Middletown– Delaware State Police have identified the name of the individual who died in a crash on December 24, 2020 on Marl Pit Road east of Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, as 90-year-old Walter Gee of Middletown, DE.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision- Middletown

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell 

Released: 122820 1251

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Newark– Delaware State Police have identified the name of the individual who died in a crash on December 24, 2020 on State Route 1 south of Interstate 95, Newark, as 34-year-old David West of Bear, DE.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Crash-Newark

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell 

Released: 122820 1238

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Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police have arrested 35-year-old Benjamin Buckley of Lewes for felony DUI and criminal charges after troopers responded to an overdose complaint.

The incident occurred on December 26, 2020, at approximately 10:24 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to Walmart located at 18922 Rehoboth Mall Boulevard, Rehoboth Beach, for a subject passed out inside of his vehicle with a syringe in his arm. Prior to trooper’s arrival, the subject drove away. Troopers then responded to the registered owner’s residence, and located the subject still seated in the driver seat with the ignition on. Upon contact with the operator, identified as Benjamin Buckley, troopers observed signs of impairment and an odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle. A DUI investigation ensued and a computer inquiry revealed Buckley had four previous DUI convictions.

A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 3.42 grams of marijuana, approximately .33 grams of crack cocaine, approximately .56 grams of heroin, 4 Buprenorphine Hydrochloride pills, and 1 Gabapentin pill.

Buckley was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 7 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• 5th Offense DUI-alcohol (felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3 counts
• Possession of a Prescription Drug without a Prescription
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession

Buckley was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $5,401.00 secured bail.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 122720 1057

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Bear- The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Dollar General located in Bear, DE.

The incident occurred on December 26, 2020 at approximately 7:05 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the Dollar General located at 1679 Pulaski Highway, Bear for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was learned that a male suspect approached the sales counter and handed an employee working the cash register a note implying he had a gun and demanded all the cash. The employee complied and the suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

There are currently no photos of the suspect available at this time.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Trooper Guevara of Troop 2 at 302-834-2620. 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@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 122720 0905

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Houston– The Delaware State Police arrested 30-year-old Dustin Edge of Harrington for Reckless Endangering and related charges for a shooting incident on December 25, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m.

Troopers responded to a residence located on Williamsville Road, Houston, for a report of a shooting. Through investigative means, it was determined Edge had a verbal altercation with a 49-year-old male acquaintance inside of the residence. During the argument Edge displayed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot him. Edge then fired one round at the victim striking the floor. The victim was not injured.

Edge fled the residence prior to police arrival. During the investigation, troopers located Edge hiding underneath a mobile home near the victims residence. Edge resisted and did not comply with Troopers commands to come out from underneath the mobile home. Edge was subsequently apprehended by a State Police Canine and taken into custody.

Edge was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (felony)
• Aggravated Menacing
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (felony)
• Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously Convicted of Two Violent Felonies (felony)
• Carrying A Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Resisting Arrest

Edge was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #7 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $42,000 cash 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. (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: 122620 0845

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Middletown- Delaware State Police is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Marl Pit Road east of Summit Bridge Road on Thursday afternoon.

On December 24, 2020, at approximately 1:38 p.m., a 2017 Silver Nissan Rogue operated by a 21-year-old male of Bear was traveling eastbound on Marl Pit Road in the direction of Cedar Lane Road. A gray 2020 Kia Soul was traveling eastbound on Marl Pit Road directly behind the Rogue. A 2019 black BMW X3 was traveling westbound in the same area on Marl Pit Road in the direction of Summit Bridge Road.

While traveling behind the Nissan, the Kia crosses the double line and begins to pass the Nissan on the left side. As the Kia was passing the Nissan, it traveled into the path of the BMW, and the front of the Kia collided with the front of the BMW. After the collision, the Kia entered back into the eastbound lane and the right front side collided with the left front side of the Nissan.

After the collisions, the vehicles remained on scene.

The Kia operated by a 90-year-old male of Middletown was pronounced at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin. The BMW, driven by an 80-year-old male of Middletown, was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. The Nissan operated by a 21-year-old male of Bear was uninjured.

