Delaware- Delaware State Police Dispatch Centers are currently experiencing a state wide interruption in service. Anyone attempting to call 911 either by cellphone or landline will experience a busy signal.  At this time the issue is being addressed and it is unknown how long the 911 phone service will be unavailable. If you need to report an emergency, you are encouraged to text 911 and type your emergency in the message field.

An update will be provided once additional information is available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 092820 1930

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Smyrna, DE– Over the course of the past several weeks, troopers have investigated multiple thefts of property from vehicles parked in the Smyrna area.

The Delaware State Police would like to remind everyone these safety tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

• Keep the doors of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, checkbooks, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
• Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload, such as using storage containers to transport.
• Lock your glove box, which should only store your registration and insurance cards. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it in a safe place in your residence.
• Do not leave items that have a perceived value, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be within the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store or house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
• If possible, keep your vehicle parked under a lighted area that you can check on from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors and fellow citizens, as you would want them to do the same for you. Pay attention and be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood and community.

If you See Something-Say Something, by reporting all suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact Det. K. Diaz with Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-698-8426 or emailing, Kelly.diaz@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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:092820 1920

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Felton- Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Hector M. Amaro Cruz of Felton on felony criminal charges following an incident Sunday evening.

On September 27, 2020, at 6:13 p.m., Delaware State Police responded to Sandlewood Court, Felton, for a reckless endangering incident. The investigation revealed that Cruz was driving a 1997 Toyota Corolla on Sandlewood Court while a 28-year-old male acquaintance and 6-year-old male were riding their bicycles on the road. As Cruz approached the individuals, he began driving straight toward them and accelerated in an attempt to strike them. Cruz was unsuccessful in hitting the victims, at which time he exited the vehicle with a bat and attempted to strike the 28-year-old. A struggle ensued, and the victim was able to gain control of the bat, at which time, Cruz produced a kitchen knife and attempted to stab the victim. The victim was uninjured, but Cruz tried to strike the victims two more times with his vehicle as they fled the area. On the final attempt, the 28-year-old male had to jump in the air and walked across the vehicle as it passed by. He was not injured.

Cruz was taken into custody and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (felony)
• Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (2 counts- felony)
• Menacing

Cruz was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $20,500.00 bond.

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: 092820 1442

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Felton- Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Michael T. Nickles of Dover for criminal and traffic charges following a traffic stop on September 24, 2020.

At approximately 2:08 p.m., a BOLO was broadcasted for a beige passenger car traveling at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles on the shoulder of the roadway northbound on US 13 in the Felton area. A trooper in the area of US 13 and Canterbury Road observed a beige Toyota Avalon operating at a high rate of speed passing vehicles. The trooper activated his emergency lights, and the Avalon swerved to the shoulder of the roadway and stopped directly behind the patrol vehicle. The operator, later identified as Nichols, quickly exited the Avalon and began acting disorderly on the road’s shoulder before complying with the troopers’ command to reenter his vehicle. The troopers’ investigation revealed Nickles was passing cars on the shoulder of the roadway, braking suddenly in front of vehicles, traveling at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at a red light, and backed up on the highway. It was also discovered Nickles was driving with no insurance, which resulted in an inventory search of the vehicle conducted before being towed. During the search, the following items were discovered:

• 13 units of assorted cannabis-infused candies
• 18 units of THC cartridges weighing approximately 7.03 grams
• $995.00 in suspected drug proceeds
• Drug paraphernalia
• Six Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Signs

Nickles was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Theft under $1,500
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Aggressive Driving
• Disorderly Conduct
• Failure to have Required Insurance
• Failure to have Registration Card in Possession
• Speeding in Excess of 55 MPH
• Failure to Stop at Red Light
• Passing on the Right
• Failure to Signal
• Improper Backing
• Failure to Report Change of Address

Nickles was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on a $4,407.00 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 092520

Dover – The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address. If anyone knows the location of these subjects, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com/

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 092520 1554

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 092520 1526

• Sussex County- Delaware State Police are attempting to locate 21-year-old Khalil Reid of Sussex County, DE.

Reid is currently wanted in connection to multiple incidents that occurred during the month of August, at produce stands located in the Millsboro and Laurel area.  The suspect after locating a produce stand, would enter the property and attempt to locate or locate a cash box within. If a cashbox was locked, the lock was cut and any money located inside was removed.

Anyone with information regarding Reid’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective L. Coleman with Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit, at 302- 752-3813 or Lindsay.coleman@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by calling 911 or Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

*Update- Additional Photograph Released* Troopers Attempt to Identify Felony Theft Suspect- Sussex County

Troopers Attempt to Identify Felony Theft Suspect- Sussex County

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: 092420 1148

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Wilmington– Delaware State Police are investigating a triple shooting that occurred on Governor Printz Blvd. in Wilmington, Wednesday evening.

At approximately 5:39 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Troopers responded to the 4800 block of Governor Printz Blvd. in Wilmington, for a shooting that involved three victims. Upon arrival, three males ages 21, 19, and 17 were located with single gunshot wounds. The males were subsequently transported to an area hospital where they were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The initial investigation determined the three male victims were in front of the Bella Italy restaurant located inside of a strip mall, when two suspects standing at the North end of the strip mall began firing numerous rounds at them. The three male victims were all shot one time. Two victims were wounded in their lower extremities and one in the upper torso.

Two vehicles were struck and the glass door to Bella Italy was shattered from gunfire.  

The suspects fled the scene on foot behind the strip mall. There is no suspect information at this time.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sergeant Taylor of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit by calling 302-365-8462.

 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:092420 1119

New Castle County-  The Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about leaving their cars unattended while idling.

The Delaware State Police, Troop 2 Property Crimes Unit has recently been handling a rash of vehicle thefts occurring in the New Castle County area.  A large majority of the thefts have occurred from gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, and unlocked.

The most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase. Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots and once they see a car is left unattended, all they have to do is walk up and drive away.

Delaware law states; (Title 21, § 4182) Unattended motor vehicle.  No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.  For a first offense, a fine of $25.00 – $75.00 can be imposed.

The suspects in these most recent cases appear to be juvenile males.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Property Cimes Unit at (302) 365-8430.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 092420 1002

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Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that occurred at approximately 10:14 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2020, on Fashion Center Boulevard.

The initial investigation has determined a Suzuki GSXR 750 operated by a 16 year-old male from Newark, DE, was stopped in the fire lane facing east in front of REI Sporting Goods store located at 2300 Fashion Center Blvd. A 2008 Infiniti G35 began racing westbound in the fire lane and was approaching the Suzuki at a high rate of speed. The front of the Infiniti struck the front of the motorcycle and ejected the 16 year-old operator and his 17 year-old female passenger.

The operator of Suzuki was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The female passenger on the Suzuki was transported to Christiana Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the Infiniti, a 20 year-old male from Newark initially fled on foot, but was later taken into custody at the Christiana Hospital. The 20 year-old male who was not wearing a seatbelt was treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the crash, charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Breen of the 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, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 092420 0935