New Castle County– The Delaware State Police and the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) have joined forces to address the issue of distracted driving by conducting a series of statewide enforcement initiatives, two of which took place this week on roadways within the Troop 2 and Troop 6 patrol areas, in New Castle County.

This enforcement initiative took place during the morning and mid-afternoon time frames, on State Route 1 and along the Rt. 13 corridor in the Troop 2 area, and along the Kirkwood Hwy corridor., between Prices Corner and Rt. 7, in the Troop 6 area.

The operation involved uniformed Troopers in fully marked patrol vehicles, who worked in conjunction with plain clothes Troopers, who were operating non-conventional vehicles.  A team of plain clothes Troopers manned vehicles such as work vans, SUV’s and sedans, which were utilized as mobile observation platforms in order to identify motorists who were texting/talking or otherwise using handheld electronic devices while driving. Once a violation was observed, the uniformed Troopers were provided with a description of the vehicle and operator, along with a detailed description of the illegal activity. They then conducted a vehicle stop.

During this initiative a total of 52 motorist contacts were made for distracted driving. In addition to issuing citations the Troopers also used these interactions as an educational opportunity and disseminated informational literature, further emphazing the dangers associated distracted driving related to electronics usage.

The Delaware State Police and Delaware OHS recognize that distracted driving caused by the use of personal electronic devices is a very dangerous behavior that continues to make our roadways less safe.  Distracted driving is an ever growing problem and the hope is that through enforcement initiatives along with educational opportunities, we can send the message that texting/talking while driving is not only illegal but can be deadly.

“These initiatives reinforce the message that Delaware is sending to the public. We have a zero-tolerance policy for distracted driving. The Delaware State Police and Office of Highway Safety are stepping up enforcement and education for distracted driving through traditional and non-traditional projects, such as this one, across the state throughout the year. This last of the series of four non-traditional initiatives come on the cusp of National Distracted Driving Awareness month in April,” Cynthia Cavett, OHS Marketing Specialist and Public Information Officer.

According to NHTSA, 3,450 people were killed across the country in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2016. Nationally and in Delaware, distracted driving fatalities have been trending upward since 2012. Texting while driving has become an especially problematic trend among millennials. Young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.

For more information about the Delaware Office of Safety log on to: www.ohs.delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092619 1600

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Frankford- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this morning.

The incident occurred on September 26, 2019 at approximately 8:09 a.m., when a Mercury Milan was traveling westbound on Daisey Street (CR 54), approaching the intersection with northbound DuPont Boulevard (US 113), which is controlled by a posted stop sign.  A Ford F-250 was traveling northbound on DuPont Boulevard in the left lane approaching the intersection at Daisey Street. DuPont Boulevard is a throughway and traffic is not required to stop. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Milan pulled out from the stop sign directly into the path of the F-250.  As a result, the front center of the F-250 struck the left side of the Milan in the intersection.

The operator of the Mercury Milan, a 37-year-old male from Frankford, DE was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The operator of the Ford F-250, a 31-year-old male from Delmar, DE was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  A right front seat passenger was also transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and treated and released.

The intersection at DuPont Boulevard northbound was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

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: 092619 1502

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The Delaware Pedestrian Council and the Delaware State Police have partnered together to increase awareness and announce that October is Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month in Delaware. It is estimated that in 2018, 6,227 pedestrians died in motor vehicle crashes across the county and according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, this is the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990.

The number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2018 was 24, down from 35 in 2017. Although a decrease this still represents 22% of all traffic crash fatalities.  The national average is about 16%.

The Delaware State Police, Members of the Pedestrian Council and its Education and Enforcement subcommittee will be conducting a public education campaign to raise awareness about ways to make walking safer for everyone.

The campaign is targeted to both pedestrians and drivers.  For pedestrians, the goal is to encourage everyone to do the following:

• Be visible. When walking at night, wear bright-colored clothing. Use a flashlight or reflective items.
• Never dart out. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible.  This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• Use pedestrian pushbuttons and wait for the walk signal to cross.
• Take your time to cross. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area and wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely. Continue to watch traffic as you cross.
• Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. Walk on the shoulder facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by cellphones and electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs. They impair your judgment and coordination.

For drivers, the goal is to urge them to:

• Always keep an eye out for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking where they should not be or may be hard to see—especially in poorly lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather.
• Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped for a crossing pedestrian.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t use your cellphones and electronic devices while driving.

Nighttime visibility is one of the most important pedestrian safety issues. The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.  So the campaign will include events to encourage the public to carry a flashlight and wear reflective materials when walking at night or early morning when it is dark.

Troopers and Representatives of the Pedestrian Council and its Education and Enforcement Subcommittee will be at the following venues to talk to the public and hand out educational materials and reflective safety items:

New Castle County

Goodwill Claymont

2701 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont

Thursday, October 17th, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kent County

Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing

684 Forest Street, Dover

Thursday, October 10th, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Browns Branch County Park

1415 Killens Pond Road, Harrington

Wednesday, October 30th, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sussex County

The CROSS Building

703 E. King Street, Seaford

Thursday, October 3rd, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Maria Andaya, Pedestrian Coordinator, Delaware Pedestrian Council 302-760-2458 maria.andaya@delaware.gov

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 092619 1430

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are attempting to locate 57 year old, Allen R. Jolley of Wilmington, who is wanted on domestic related, felony assault charges.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019 when Jolley became engaged in a verbal altercation with his 47 year old girlfriend while they were driving from the area of the 13/40 split in New Castle towards the Kirkwood Hwy. Jolley who was the driver of the vehicle began physically assaulting the female victim and unlawfully restrained her, not allowing her to exit the vehicle. Jolley eventually pulled into a Centerville Rd. gas station at which time the victim was able to escape. The victim sought medical care and was transported to an area hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries.

