Delaware – Delaware State Police wish everyone a happy holiday as family and friends gather to enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities.

As we take time this holiday to celebrate, we must not forget the dangers that can arise from traveling on our roadways. Troopers will be patrolling the roadways this holiday to ensure everyone will arrive at their destination safely.

In addition, throughout the state, Delaware State Police will be focusing on safety and enforcement which include distracted driving, motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, aggressive driving and especially, driving under the influence.

By following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy safe holiday travel without jeopardizing their life or the lives of others on the road:

• Ensure all occupants are properly restrained.
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk or aggressive driver on the road, immediately contact 911 as soon as safely possible.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Delaware State Police would also like to remind motorists of the following safety tips:

• Plan your trip before you embark on your journey.
• Have your car checked by a mechanic. Make sure all fluid levels are checked and your vehicle is in top running condition.
• Take a break every two hours on long trips and take turns driving. Studies have shown that weary drivers are just as much a threat as drunk drivers are on our highways.
• Don’t let your children go to a rest stop alone. When taking a break, always accompany your children to the rest area facilities.

As you begin traveling this holiday we would like to cover a few safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

While Traveling

• Be aware of the current road conditions.

• Park in a well-lit and well-traveled areas.

• Keep your car’s doors locked at all times.

• Don’t use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

• Don’t place your baggage or other valuables in a place where criminals can easily see them.

• Park as close as you can to your destination and always remember to turn off your car, lock and remove your keys when exiting.

• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and never carry a large amount of cash or valuables.

• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.

• Don’t drink and drive, and don’t ride with anyone who has been drinking

While at your destination

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

• Be able to describe your exact location in an emergency situation.

• Teach your child to go and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.

• Teach children to stay close to you at all times.

• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.

• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone or should never be left alone in a car.
• If you’ve had something stolen or have been the victim of a crime, it’s important to report the incident immediately by calling 911.

Added crime prevention tips while you are away from home.

-Remember to place your mail, packages, and newspaper on hold. Criminals notice when the mail piles up or newspapers are scattered on the lawn. Criminals know this is a good indication that you are out of town.

-Place your lights, televisions, and radios on timers. This provides the image that someone is home. Be sure to close all blinds to ensure a potential criminal does not have the ability to peer inside your residence and monitor activity.

-Be sure to lock all doors, windows, garage doors, storage sheds, vehicles, and gates prior to leaving your residence.

-Remember to set your security alarm system if you have one. Test your system prior to leaving, to ensure it is functioning correctly. Ensure your personal contact information is also up-to-date; to ensure your alarm monitoring company has the ability to reach you.

-Have a close trustworthy friend or relative check on your residence while you are away.

-As excited as you may be to update your friends about your travel on social media, you may strongly wish to reconsider. Remember, anyone that is able to access your social media profile, will gain insight that you are away. Potential criminals pay attention to these details and could attempt to break into your home.

Delaware State Police would like to remind everyone that your safety is our priority and we wish you an enjoyable and safe Happy Thanksgiving.

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Presented by Delaware State Police Public Information Officer- Master Corporal Heather Pepper 

Released: 112520 1130

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police have identified 40-year-old, Leah Baldwin of Wilmington, as the pedestrian who was killed in a hit and run motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 9:25 p.m., Saturday, November 21,2020, on Naamans Road in the area of Marsh Road.

Click on the following link to view to view the original release: *UPDATE* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Crash Naamans Road at Marsh Road- Wilmington

*Traffic Advisory Road Closure* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Crash Naamans Road at Marsh Road- Wilmington

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision 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. (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, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:112420 0715

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police arrested 27-year-old Donte Wilkie of Landsdowne, PA, on weapon and traffic charges following a traffic stop Saturday morning.

On November 21, 2020, at approximately 9:41 a.m., a trooper on patrol on I-495 northbound observed a grey Dodge Charger traveling northbound in the left lane of I-495 at 106 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. As the trooper was approaching the vehicle from the rear, it made a quick lane change without signaling. A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the operator, Donte Wilkie.  Upon contact with the operator, a strong odor of marijuana was detected and a criminal investigation ensued. Located in the Charger during the investigation were the following items:

• 1- loaded extended 9mm magazine
• 1- loaded black F&N 9mm firearm
• $2,427.00 in suspected drug proceeds
• Approximately 10.62 grams of marijuana
• 1- large hunting knife

Wilkie was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Instrument
• Possession of Marijuana (Civil Violation)
• Reckless Driving
• Failure to Signal
• Speeding in Excess of 65mph
• Operating a Vehicle with Window Tint

Wilkie was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on his Own Recognizance.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 112220 1135

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal hit and run pedestrian accident that occurred Saturday night on Naamans Road east of Marsh Road.

On November 21, 2020, at approximately 9:38 p.m., a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Naamans Road in the left lane in the direction of Darley Road. A 40-year-old female from Wilmington was crossing Naamans Road from an unknown direction but was in the left lane of eastbound Naamans Road. The font left of the vehicle struck the pedestrian in the left lane which resulted in the pedestrian landing in the left turn lane of Naamans Road. The vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel. A 2017 Chevrolet Volt operated by a 58-year-old female from Wilmington was traveling westbound on Naamans Road in the left turn lane in the direction of Marsh Road. The operator was unable to observe the pedestrian in the left turn lane which resulted in the pedestrian being struck. The vehicle came to a controlled stop and stayed on scene after the collision. The operator and 60-year-old male of Wilmington, 30-year-old male of Trumansburg, NY, and 45-year-old female of Trumansburg, NY passengers were not injured.

Identification of victim is pending notification to next of kin.

The hit and run vehicle may be black in color with heavy front left, left side damage, and missing the driver’s side mirror.