Marl Pit Road between Summit Bridge Road and Cedar Lane Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway cleared.

This crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact Cpl/3 J. Breen with Delaware State Police Troop 2 Crash Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486. 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: 122620 0040

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Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 11:23 p.m., Thursday, December 24, 2020, on State Route 1 at Interstate 95.

The initial investigation has determined a 2007 Honda Civic, operated by a 34-year-old male from Bear, DE, was traveling northbound Route 1 south of the overpass for I-95. The Civic lost control and struck a concrete barrier on the right shoulder of the roadway. The Civic rotated in an unknown direction until it became disabled in the left lane of northbound Route 1. The operator of the Civic exited the vehicle and stood in the left lane. At the time, a 2014 Honda Accord was traveling northbound Route 1 in the left lane approaching the I-95 overpass. The front of the Accord struck the front of the Civic and then struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian/operator of the Civic was pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The operator of the Accord, a 54-year-old female from Townsend, DE was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

At the time of the collision there was steady rainfall and limited lighting in the area. The pedestrian was not wearing reflective material and was not carrying a flashlight.

State Route 1 northbound was closed for approximately 2 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8485. 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: 122520 0905

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Middletown – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:38 p.m., Thursday, December 24, 2020, on Marl Pit Road east of Summit Bridge Road. 

As a result of the crash, Marl Pit Road between Summit Bridge Road and Cedar Lane Road is closed. 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: 122420 1450

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Wilmington– The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in the parking lot of Exxon gas station located at 5301 Concord Pike, Wilmington, last night.

On December 23, 2020, at approximately 6:18 p.m., Troopers responded to a fight in the parking lot. Upon arrival Troopers contacted a 27-year-old male victim from Allentown, PA who advised while changing a tire in the parking lot, an unknown white male suspect approached him and asked for money. After the victim denied having any money, the suspect displayed a knife and removed the victim’s wallet from his jacket. The victim fought back against the suspect but was stabbed in the hand during the altercation. Additionally, the suspect attempted steal the victim’s vehicle, but was unsuccessful. Prior to fleeing the area on foot, the suspect slashed both driver side tires on the victim’s vehicle.

The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.

The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5’8”-5’10” tall.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspect should contact Cpl. Galiani with the Delaware State Police Troop 1 by calling 302-761-6677. 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: 122420 1203

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Dover- This Christmas holiday was extra special this year for a Dover family after receiving the gift of “Operation Save Christmas,” which was created by two Delaware State Troopers. 

Cpl/1 Kevin Schrader and TFC Courtney Aquino both assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 3, had the opportunity to meet the family during a call for service recently. Through their interaction with the family, the troopers learned the 4-year-old female and 5-year-old male children had never experienced the magic of Christmas the way many children are fortunate to.

After handling and clearing the call for service, the troopers felt they needed to do more to help these children and family have a magical Christmas. Cpl/1 Schrader and TFC Aquino knew during a pandemic receiving donations would be difficult, but they were up for the challenge. Through a social media post, the community had an opportunity to learn about Operation Save Christmas and the troopers’ goal of giving these children a Christmas as they have never been able to experience. The community’s response and the outpouring of support were more successful than the troopers could have imagined. 

With the donations raised, new toys, educational books, bicycles, two twin size bed sets, and non-perishable food items were purchased for the family. On December 21, 2020, in addition to Cpl/1 Schrader and TFC Aquino, additional troopers assigned to Troop 3 helped this Christmas be a magical one for the children. Santa (played by Delaware State Trooper Cpl/3 Roy Bryant) even made a special visit to help deliver the children’s gifts.

With the community’s overwhelming support, an additional $315.00 was donated to Delaware State Police Troop 9, who adopted a Dover family to help them have a Merry Christmas.   

Through this chance encounter, the troopers are inspired to continue their mission in the future to help other Kent County families in need, and as a result, “Operation Save Christmas” was born.

The Delaware State Police would like to thank everyone who helped make “Operation Save Christmas” a huge success and wish the citizens of Delaware a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 122420 1145

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