Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious crash that occurred at approximately 5:51 a.m., on July 10, 2020.

As a result of this crash and ongoing investigation, southbound SR 141 at Kennett Pike is closed at this time.

Motorists will experience delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated traffic conditions and road closure information log on to: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:071020 0649

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Wilmington– The Delaware State Police are attempting to identify the suspect involved in a burglary, which occurred at St. Helena’s Church located at 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington.

On July 3, 2020, at approximately 12:05 a.m., the pictured suspect entered the old school at St. Helena’s Church where he remained inside for several hours loading food and kitchen equipment onto an industrial cart owned by the church. The suspect exited the school, at approximately 3:00 a.m., pulling the cart and fled on foot towards Bellefonte Avenue.

The suspect is described as a black male with receding hair line. He was wearing light colored clothing, diamond earring, and large watch.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspect should contact Detective S. Mauchin with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling : (302) 365-8414 or emailing Scott.Mauchin@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. (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, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070920 1355

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Delaware- The Delaware State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit will be participating in the Operation Safe Driver Week initiative during the week of July 12, 2020, with its main focus to be speeding violations.

This week-long initiative will consist of Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspectors specifically targeting speeding violations by both commercial motor vehicle operators, as well as regular motorists engaging in unsafe driving behaviors in the vicinity of commercial motor vehicles. In addition to the main target being speeding, the Delaware State Police Patrol Units will also be looking for other violations throughout our roadways, to include distracted driving, failure to use a seatbelt, following too closely, improper lane change, reckless or aggressive driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, and driving under the influence. All of these violations will be tracked during the Operation Safe Driver Week initiative.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts report, historically, drivers’ actions have contributed to 94% of all traffic related crashes.  While in 2018, NHTSA’s crash fatality data showed a 2.4% decline in overall fatalities, the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks increased by 0.9%.

It’s essential that this enforcement initiative, which focuses on identifying and deterring unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, go on as scheduled,” said Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “As passenger vehicle drivers are limiting their travel to necessary trips and many commercial motor vehicle drivers are busy transporting vital goods to stores, it’s more important than ever to monitor our roadways for safe transport.”

It has been shown through Data that traffic enforcement interactions between drivers and law enforcement officers reduces targeted problematic behaviors. CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week aims to reduce high-risk driving behaviors through traffic enforcement strategies.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 070920 1038

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Delaware State Police Divisional Headquarters, Dover – The Delaware State Police proudly announces its new Superintendent, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, appointed by Governor John Carney, today, July 9, 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel Zebley is a 28-year member of the Division and was appointed as a trooper in July of 1992. Upon completion of her academy training, she was assigned to Troop 6, Prices Corner. In September 1997 she was transferred to the academy as a Drill Instructor. She served that function until December 2001.  In April 2002 Zebley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to Troop 1, Penny Hill.  She served as a patrol supervisor until October 2005 when she was transferred to the Public Information Office and later assumed the role of Director. In February 2007 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Headquarters as the Fiscal Officer for the Division. In April 2009 she was transferred to Troop 2 near Glasgow where she was in charge of patrol operations for the troop. In August 2009 Zebley was promoted to Captain and was transferred to Troop 1 as the Commander. In September 2010, she was promoted to Major and served on the Executive Staff as the Administrative Officer and the New Castle County Operations Officer.  In August 2019, Major Zebley was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, appointed by the Superintendent, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.  She will take command of the Delaware State Police on Monday, July 13, 2020 serving as the agency’s 26^th Superintendent.

In 1991, Lieutenant Colonel Zebley graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2000. She continued her education and earned a Master of Science Degree in 2003 from Wilmington University. Colonel Zebley is a 2008 graduate of the 235th  Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) National Academy. In addition, she has been a Wilmington University adjunct instructor and a program assistant for the Criminal Justice Program. She has organized the annual Women in Criminal Justice Leadership Conference since its inception in 2005.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the 26^th Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.  I thank Governor Carney and Acting Secretary Chandler for their faith in me to lead this division of professional and dedicated members.  I pledge to serve with the dignity and honor befitting the high standards of the agency,” Lieutenant Colonel Zebley said.  “The Delaware State Police remain steadfast in our mission of service to all citizens and will continue on our course of community collaboration and progressive policing.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Zebley has served the Delaware State Police and the citizens of the state of Delaware with distinction.” Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. said.  “She has served as a member of the Executive Staff for the last nine and one half years, and she will continue to build on the foundation and the rich history of the Delaware State Police as she guides the agency forward.”

 Presented By Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 070920 1810

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Dover- The Delaware State Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the pictured individuals who is responsible for vandalizing the Delaware State Police Law Enforcement Memorial.

The incident occurred sometime between the overnight hours on June 15 into June 16, 2020, when the Delaware State Police Memorial was spray-painted with the words “BLACK LIVES MATTER”. The memorial is located on the Delaware State Police Headquarters complex.

The Delaware State Troopers Association is offering a $3,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the criminal act. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identification of the pictured suspects is asked to please contact Delaware State Police Troop 3, Property Crimes Unit, Detective Baker at 302-697-4454.  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*- Cash Reward Offered for Information Regarding Vandalized Delaware State Police Law Enforcement Memorial- Dover

Delaware State Police Memorial Vandalized- Dover

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 070720 1211

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Wilmington- The Delaware State Police have arrested 23-year-old Joseph A. Knapp of West Chester, PA, for burglary and attempted burglary.

