Wilmington– The Delaware State Police are attempting to identify four suspects involved in a shoplifting turned robbery, which occurred at the Dollar Tree located at 3602 Miller Road, Wilmington.

On April 5th, 2021, at approximately 1:25 p.m., the above four depicted suspects entered the Dollar Tree located at 3602 Miller Rd. Wilmington, DE 19802, and proceeded to shoplift multiple items. While fleeing, S1 punched a store employee in the left eye, causing a laceration, and breaking his prescription glasses. Upon exiting, all four suspects ran behind the Dollar Tree towards PS DuPont Middle School.

The suspects are described as four juveniles approximately 15-20-years-old.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspects should contact Detective Kirchenbauer with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-365-8428. 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. (1800 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: 040921 1709

Lewes- Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died in a fatal ATV crash on April 6, 2021, as Margaret Browne, 16, of Rehoboth Beach, DE.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate this collision. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Cpl/1 A. Mitchell with the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-644-5020.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal ATV Accident- Lewes

*Update #1- Victim Injury Status* Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal ATV Accident- 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 040821 1000

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Delaware- In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiated the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to reduce deaths on U.S. highways. The campaign targeted distracted and impaired driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts and the unsafe driving behaviors of operators of large trucks and buses. A combination of education and awareness, partnering with other agencies, and high-visibility traffic enforcement were used to achieve the campaign goals. These successful efforts gave the IACP a desire to continue the campaign annually.

Delaware State Police have coordinated the “Drive to Save Lives” efforts at least once a year, specifically on Delaware’s portion of I-95 for the past several years. Working alongside DSP there are 14 other participating state police and highway patrol agencies that patrol portions of I-95. Over the past four years DSP has taken their campaign coordination efforts a step further. In 2017, DSP began requesting other Delaware law enforcement agencies having patrol-related duties to be included in the campaign. As a result, numerous agencies throughout the state have been participating in this campaign. This year is proving to become the greatest teamwork effort with at least 30 Delaware municipal agencies slated to participate in the April 9^th and 10^th campaign.

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety has continued to be a supporter of the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign. All law enforcement agencies, along with the Office of Highway Safety, are looking forward to working together during April’s campaign. With the Office of Highway Safety’s assistance, Delaware’s participating law enforcement agencies are better able to supply personnel for these high-visibility patrols.

“The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is pleased to support the Delaware State Police and municipal agencies from across the state in the “Drive to Save Lives” initiative. This is an opportunity for Delaware to participate in a nationwide event, focusing on multiple highway safety priorities, using data-driven enforcement methods and education to decrease the high-risk behaviors of drivers. These partners are committed to decreasing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways and it’s initiatives like this that can help us achieve that goal,” Sarah Cattie, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

The Delaware State Police will be coordinating the I-95 effort, as well as the portion of the campaign that extends to other roadways throughout the state. DSP will be patrolling the state’s main corridors, while the municipal agencies will be patrolling their specific jurisdictions. The team of agencies will be highly motivated to perform traffic stops, educate operators, and issue citations. The ultimate goal is to provide education and enforcement that will lead to a decrease in the number of crashes throughout Delaware not only on April 9^th and 10^th, but into the future.

“The Delaware State Police are proud to partner with our allied agencies around the State in the 2021 Drive to Save Lives campaign.  While utilizing education and proactive enforcement strategies, Troopers will engage motorists each day with the intention to enhance driver safety and reduce fatal and serious injury collisions.   Along with our highway safety partners, we are dedicated to this nationwide effort and to our shared goals of keeping Delawareans and our visitors safe.”  Colonel Melissa Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 040821 0905

Lewes–The Delaware State Police is providing the following updated information in regards to the fatal ATV crash that occurred last evening.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries. She is in stable condition. 

A 15-year-old female of Delaware was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries. She is in stable condition.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. She was treated and released.

A 17-year-old female of Delaware was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. She was treated and released.

Preliminary reports provided at the time of dispatch stated a deer was involved in the collision. The investigation has determined there were no deer or animals involved in this collision. 

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal ATV Accident- Lewes

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Cpl/1 Andrew Mitchell 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 040721 1410

Lewes- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal ATV crash that occurred Tuesday evening.

On April 6, 2021, at approximately 6:47 p.m., a John Deere Gator ATV was traveling northbound on a private asphalt driveway located off of Robinsonville Road. The operator attempted to negotiate a left curve at a high rate of speed, at which time the ATV began skidding and exited the east edge of the driveway. As it slid off the roadway, it began to overturn, striking a tree and coming to rest on its roof.

The John Deere Gator is a side-by-side ATV, equipped with two passenger seats with seatbelts and a rear utility bed. At this time, the seating positions of the five occupants riding on the ATV are unknown due to the investigation still active and ongoing. All occupants were ejected from the ATV as it overturned.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries.

