On Friday, April 9th and Saturday, April 10th, 2021, the Delaware State Police working in conjunction with 12 other states and 25 Delaware municipalities completed the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic enforcement initiatives.  These high visibility traffic enforcement initiatives focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, unsafe driving behaviors of the operators of large trucks/buses, and occupant protection.

DSP and 12 other state law enforcement agencies to include Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Massachusetts State Police and Maine State Police focused on traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 stretching from Maine to Florida to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. There were a total of 4,469 citations issued.  Also, there were two fatal crashes on the entire I-95 corridor during the two-day initiative.

During the, “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” initiative, Delaware State Troopers with support from OHS and 25 municipal agencies to include Bethany Beach PD, Bridgeville PD, Camden PD, Cheswold PD, Clayton PD, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, Delaware Capitol PD, Delaware River and Bay Authority, Dover PD, Elsmere PD, Georgetown PD, Greenwood PD, Kenton PD, Laurel PD, Middletown PD, Milford PD, Millsboro PD, New Castle City PD, New Castle County PD, Newport PD, Ocean View PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, Seaford PD, Smyrna PD, and University of Delaware PD conducted traffic enforcement statewide by targeting roadways throughout the state. As of today’s date, all of the participating agencies issued a total of 1,076 traffic citations.

The Delaware State Police would like to thank everyone who participated in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic initiatives, to include Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety for their continued support with this endeavor.  This campaign helped to keep Delaware citizens along with its visitors safer, as they traveled throughout the state.

“I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” Traffic Initiatives Friday, April 9th and Saturday April 10th, 2021

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 041621 1506

Delaware– The Delaware State Police (DSP) is proud to recognize and honor its public safety communication personnel during National Public Safety Telecommunications Operators Week. The Delaware State Police Communications Section consists of three 911 Public Safety Answering Points (dispatch centers), which are located in each of the three Delaware counties and Headquarters Communications in Dover. Every year in April, since 1994, a week is set aside as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week to recognize and honor the men and women working the many Communication Centers Nationwide.

The personnel assigned to the DSP Communication Section have dedicated their careers to providing superior services to those who are in need for law enforcement assistance. They are responsible for answering and responding to 911 calls, dispatching law enforcement officers, communicating with local, state, and federal agencies, collaborating with fire and EMS dispatchers, and operating in mobile command positions during critical incidents. They are the first public safety professionals to receive and respond to calls for help; and they are the first people responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources are dispatched and delivered to those in need. Oftentimes, they can make the difference between life and death situations.

In 2020, Delaware State Police Communication personnel received 348,147 calls for emergency service and an additional 308,160 non-emergency related administrative calls for service, for a total of 656,307 calls. Every day the residents and visitors to Delaware depend upon the skills, expertise, and commitment of these telecommunication professionals. This is especially evident during the current Covid-19 pandemic, during which these dedicated individuals remain in the centers to ensure that every 911 call is answered and appropriate law enforcement services are rendered.

“The DSP proudly commends the public safety communication professionals in our agency, whose exemplary service and dedication provide for the safety of our Troopers and our citizens every day. With compassion and competence, they are a lifeline to our citizens during their greatest time of need as well as a steady source of information and support to first responders. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with this distinguished group of women and men.” – Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Superintendent Delaware State Police

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 041421 @ 1722

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Seaford- Delaware State Police are conducting a single fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Monday afternoon.

On April 12, 2021, at approximately 2:13 p.m., a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck was traveling southbound on Lonesome Road, approaching the intersection of Woodland Road with a posted stop sign. For an unknown reason, the 49-year-old operator of Seaford failed to stop at the stop sign and crossed over Woodland Road and completely exited the south edge of Woodland Road, where it struck a utility pole with its front end. The pickup continued in a southerly direction, where it then struck a tree with the front end and rebounded from the tree, and came to rest upright.

The operator was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Both roadways were closed for approximately 4 hours while the collision was investigated and the utility pole was repaired.

This crash is being investigated by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Det. K. Argo with the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-644-5020.

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: 041221 2202

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Delaware- Delaware State Police has seen an increase across the state in identity theft cases related to unemployment fraud claims and want to warn Delaware citizens about the new trend to avoid becoming a victim.

As a result of COVID-19, government-assisted programs and citizens in need of employment opportunities have increased. The number of unemployment claims and fraudulent unemployment claims has increased, leading to a strain on the unemployment claims system. In Delaware, the number of unemployment fraud cases are being completed online where an individual is establishing an account using the Victim’s name to file an unemployment claim. If funds are paid out in rare cases, an attempt to divert the funds to a different location is conducted before disbursement, so the person completing the fraud claim receives the money. The Victim in these cases becomes aware of the attempted identity theft when they receive a letter in the mail from the Department of Labor indicating their unemployment claim was denied.

Delawareans should carefully review their United States Postal Service mail for items that may appear to be spam at first glance because Delawareans have received fraudulent unemployment paperwork from other states in addition to Delaware’s Department of Labor.

Unfortunately, there are no additional steps to take to avoid becoming a victim of unemployment fraud identity theft. Individuals can use traditional identity theft protection measures to help protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft.