Active warrants are currently on file charging Jolley with one count each of Assault 2^nd Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment and Terroristic Threatening. Jolley is described as a white male, 6’1” tall and weighs approximately 200 lbs. His vehicle is a red, GMC Yukon or Chevy Tahoe with large wheels.

Anyone with information regarding Jolley’s whereabouts are asked to contact Troop 2 by calling 302-834-2620 or by calling 911.

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 Michael Austin

Released:092619 1045

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Bear- The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the pedestrian who died in a crash on September 24, 2019 on Pulaski Highway (US RT 40), east of Holly Avenue, as 49-year-old Tracey Ruebeck of New Castle, DE.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

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.

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/25/troopers-investigating-fatal-crash-involving-pedestrian-bear/

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092619 0812

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Newark – The Delaware State Police have identified Albert J. Frankel, 61 of Middletown, as the driver of a 2014 Nissan Sentra, who was killed in the crash that occurred at approximately 4:46 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 on I-95 southbound approximately .5 miles north of DE Rt. 72.

Click on the following links to view related releases:

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/25/update-2-child-succumbs-to-injuries-troopers-investigating-fatal-multi-vehicle-crash-i-95-southbound-at-rt-72/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/25/update-troopers-investigating-fatal-multi-vehicle-crash-i-95-southbound-at-rt-72/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/24/traffic-advisory-all-lanes-of-i-95-northbound-and-southbound-are-closed-in-the-area-of-rt-72-due-to-a-multi-vehicle-crash/

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8484.

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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092619 0655

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Newark – A 9 year old female, who was a passenger in a 2015 Honda CRV involved in the crash has succumbed to her injuries. The child, who was initially hospitalized in critical condition, was pronounced deceased at the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children at approximately 7:22 a.m., on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. The CRV was one of four vehicles involved in the crash that occurred at approximately 4:46 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 on I-95 southbound approximately .5 miles north of DE Rt. 72.

Click on the following links to view related releases:

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/25/update-troopers-investigating-fatal-multi-vehicle-crash-i-95-southbound-at-rt-72/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/24/traffic-advisory-all-lanes-of-i-95-northbound-and-southbound-are-closed-in-the-area-of-rt-72-due-to-a-multi-vehicle-crash/

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8484.

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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092519 1715

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Bear – The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place at a Bear area convenience store early this morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the 7-11 convenience store, located at 1700 Pulaski Hwy., Bear. One male suspect, who was armed with a handgun, entered the business and confronted an employee at the sales counter, while a second male suspect acted as a lookout outside the entrance door. The armed suspect demanded cash from the employee and upon receiving an undisclosed amount, fled on foot southbound on Porter Rd. The lookout also fled southbound on Porter Rd., on a bicycle. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

Suspect #1 was described as a black male, 5’7”-5’10” tall, 160-180 lbs., wearing all dark clothing, to include a fabric covering his face and was armed with a handgun.

Suspect #2 was described as a black male, 5’10” tall, 175-190 lbs., wearing all dark clothing and riding a bicycle.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8566.

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, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092519 1155

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Bear- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred on September 24, 2019 at approximately 11:07 p.m., when a 2006 Dodge Charger was traveling westbound in the right lane on Pulaski Highway (US RT 40), east of Holly Avenue.  A pedestrian was attempting to cross westbound on US RT 40 from an unknown direction, not in a designated crosswalk.  The pedestrian crossed directly into the path of the Charger and was subsequently struck.

The operator of the Charger, a 34-year-old male from Bear, DE, was properly restrained, remained on scene, and did not sustain injury.

The pedestrian, a 49-year-old female from New Castle, DE, was wearing dark clothing with no reflective gear and not carrying a flashlight.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene and her name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

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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Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092519 0908

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Newark – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that has resulted in one fatality as well as multiple other victims being hospitalized with various injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:46 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 on I-95 southbound approximately .5 miles north of DE Rt. 72.
A 2008 Toyota Highlander, operated by a 45 year old Middletown man, was traveling I-95 southbound in the right lane, and was slowing to a stop in a line of congested traffic. A 2015 Honda CRV, operated by a 49 year old Newark woman, was slowing to a stop directly behind the Toyota. A 2014 Nissan Sentra, operated by a 61 year old Middletown man, was slowing to a stop directly behind the Honda. A 2014 Kenworth tractor trailer, operated by a 39 year old Fairmont, North Carolina man, was traveling I-95 southbound in the right lane, directly behind the Nissan.
The tractor trailer failed to stop and in turn rear-ended the Nissan, forcing it across all southbound lanes, where it came to rest in the far left southbound lane of travel. The tractor trailer then struck the Honda and then the Toyota , forcing both vehicles off the right side of the road and down an embankment. After impacting the three vehicles the tractor trailer veered to the left and overturned onto it’s right side, broke through a guardrail and then overturned further, with it’s wheels up, finally coming to rest partially in the center grass median and partially in the left thru lane of northbound I-95.

The 61 year old male driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

The 49 year old female driver of the Honda was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries. A child in the Honda was hospitalized in critical condition.

The 45 year old male driver of the Toyota and the 39 year old male driver of the Kenworth sustained non-life threatening injuries.

I-95 southbound was completely closed for approximately 7.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8484.

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, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092519 0715

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