A 15-year-old female of Delaware was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries.

A 16-year-old female of Delaware was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

A 17-year-old female of Delaware was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Cpl/1 Andrew Mitchell 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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 040721 1016

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police have arrested 32-year-old Maurice Cole of Newark, in connection with a shoplifting turned robbery that took place at the Shell gas station late Monday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m., April 5, 2021, at the Shell gas station located at 299 Christiana Road, New Castle, when troopers responded to a shoplifting turned robbery. Investigation determined that Maurice Cole removed lottery tickets from the sales counter and attempted to exit the store without paying. A 47-year-old male employee confronted Cole and a struggled ensued. Troopers arrived on scene and witnessed the physical altercation. Troopers gave verbal commands to Cole which he did not follow. After several announcements were made without compliance, a trooper deployed his taser which was unsuccessful. After a brief struggle Cole was successfully taken into custody. Upon apprehension, troopers discovered Cole was in possession of 85 Oxycodone pills without a prescription.

Cole was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Offensive Touching
• Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications – 2 counts
• Resisting Arrest

Cole was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $36,200 secured bail.

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. (1800 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: 040621 1038

-End-

Maricruz Sanchez

Harrington- The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has identified the victim involved in the shooting incident that occurred on March 31, 2021, as Maricruz Sanchez, 20, of Milford. On April 2, 2021, Sanchez died from her injuries sustained during the incident. 

At approximately 3:15 p.m., Sanchez was driving westbound on Milford Harrington Highway in the area of Sandbox Road when an unknown suspect in a dark-colored SUV crossed the double yellow line and pulled alongside her vehicle. The suspect then fired a gun numerous times into her car before fleeing the scene. An autopsy conducted by the Division of Forensic Science revealed Sanchez was shot multiple times in the upper torso. Although the investigation is in the early stages, it appears Sanchez was targeted in retaliation for an earlier incident in which she was not involved. Sanchez, the mother of two young children, was an innocent victim. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit seeks the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in this senseless crime.

Suspect Vehicle

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Det. D. Grassi with the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 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. 

 *Update #3* Delaware State Police Investigating Shooting Incident- Harrington

*Update #2* Delaware State Police Investigating Shooting- Harrington

*Update #1* Traffic Advisory Road Closure- Harrington

*Traffic Advisory- Roadway Closure* Milford-Harrington Hwy- Harrington

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: 040521 1718

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Harrington- Delaware State Police arrested a Harrington man after he shot at a vehicle.

On April 4, 2021, at approximately 5:40p.m., troopers received a report of shots fired in the 100 block of Fox Hunters Road, Harrington. The investigation determined, Donald C. Spiering, 71, of Harrington, was standing in the front yard of his residence when he shot at a Hyundai Accent driving by with a rifle. The vehicle which was occupied by a 19-year-old male and 18-year-old male, was struck once in the passenger side. Spiering and the 18-year-old male are acquaintances. No one was injured during the incident.

Spiering was contacted at his residence where he was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• 2 counts- Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony)
• 2 counts- Aggravated Menacing- (Felony)

Spiering  was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $14,000.00 secured bond.

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: 040521 0926

-End-

Newark- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday afternoon.

On April 3, 2021, at approximately 2:40 p.m., a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, was traveling on Stanton Christiana Road (Route 7) northbound in the right lane of travel approaching the intersection with Old Stanton Christiana Road. A 2012 Mazda 3, was traveling on Route 7 southbound approaching the same intersection and entered the left turn lane at the intersection. The Silverado proceeded to enter the intersection as its traffic control signal was green. Tthe traffic signal for Route 7 southbound was green for through traffic. The Mazda failed to yield the right of way and turned left entering into the path of the Silverado. The front of Silverado struck the front right corner of the Mazda within the intersection. After impact, the Silverado struck a guardrail and curb located along the eastern edge of Route 7 north of the intersection where it came to its final resting location.  The Mazda spun and came to rest in the northbound lanes of Route 7 north of the collision scene.

The operator of the Silverado was a 67-year-old male of Wilmington. He and his 67-year-old female passenger of Wilmington were transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance  for medical treatment.

The operator of the Mazda was an 87-year-old female of Wilmington who was properly restrained. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance where she was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.

Route 7 northbound was completely shut down for approximately 3.5 hours due to the investigation.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the collision. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Cpl/1 M. Callio 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 .

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: 040421 2307

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Seaford- Delaware State Police have identified the individual who died during an officer involved shooting on March 25, 2021, as Kelly E. Rooks, 51, of Seaford.

This case remains an active investigation being conducted by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.

*Update #2* Notice of Increased Police Presence- Seaford

*Update #1* Notice of Increased Police Presence- Seaford

Notice of Increased Police Presence- Seaford

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. (1800 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: 040321 0800