On July 5, 2020, at approximately 8:43 p.m., troopers were dispatched to 9 to 5 Jewelry and Pawnshop located at 4714 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE, for an attempted burglary. The investigation revealed Knapp had thrown a large rock and kicked the front glass door causing damage to it in an attempt to gain entry to the business.

On the same date at approximately 12:00 p.m., Knapp entered an unsecured rear door to the closed business of Journey Tax located at 4716 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, and removed property without rendering payment for same.

Troopers searched the surrounding area after the attempted burglary to 9 to 5 Jewelry and Pawnshop and located Knapp walking westbound in the area of Kirkwood Highway and Delaware Park Boulevard. Knapp was taken him into custody without incident.

Knapp was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 6 and charged with the following crimes:

• Attempted to Commit Burglary 3rd Degree (felony)
• Possession of Burglar Tools (felony)
• Criminal Mischief
• Burglary 3rd Degree (felony)
• Theft under $1500

Knapp was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court and released on a $6,500.00 unsecured bond.

Troopers Attempt to Identify Burglary Suspect- 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. (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, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070720 1034

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Townsend- On July 4, 2020, at approximately 12:38 p.m., the Delaware State Police responded to the intersection of Summit Bridge Road and Green Giant Road for a motor vehicle collision with injuries.

The investigation revealed 38-year-old Robert R. Wright of Landsdowne, MD, was operating a 2000 Toyota Avalon northbound in the southbound lanes of Summit Bridge Road when he crashed into a Kia Soul operated by a 34-year-old male of Wilmington that was turning southbound on to Summit Bridge Road.

After the collision, Wright ran over to a 2006 Hyundai Elantra that was not involved in the incident but had stopped behind the vehicle involved in the collision. Wright jumped on to the roof of the Elantra and began jumping up and down, causing damage to the car. The 34-year-old female operator opened her car door, and Wright jumped off the car, grabbed her by the arm, and forcibly took her out of the vehicle. He then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

The passenger in the Kia Soul, a 25-year-old female of Marcus Hook, PA, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the collision and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Wright and the stolen vehicle were located at a residence in the 200 block of Fields Terrace, Middletown. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Robbery 2nd Degree (felony)
• Criminal Mischief
• Vehicular Assault 3rd Degree
• Leaving the Scene of a Property Collision
• Reckless Driving
• Offensive Touching
• Failure to Provide Information at Accident Scene
• Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
• Unsafe Passing on the Left
• Driving Vehicle at Unreasonable Speed
• Failure to Report Collision Resulting in Injury

Wright was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and was released on a $6,900.00 unsecured 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, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070620 1149

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Dagsboro- The Delaware State Police have arrested 38-year-old Richard F. Zawora of Dagsboro on felony DUI and drug-related charges.

On July 4, 2020, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Troopers responded to the area of the 32000 block of Swamp Rd, Dagsboro, for reports of Zawora slumped over the steering wheel of a brown Chevrolet pickup he was operating that was stopped in the roadway. Through investigative measures, troopers determined Zawora was operating a vehicle while under the influence. A search incident to arrest revealed Zawora had approximately 3.731 grams of heroin and a small amount of marijuana consistent with personal use. Located on Zawora’s person was approximately $860.00 in suspected drug proceeds. 

Zawora was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance-Tier 2 (felony)
• 3rd Offense DUI (felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of Marijuana (Civil Violation)
• No Person Shall Stop on Roadway

Zawora was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $13,102.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070620 1044

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Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are attempting to identify the suspect involved in a burglary, which occurred at Journey Tax located at 4716 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington.

On July 5, 2020, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the pictured suspect entered an unsecured back door to gain entry into the business. Once inside, the suspect removed property before fleeing through the rear door and traveling in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a white male with facial tattoos. He was wearing a black shirt, dark pants, and backpack.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspect should contact Cpl/1 Hom with the Delaware State Police Troop 6 by calling 302- 660-3796 or emailing Andrew.Hom@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. (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, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070620 0011

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Millsboro- The Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Layne Parker of Frankford for Reckless Endangering and related charges for a shooting incident on July 2, 2020, at 8:42 p.m.

Troopers responded to the intersection of Main Street and Daisey Road, Millsboro, for a report of a shooting that just occurred. Through investigative means, it was determined Parker fired a rifle at a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado occupied by a 19-year-old male driver from Frankford and 27-year-old male passenger from Millsboro several times while traveling through the intersection. Troopers learned Parker and the victims were familiar with each other and had a history of altercations.

During this incident, the two vehicles approached the intersection of Daisey Road and Main Street at the same time. The 27-year-old male and Parker exited their vehicles and engaged in a verbal altercation before Parker retrieved a rifle from his vehicle’s back seat. The 27-year-old male quickly got back into the passenger seat of the vehicle, and they fled the area as Parker fired multiple rounds from his rifle directly into the victim’s vehicle. No one was injured during the incident.

After the incident, the victims fled the area and reported the incident. An arrest warrant was issued for Parker, and he was taken into custody at his residence without incident.

Parker was transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (felony)
• Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (felony- 2 counts)
• Criminal Mischief over $1,000 Damage

Parker was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $73,000 secured bond.

There is no photograph available at this time for Parker.

*UPDATE* Notification of Police Activity- Frankford

Notification of Police Activity- Frankford

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, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 070520 2304

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