Milford – The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious crash that occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m., on July 11, 2020.

As a result of this crash and ongoing investigation, northbound Coastal Highway (Rt 1) at Brick Granary Road 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:071220 0113

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Greenwood- The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted robbery of a pizza store owner that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred on July 10, 2020, at approximately 10:30 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the Stargate Pizza, located at 9634 Sussex Hwy, Greenwood, for a report of an attempted robbery.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with the store owner who advised that while he was closing the business, he was approached outside by a subject who proceeded to display a machete and demand money.  The store owner advised the suspect that he did not have any money and threw a pizza at him, causing the suspect to flee.   The store owner did not sustain injury as a result of this incident.

The suspect was described as a white male who ran from the scene and got into a vehicle on northbound Sussex Highway.

The case continues to remain under investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact Troop 5, at 302-337-8253. 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, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 071120 0837

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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 Melissa Jaffe

Released:071020 1940

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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 Melissa Jaffe

Released:071020 1915

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Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred on July 10, 2020, at approximately 5:51 a.m., when a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer SUV was southbound on Barley Rd. (DE 141) approaching the overpass for Kennett Pike (DE 52) For unknown reasons the 25-year-old operator of Wilmington failed to maintain within the southbound lanes as the vehicle approached the curved portion of the roadway. The Blazer exited the west edge of the roadway and struck the guardrail before becoming engulfed in flames.

The operator was the only occupant in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the accident was investigated and cleared.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the accident should contact Cpl/ J. Baldwin at 302-834-2620.

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: 071020 1255

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Bridgeville- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 18-year-old Damaj T. Showell who is wanted for reckless endangering and related charges.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2020, at approximately 10:40 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville, in reference to a domestic incident involving a gun and shots fired.  Upon arrival, Troopers learned that Showell and his father had engaged in a verbal dispute earlier in the day, and Showell threatened his father that when it got dark outside, he would be back to see him.

Showell’s father was walking on Mill Park Drive after 10:00 p.m., when Showell, who was a passenger in a blue Mazda 6, drove by him displaying a handgun out of the passenger’s side window.  Showell then proceeded to fire the gun in the direction of his father and fled the scene.  The 43-year-old male victim did not sustain injury as a result of this incident.

Troopers have been unable to locate Damaj Showell who currently has an active warrant out of Troop 5 for the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Reckless Endanger First Degree
• Breach of Release

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of  Damaj Showell is asked to contact Troop 5, TFC Mongiello at 302-337-8253 or by calling 911. 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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 071020 0752

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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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