity. Troopers were able to perform first aid on the victim and rescue him from the scene before he was placed in the care of Emergency Medical Services. The male victim was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Evacuations in the immediate are of the residence were made and robo-calls were made to residents in a one mile radius to alert them of the police activity.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations Team and Conflict Management Team responded to the scene in an attempted to establish communications with the suspect. After several attempts to contact the suspect with no answer, entry was made into the residence. Troopers then located two deceased subjects with apparent gunshot wounds.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident. There does not appear to be any threat to the public and there are no other suspects involved in this investigation. This is an active and on-going investigation and further information will be released at a later time.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Grassi at 302-365-8441.

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 042521 1825

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Christiana- Delaware State Police arrested 44-year-old Mario Henry of Smyrna on drug charges following a traffic stop on Saturday afternoon.

 On April 24, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a trooper on patrol on southbound Korean War Veteran Memorial Highway at SR 273 observed a black Chevrolet SUV change lanes without properly signaling. A vehicle stop was initiated, and the operator and sole occupant, later identified as Mario Henry, was contacted. A computer check revealed Henry’s driver’s license was suspended, and he was instructed to exit the vehicle. A consent search of the Chevrolet was conducted, and located inside were the following items:

• Approximately 13.8 grams of crack cocaine
• 17 Ecstasy pills
• Approximately $2,212 in suspected drug proceeds

Henry was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Failure to Signal

He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on a $6,025.00 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:

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Lewes- Delaware State Police are conducting a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Sunday morning.

On April 25, 2021, at 1:23 a.m., a 2004 Ford E-450 bus, operated by a 58-year-old male of Rehoboth Beach, traveling westbound on John J. Williams Hwy (SR 24), approaching the intersection at Warrington Road. As the Ford E-450 was traveling, a 30-year-old female pedestrian from Huntington, MD, was walking north across SR 24 and crossed directly into the path of the bus. The operator of the bus was unable to see the victim, who was wearing dark clothing, not carrying a light, or wearing reflective material. As a result, the left side front of the Ford struck the pedestrian within the westbound lane of travel.

The 30-year-old female pedestrian was transported to Beebe Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The operator of the bus was carrying one passenger. Both were uninjured and did not require medical attention.

John J. Williams Hwy between Hudson Way and Warrington Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Sgt. N. 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. 

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: 042521 1503

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Clayton, DE – Delaware State Police are currently conducting a criminal investigation in the area of Hopewell Drive. As a result, there is an increased police presence in the area and Hopewell Drive is currently closed between Chance Road and Underwoods Corner Road . This investigation is in the early stages and is active and ongoing. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 042521 1427

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