“COVID-19’s Impact on Delaware’s Roadways- How the Delaware State Police Are Combatting It”

Delaware- Since March 12, 2020, Delaware has been under the State of Emergency, and citizens are urged to remain at home and off the roadways.  With fewer individuals traveling on Delaware roadways, the number of crashes and fatalities would be anticipated to have a significant decline. Although the number of crashes handled in February and March of 2020 is fewer than those months in 2019, the percentage of crashes involving impairment has increased. There has also been an increase this year in each category of fatal crashes except bicycle-related fatalities.

Since January 1, 2020, Delaware has had 23 fatal crashes resulting in 24 deaths.  Of those 23 fatal crashes, two were motorcycle-related, and eight were pedestrian-related.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer the following safety tips to help keep the citizens and visitors to Delaware safe when traveling on our roadways during this unprecedented time.  Whether you are a motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist, avoid traveling while under the influence of any substance which alters your judgment negatively.  Also, give your full time and attention to the roadway.  If you are operating a vehicle or motorcycle, obey the posted speed limits.

“Speed is the biggest determinant of serious injury and fatalities, especially for those who are most vulnerable like pedestrians and bicyclists as well as first responders, tow truck drivers, and construction and utility workers often on the shoulders of our roads,” said Ken Grant, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Motorist reaction times – which is about 1 second for most drivers – don’t speed up just because they go faster.”

If you are walking on the roadways, pedestrians should carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing and walk on a sidewalk if available. Pedestrians are reminded to cross in marked crosswalks, obey pedestrian signals, walk facing traffic, and avoid walking in poorly lit areas whenever possible.

The Delaware State Police continue to be dedicated to keeping Delaware’s roadways safe and the number of crashes and impaired drivers down.  We will continue to stop, cite, and educate those who violate the law to prevent injuries and deaths.

For additional safety tips and information regarding travel during COVID-19, please visit https://midatlantic.aaa.com/coronavirus.

 

 

*UPDATE #2 Name Released* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian- Rt. 40 at Brookmont Drive

  The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the individual who was killed in a crash on April 14, 2020 on Rt. 40 eastbound at Brookmont Drive. as 59-year-old Daniel Blevins of Newark, DE.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. M Calio of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8483.

http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Click on the following links to view previous releases:

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian- Rt. 40 at Brookmont Drive

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Rt. 40 Closed at Brookmont Drive due to a Crash Involving a Pedestrian

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: 041620 1920

 

 

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian- Rt. 40 at Brookmont Drive

– The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 5:02 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2020 on Rt. 40 eastbound in the area of Brookmont Dr., Newark.

The initial investigation has determined a 2006 Hyundai Tuscon, operated by a 63 year old New Castle man, was traveling eastbound on Rt. 40 (Pulaski Highway) approaching a green light at the intersection of Brookmont Dr. A pedestrian entered the roadway from the south side and into the path of the Hyundai. He was struck by the front center of the vehicle and thrown forward, coming to rest in the left through lane of US Rt. 40 eastbound. The vehicle came to a controlled stop on the left shoulder and remained at the scene.

The pedestrian, a 59 year old Newark man, was transported from the scene and pronounced deceased at Christiana Hospital. The investigation determined the pedestrian entered the roadway from the south side of the road and into the path of the Hyundai. It was also determined he was not crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

The driver was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. Impairment was not a contributing factor.

Rt. 40 eastbound at Brookmont Drive was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. M. Calio of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.

http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Click on link for original post: *TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Rt. 40 Closed at Brookmont Drive due to a Crash Involving a Pedestrian

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. 

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:041520 0745

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*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Rt. 40 Closed at Brookmont Drive due to a Crash Involving a Pedestrian

Newark – The Delaware State Police are on scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 5:02 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2020 on Rt. 40 eastbound in the area of Brookmont Dr., Newark.

As a result of the crash Rt. 40 eastbound is closed at Brookmont Dr. The closure is expected to be lengthy and motorists are advised to avoid the area and 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

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:041420 1850

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*UPDATE- Suspect Arrested* Detectives Conducting a Homicide Investigation – Newport

Newport– The Delaware State Police have arrested a 15 year-old suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred on February 15, 2020.

The investigation began on February 15, 2020, at approximately 9:56 p.m., when the Newport Police Department and Troopers were dispatched to the unit block of Bennett Court, for a report of a shooting at an apartment.  Upon their arrival, police located a 15-year-old female gunshot victim at the residence where she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Through investigative measures, detectives were able to identify 15 year-old Angelise Merced of Elsmere as a suspect. On April 13, 2020, Merced was charged with the following crimes:

  • Manslaughter (felony)
  • Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (felony)

Merced turned herself in at Delaware State Police Troop 6 and was processed and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11. Merced was committed to New Castle County Detention Center on $130,000.00 cash bond.