This crash remains an active and ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this crash should contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 Crash 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 .

*Traffic Advisory Road Closure* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Crash Naamans Road at Marsh Road- Wilmington

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 112220 0915

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police is issuing a traffic advisory for Naamans Road at Marsh Road. Due to an accident involving a pedestrian, eastbound and westbound Naamans Road is currently closed. Travelers are urged to seek alternate routes of travel.

For up to date traffic information, please visit:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 112120 2219

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/3 Heather Pepper

Released: 112020 2200

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Dover- Delaware State Police are investigating a convenience store robbery that occurred early Thursday morning. 

On November 19, 2020, at approximately 12:17 a.m., troopers responded to Royal Farms located at 6 West Lebanon Road, Dover, for a robbery. The initial investigation revealed the suspect entered the business and placed a food order at the kiosk. He approached the front counter, advised the cashier he forgot his card to pay, and exited the business. A short time later, the suspect returned and approached the 20-year-old male cashier and demanded money. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the business and walking eastbound through the parking lot. No weapon was displayed during the robbery, and no one was injured. 

The suspect was described as a light-skin black male, approximately 40-years-old, approximately 5’5″, and stocky build. He was wearing a beanie-style hat, dark-colored jacket, and jeans. No surveillance footage is available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective J. Buzzuro with Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-698-8502 or emailing Jennifer.Buzzuro@delaware.gov. 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111920 0957

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Delaware– Delaware State Police would like to remind motorists the deer rut and hunting season is in effect; therefore, we would like to help prevent the spike in deer-related crashes that typically occur every fall in Delaware. The friendly reminders will hopefully keep our drivers safe, more alert and will also lead them to slow down during this specific time of the year.

The majority of deer activity resulting in crashes occur during the dusk and dawn hour on main roads as well as back roads.

Please be careful when traveling and keep a sharp eye out for deer crossing roadways, especially at dusk. Deer are even more active due to their annual mating season ‘rut’ in November with bucks chasing doe through fields, marshes and woods. The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs approximately 130 pounds, with larger bucks tipping the scales at 180 pounds or more. With the increased white-tailed deer activity, Delaware motorists are kindly reminded to stay alert and to be ready for a deer to dart out into the roadway from dusk to dawn.

A deer crash can result in serious injury or death to you or your passengers as well as serious damage to your vehicle.

Attentive driving and slow speeds are the best ways to avoid deer crashes.

To reduce your risk of injury in a collision, always wear your seatbelt.

Turn your headlights on at dawn and dusk and keep your eyes on the road, scanning the sides of the road as well as what’s ahead of you. When there is no oncoming traffic, switch to high beams to better reflect the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.

Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs that mark commonly-traveled areas, and be aware that deer typically cross between areas of cover, such as woods or where roads divide agricultural fields from woods.

If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down immediately and proceed with caution until you are past the crossing point. Deer usually travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are likely to be others.

Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer crashes.

Do NOT feel more secure on highways just because they are better lit than back roads- speeds are higher and deer eyes are more difficult to see on highways- so drive cautiously and remain alert at all times.

Do NOT take your eyes off of the roadway. It’s that split second of changing the radio channel, or reaching for something that can make the difference to avoid a deer.

Do not swerve to miss a deer – brake and stay in your lane. Losing control of your vehicle, crossing into another lane, hitting an oncoming vehicle or leaving the roadway and hitting another obstacle such as a tree or a pole is likely to be much more serious than hitting a deer.

If you hit a deer, stop at the scene, get your car off the road if possible and call police. Do not touch the animal or get too close. “A frightened and wounded deer can cause serious injury to a well-meaning person trying to ‘help.’ You could be bitten, kicked or even gored by a buck’s antlers. Keep a safe distance and wait for troopers to arrive.

The Delaware State Police issues this traffic advisory and wish you safe travels as you reach your destination.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111820 1045

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Bridgeville- Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Andre A. Mifflin of Blades on criminal and traffic charges following a pursuit Monday.

On November 16, 2020, at approximately 9:55 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Seashore Highway and Oak Road observed a white Ford Focus traveling southbound on Oak Road approaching the stop sign at Seashore Highway. The vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and turned westbound on Seashore Highway. The trooper activated his emergency equipment and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle continued traveling on Seashore Highway, failing to remain within a single lane and turned southwest onto Cannon Road. The car approached the red light at the intersection of Sussex Highway and came to a brief stop before turning left on southbound Sussex Highway. The Ford continued traveling southbound on Sussex Highway, making numerous traffic violations before turning right on High Street into Blades’ town limits. He came to a complete stop in a private driveway on East High Street. The vehicle operator, later identified as Andre A. Mifflin, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. Also located in the front seat of the Ford was a 14-year-old male. An odor of marijuana was detected emitting from inside the vehicle, and a criminal investigation ensued. Mifflin was suspected of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and drug paraphernalia was located in the car. Mifflin was taken into custody and transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• Driving While Suspended
• Possession of a Suspended License
• Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
• Failed to Remain in a Single Lane (5 counts)
• Failure to Obey a Traffic Device (3 counts)

Mifflin was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and sentenced to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $2,760.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111720 1338

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Georgetown- During the first week of November, multiple vehicles were broken into in the Georgetown area and numerous debit and credit cards were stolen.  Through the investigation, detectives discovered one of the stolen credit cards was used at a convenience store in Harbeson and photographs of the suspects were obtained.

The male suspect is described as approximately 16 to 20 years old, 5′ 5″ to 5′ 7″, and thin build.

The female suspect is described as approximately 16 to 20 years old, approximately 5′ 3″ to 5′ 5″, long brown hair and thin build.

The suspects are possibly operating a white Ford Fusion.

302-752-3793.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 111620 1717

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