  A reminder of general identity theft protection measures would include:

• If you are the Victim of unemployment benefits fraud, contact the Department of Labor to report the issue at uifraud@delaware.gov.
• If you are currently employed and received a notice in the mail regarding your application for unemployment, make your employer aware because they may also be victimized.
• Be aware of your digital footprint and take continual steps to secure your online presence. Remember to change passwords frequently and do not use your birthdate, 1234, etc., as a password; use secure internet connections; only enter your personal or credit card information into a secured site (the padlock will be located in the search bar).
• Be aware of fake websites, text messages, phone calls, and emails soliciting your personal information and do not respond to them.
• You may be at greater risk of Identity Theft if you are a known victim of a prior Data Breach. Take advantage of any offered credit monitoring from these exposures.
• Monitor your credit regularly. There are many additional applications for credit monitoring beyond regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements, such as Lifelock, MyIDCare, or PrivacyArmor, to name a few.

For additional information, the Federal Trade Commission offers a detailed interactive guide to Identity Theft recovery at https://www.identitytheft.gov/Steps 

Additional useful identity theft scam websites and information can be located at the following:

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/identity-theft-and-unemployment-benefits

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/UIIDtheft

https://news.delaware.gov/2020/05/28/the-de-dept-of-labor-releases-fraud-prevention-guidelines/

 The Delaware Department of Labor has provided the following information for reporting possible fraudulent activity or identity theft:

“We ask all Delawareans to be vigilant in reporting possible fraudulent activity or identity theft. Please send any relevant information to the Delaware Department of Labor by sending an email to uifraud@delaware.gov. Please include any information that may support our investigation into the incident. Please report the incident to your local police department, and finally, file a complaint with Fraud and Consumer Protection Division at State Attorney General’s Office. This division is designed to help victims of identity theft. To file a complaint, call (302) 577-8600 or visit https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/complaint/, where your complaint can be filed online.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to 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: 041221 1150

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Hockessin- Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted bank robbery that occurred late Saturday morning.

On April 10, 2021, at approximately 10:20 a.m., Delaware State Police responded to the M&T Bank located at 151 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, for a report of a robbery. The investigation determined a male suspect entered the bank and displayed a note to a bank employee demanding money. The employee did not cooperate with the suspects demands, and the suspect did not receive any money. The suspect retained the note and fled from the bank in an unknown light colored SUV. 

The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 20-30 year-old, approximately 6′ tall, and wearing all dark-colored clothing. He was wearing a black face mask covering the lower portion of his face.

No one was injured during this incident and there are no surveillance photographs available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Det. Dukes with Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-365-8412. 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: 041121 1315

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Newark- Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident which took place early Sunday morning.

On April 11, 2021, at approximately 12:04 a.m., troopers responded to the ShopRite parking lot located at 19 Chestnut Hill Plaza, Newark, for a report of shots fired. The investigation determined two occupants, a 37-year-old female and a 15-year-old male were inside of their vehicle in the shopping center parking lot when a light-colored sedan drove towards the victim’s vehicle and began shooting. No one was injured during the incident. The suspect’s vehicle immediately fled eastbound on Chestnut Hill Road.

Troopers discovered one shell casing at the scene.

There is no suspect information at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Tpr. Mcllmail with Delaware State Police Troop 6 by calling 302-633-5000. 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: 041121 0915

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Selbyville- Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died in the fatal motor vehicle collision on April 9, 2021, as 56-year-old Laura Madara of Selbyville, DE.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Cpl/1 Ryan Albert 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 Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Collision- Selbyville

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: 041121 0817

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Dover– The following subjects are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at  http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.ttp://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 041021 0950

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 31-year-old Dereck Wells who is wanted for felony assault and related charges.

The incident occurred on April 9, 2021, at approximately 4:24 p.m., when troopers responded to Major Motors located at 2205 Mitch Road, Wilmington, for an assault. Investigation determined Wells and an acquaintance who had just purchased a vehicle from the business, returned after a check engine light came on. A 33-year-old male employee was diagnosing the problem when Wells became aggravated and began to strike the victim in the head several times with a handgun. Wells fled the business in the vehicle and has not been located since.

The victim who sustained lacerations to the head was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Troopers have been unable to locate Wells who currently has an active warrant out of Troop 6 for the following:

• Assault 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Dereck Wells is asked to contact Troop 6, at 302-633-5000 or by calling 911. 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: 041021 0810

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Selbyville- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred yesterday afternoon.

On April 9, 2021, at approximately 12:59 p.m., a yellow 2006 Ford F-250 Selbyville Fire Police truck, was stationary facing north on Polly Branch Road in the southbound lane just north of Lighthouse Road, with its emergency equipment activated. The vehicle was being utilized to assist with traffic control while on scene for a separate motor vehicle crash.

As the scene cleared, the Ford F-250 operated by a 79-year-old male of Selbyville began to reverse in a southerly direction towards Lighthouse Road. At this time, the pedestrian was standing behind the Ford and was subsequently struck.

The pedestrian, a 56-year-old female of Selbyville, was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. Her identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Polly Branch Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the collision should contact Cpl/1 Ryan Albert 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 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: 041021 0715

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