The Delaware State Police is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Tuesday night at a convenience store in New Castle.

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers responded to a report of shots fired at the Wawa located at 4000 North Dupont Highway. The preliminary investigation revealed two men arrived at the location, parked their vehicle, and entered the store. Upon exiting, they encountered a group of three men, and a confrontation occurred for unknown reasons. The two men initially returned to their vehicle but later came back to the store in search of the three individuals. Both groups ultimately located one another in the parking lot, where multiple shots were fired. All parties fled the scene following the shooting.

There were no reported injuries, and two vehicles were struck by gunfire.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective M. Conway at (302) 365-8411. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 41-year-old Shelly Sortino of Milton, Delaware for a robbery that occurred last night in Lewes.

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. troopers responded to Dollar General, located at 1549 Savannah Road in Lewes, for a report of a robbery. When troopers arrived, they learned that a white female suspect, wearing white sweatpants, a dark colored sweatshirt, and a mask, approached two employees, implied she had a gun, and demanded money. The suspect accessed the register, stole money, and fled in a blue Ford Focus with a Delaware tag.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., troopers responded to the 14000 block of Staytonville Road in Lincoln for a report of a disabled blue Ford Focus in the roadway. When troopers arrived, they spoke to the driver, who matched the description of the robbery suspect and identified her as Shelly Sortino. A computer check showed that Sortino had an active capias warrant, and the license plate on the Focus was stolen. Through investigative means, troopers identified Sortino as the suspect in the robbery, and she was arrested without incident.

Sortino was taken to Troop 7, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $33,000 secured bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree – Uses/Threatens Use of Dangerous Instrument (Felony)
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Charles Carter, from Wilmington, Delaware, for robbery and related charges in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in November.

On November 14, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at La Oaxaquena Grocery Store, located at 107 North Maryland Avenue, in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that two unknown suspects entered the store and demanded money from a store employee. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at customers and employees during the incident. The armed suspect lost balance while reaching over the counter and subsequently fired a single shot. No one was injured. The suspects fled with money, an employee’s personal property, and then drove away in a dark colored sedan.

Detectives identified the getaway vehicle as a black Hyundai Elantra with a Virginia tag. On November 15, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from the Wilmington Police Department located the Elantra, stopped it, and identified the driver as Ignacio Reyes-Hernandez. State police detectives took Reyes-Hernandez into custody and determined he was one of the suspects involved in the robbery. Through investigative means, detectives identified the second suspect they were looking for as Charles Carter and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On January 12, 2026, the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Camry where Carter was a passenger. He was arrested without incident and during a search of his person, detectives found 9mm ammunition and 6 oxycodone pills. During a search of the Camry, detectives found approximately 0.68 grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale. Carter was also wanted for several shoplifting incidents at Concord Mall and Christiana Mall. The other occupants were arrested for misdemeanor offenses.

Carter was taken to Troop 6, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $78,280 cash and secured bonds.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon Within 10 Years of Prior Conviction of Any Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony (Felony)
• Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts
• Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
• Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Attempted Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
• Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 2 counts
• Conspiracy 3rd Degree – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 2 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Delaware State Police are investigating a convenience store robbery that occurred early this morning in Wilmington.

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., troopers responded to 7-Eleven, located at 2100 Foulk Road, in Wilmington, for a report of an armed robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown male suspect entered the store, approached the store employee with a gun, and demanded money. The employee did not comply, and the suspect removed money from register, as well as cigarettes, and ran away. No one was injured during the incident. Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a male, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, gloves, light colored backpack, and a face mask. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the robbery, or has relevant information, to contact Detective B. Timmons at (302) 365-8434. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police have identified 37-year-old Linwood Owens, Jr. of Georgetown, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal crash Sunday night in Milford.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Amanda Seward of Georgetown, Delaware, for possession of a destructive weapon and drug charges following a Probation and Parole search in Georgetown.

On January 7, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force was requested by Probation & Parole after they conducted an administrative search at probationer Amanda Seward’s residence on the 17000 block of McColley’s Chapel Road in Georgetown. During the search of the residence, probation officers found drugs, drug paraphernalia, and what appeared to be an explosive device. Seward and two men were detained without incident. Due to the circumstances, the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit responded and determined the device to be active and rendered it safe.

A search of the residence led to the discovery of the following items:

• Explosive device
• Approximately .07 grams of methamphetamine
• Approximately .06 grams of heroin
• 12 mg buprenorphine sublingual film
• 3 mg naloxone sublingual film
• Digital scale

Seward was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on a $1,500 unsecured bond but committed to Sussex Correctional Institution for probation violations. The two men were charged with misdemeanor offenses and released.

• Possession of a Destructive Weapon – Bomb (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 3 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday night in Milford after a suspect fled from a traffic stop.

On January 11, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation on Johnson Road near North Old State Road in Lincoln. A computer check also showed a registration violation for the vehicle. The trooper pulled the Altima over on North Old State Road, but after stopping, it sped away for unknown reasons before the trooper had exited their vehicle. During the ensuing pursuit, the Altima drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed on several area roads, and the pursuit was ultimately canceled for the safety of other motorists. Shortly after the pursuit was canceled, the Altima crashed on Lakeview Avenue within the city limits of Milford.

The preliminary crash investigation showed that, while traveling at a high rate of speed, the Altima left the roadway on the south side of Lakeview Avenue and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle then crossed West Clarke Avenue, striking a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard before spinning and ultimately colliding with a large tree.

The driver of the Altima, a 37-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Lakeview Avenue was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police arrested 64-year-old Whitey Moore of Felton, Delaware, for a fifth-offense felony DUI and related traffic charges following a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in Camden-Wyoming.

On January 10, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a trooper patrolling westbound on Henry Cowgill Road, near Dundee Road, saw a GMC Sierra weaving in and out of its lane. A computer search revealed the vehicle displayed an unregistered license plate. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as Moore, who showed several signs of impairment. During a search of the GMC, troopers located multiple bottles of alcohol that had been consumed. Moore was taken to Troop 3, where he continued to show signs of impairment, and a blood search warrant was obtained.

A computer check showed Moore had four prior DUI convictions and a suspended driver’s license.

Moore was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $5,700.00 cash bond.

• 5th Offense DUI (Felony)
• Driving while Suspended or Revoked
• Multiple Related Traffic Charges

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (SOAR) is issuing the following public notifications of homeless and wanted sex offenders.

Wanted Sex Offenders

SOAR is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address.  If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call (302) 672-5306.  Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individuals shown represent only a portion of the current wanted sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

Homeless Sex Offenders

The following individuals are not wanted for failing to register or re-register at their current address.  This is a homeless sex offender public notification.  If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call (302) 672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.  The individuals shown are those recently reported homeless and represent only a portion of the current homeless sex offenders. Please see the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website for the complete list.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Krista Rule of Wilmington, Delaware, for murder following a 2023 homicide in Dover.

On June 25, 2023, troopers responded to Case Ridge Road in Wolf Creek in Dover for a report that 72-year-old Denise Wood was found dead inside of her bedroom. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation and found that Wood had been stabbed to death. Through the course of the investigation, detectives ultimately identified the victim’s daughter, Krista Rule, as the suspect.

On January 6, 2026, after a thorough and detailed investigation by the DSP Homicide Unit, Rule was indicted by a Kent County Grand Jury for the murder of her mother.

On January 7, 2026, Rule was arrested and taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $2,100,000 cash bond.

• Murder 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.