Click on link for original release: http://Detectives Conducting a Homicide Investigation- Newport

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041420 1200

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Troopers Investigating Multiple Criminal Mischief Complaints-Sussex County

Sussex County-  The Delaware State Police have handled numerous reports of criminal mischief to vehicles and business windows, and are seeking the public’s assistance.

The reports of criminal mischief began in late March 2020, in the County Seat Gardens Mobile Home Park area and have since spread throughout the central Sussex County areas. Multiple incidents have been reported in which vehicle and business windows have been shot at with what appears to be a BB gun or are being struck by some type of blunt force object.  In theses cases, the suspect(s) motive appears to be criminal mischief related only, as items have not been stolen.

The State Police is asking anyone with information to please contact Troop 4, at 302-856-5850.  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

Regardless of the situation, circumstance or location, if you observe any type of suspicious activity make sure to report it by calling 9-1-1 or your local police department.

 “TRUST YOUR GUT”

“SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING”

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041420 1149

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Troopers Investigating Armed Robbery of Business- Wilmington

Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place at a Wilmington area Dollar General yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred on April 13, 2020 at approximately 4:34 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the Dollar General store located at 2400 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, in reference to an armed robbery. Upon arrival Troopers learned two male suspects entered the store and one was armed with what appeared to be a handgun.  The suspects corralled the employees and customers together inside the business before ordering a store employee to open the safe and cash registers. Prior to fleeing the store they demanded all the individuals to turn over all money on their persons. They then fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured during this incident.

Suspect #1 was described as a black male, wearing a face cover and dark colored clothing.  Suspect #1 was armed with a handgun.

Suspect #2 was described as a black male, wearing a face cover and dark colored clothing.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective B. McDerby with Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302 365-8436.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041420 1035

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Rehoboth Beach Woman Arrested for Burglary and Related Charges

Rehoboth Beach- The Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old Kristin Shabazz of Rehoboth Beach for burglary and additional charges.

The initial incident occurred on April 12, 2020 at approximately 11:26 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 19000 block of Central Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, for a disorderly incident.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with the 51-year-old female victim who advised she was allowing Shabazz to stay at her residence. The victim and Shabazz engaged in a verbal argument because Shabazz was refusing to leave the residence. As the victim was removing Shabazz’s belongings from the residence, Shabazz picked up an unknown object and threw it at the victim, striking her. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and did not seek medical treatment. Prior to Troopers arriving on scene, Shabazz fled the scene.

At approximately 12:35 p.m., a Trooper on routine patrol traveling on Coastal Highway in the area of Rehoboth Avenue Extended observed Shabazz walking. When the Trooper attempted to make contact with Shabazz, she fled on foot causing the Trooper to lose sight of her. As the Trooper searched the surrounding area, a passerby contacted the Trooper and directed him to the 37000 block of Burton Village Avenue.

Further investigation revealed Shabazz entered an apartment through an open rear bedroom window in the Burton Village Apartments and was located by the residents inside. Shabazz was removed from the apartment by one of the residents and was taken into custody by the Trooper without further incident. Found in the back bedroom where Shabazz was located was the dark colored backpack that belonged to her and she was wearing. A search incident to arrest was conducted and approximately .05 grams of Crack Cocaine and drug paraphernalia were located inside the bookbag. Also inside the residence during the incident were three children. No one was injured during this incident.

Shabazz was transported to Troop 7 where she was charged with the following crimes:

  • Assault 3rd Degree
  • Burglary 2nd Degree (felony)
  • Endangering the Welfare of a child (3 counts)
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Criminal Mischief Under $1,000.00 Damage

She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court and committed to Delores J. Baylor Womens Correctional Institution on $19,100 cash bail.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041320 1130

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Troopers Attempting To Locate Lewes Man Wanted on Domestic Assault

Lewes – The Delaware State Police are attempting to locate 57-year-old Dale A. Doak of Lewes, who is wanted on domestic-related felony assault charges.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m., Sunday, April 12, 2020, when Doak became engaged in a verbal altercation with his 40-year-old girlfriend while at their residence in Lewes. Doak physically assaulted the female victim and took her cellphone to prevent her from calling 911. The suspect fled from the scene prior to Troopers arrival. The victim refused medical treatment for her non-life threatening injury.

Active warrants are currently on file at Troop 7 charging Doak with:

  • Assault Second Degree (felony)
  • Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications

Anyone with information regarding Doak’s whereabouts is asked to contact Troop 7 by calling 302-644-5020 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

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041220 2030

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Troopers Investigating Shooting- Dover

Dover- On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at approximately 6:18 p.m., Troopers responded to the Capitol Park community, Dover, for reports of shots fired in the area of Presidents Dr.

The investigation determined three black male suspects wearing masks, shot at a vehicle traveling on Presidents Dr. at North Governors Blvd. The individuals fired multiple rounds at the vehicle which was later found unoccupied with multiple bullet holes. As a result of the incident, a residence was also struck.

At this time there have been no reported injuries as a result of this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Delaware State Police Detective T. Ford at 302-698-8569.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 041220 1215

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