Delaware City, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Friday, September 27, 2019, at approximately 4:06 p.m. in which a driver has succumbed to her injuries.

The driver and sole occupant of a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier was traveling eastbound on Hamburg Road from U.S. Route 13 towards River Road (DE Route 9). According to a witness, the 25-year-old female driver suddenly veered to the right and exited the roadway. The vehicle then disappeared momentarily into the wooded area before striking a large standing tree. The impact into the tree spun the vehicle around 180-degrees and ejected the unrestrained operator. The victim and the vehicle came to rest several feet away from the tree. It is unknown why the driver failed to maintain her vehicle within the single eastbound lane of Hamburg Road.

The operator of the Chevrolet Cavalier, a 25-year-old female from Middletown, Delaware was pronounced deceased at the scene.  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.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Serious Crash – New Castle

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 092719 2120

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New Castle, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:06 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019, on Hamburg Road. This is a single-vehicle crash.

As a result of the crash and ongoing investigation, Hamburg Road will be periodically closed. Motorists are advised to use caution and seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated road closure and traffic information log onto: 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:092719 1648

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The Delaware State Police would like to remind motorists that the deer rut and hunting season is fast-approaching during the months of October and November; therefore, we would like to help prevent the spike in deer-related crashes that typically occur every fall in Delaware. The friendly reminders will hopefully keep our drivers safe, more alert and will also lead them to slow down during this specific time of the year.

The majority of deer activity resulting in crashes occur during the dusk and dawn hour on main roads as well as back roads.

Please be careful when traveling and keep a sharp eye out for deer crossing roadways, especially at dusk. Deer are even more active due to their annual mating season ‘rut’ in November with bucks chasing doe through fields, marshes and woods. The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs approximately 130 pounds, with larger bucks tipping the scales at 180 pounds or more. With the increased white-tailed deer activity, Delaware motorists are kindly reminded to stay alert and to be ready for a deer to dart out into the roadway from dusk to dawn.

A deer crash can result in serious injury or death to you or your passengers as well as serious damage to your vehicle.

Attentive driving and slow speeds are the best ways to avoid deer crashes.

To reduce your risk of injury in a collision, always wear your seatbelt.

Turn your headlights on at dawn and dusk and keep your eyes on the road, scanning the sides of the road as well as what’s ahead of you. When there is no oncoming traffic, switch to high beams to better reflect the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.

Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs that mark commonly-traveled areas, and be aware that deer typically cross between areas of cover, such as woods or where roads divide agricultural fields from woods.

If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down immediately and proceed with caution until you are past the crossing point. Deer usually travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are likely to be others.

Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer crashes.

Do NOT feel more secure on highways just because they are better lit than back roads- speeds are higher and deer eyes are more difficult to see on highways- so drive cautiously and remain alert at all times.

Do NOT take your eyes off of the roadway. It’s that split second of changing the radio channel, or reaching for something that can make the difference to avoid a deer.

Do not swerve to miss a deer – brake and stay in your lane. Losing control of your vehicle, crossing into another lane, hitting an oncoming vehicle or leaving the roadway and hitting another obstacle such as a tree or a pole is likely to be much more serious than hitting a deer.

If you hit a deer, stop at the scene, get your car off the road if possible and call police. Do not touch the animal or get too close. “A frightened and wounded deer can cause serious injury to a well-meaning person trying to ‘help.’ You could be bitten, kicked or even gored by a buck’s antlers. Keep a safe distance and wait for troopers to arrive.

The Delaware State Police issues this traffic advisory and wish you safe travels as you reach your destination.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092719 1533

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Seaford- The Delaware State Police are investigating an industrial accident that seriously injured a Seaford man.

The incident occurred on September 26, 2019 at approximately 9:55 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to Bi-Rite Auto Sale located at 24770 Sussex Highway, Seaford in reference to an industrial accident.  Upon arrival, it was learned that a 35-year-old male contractor was on-site working on the roof.  The victim had fallen from the roof and sustained serious injuries.  The victim was initially transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and later transferred to the Christiana Hospital.

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: 092719 0927

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Newark – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate the assault and robbery of three victims that took place in the parking lot of the Polly Drummond Shopping Center, and are asking any potential witnesses to come forward.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:22 a.m., Sunday, September 23, 2019 in the parking lot of the Polly Drummond Shopping Center, located on Polly Drummond Hill Rd. in Newark. Three male subjects, 29, 37, and 46 years of age respectively, had just left an establishment in the shopping center when they encountered a large crowd while walking through the lower parking lot. Without provocation the three male victims were assaulted and robbed  by suspects in the crowd, sustaining serious injuries.

Further investigation has determined that this group of subjects, who were reportedly intoxicated and extremely disorderly, may have been involved in other altercations within the shopping center, specifically in the area of McGlynn’s Pub and CP’s Pub throughout the evening, prior to the assault and robbery of the three victims.

Anyone who may have information, specifically cell-phone footage,  regarding any incidents or altercations that took place in the shopping center or surrounding area on this date, are asked to contact Detective C. Hevelow of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8471.

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:092719 0930

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Frankford-  The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the driver who died in a crash on September 26, 2019 on DuPont Boulevard (US 113) at Daisey Street, as 37-year-old Bruce E. Eckerd Jr., of Frankford, DE.

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

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/09/26/troopers-investigating-fatal-crash-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@delaware.gov.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092719 0812

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Kent County- The Delaware State Police, Troop 3 will be hosting a “Community Café” and kicking off their “Safe Citizen Initiative”.

On October 3, 2019 at 12:00 p.m., the Delaware State Police Troop 3 will be hosting their “Community Café” at the Modern Maturity Center located at 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover. Delaware State Troopers including the Troop 3 Commander, Administration and Community Outreach Officer will be in attendance to speak with community members. This event is also referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” and will provide the opportunity for conversation with the Troopers in attendance.   The “Community Café” will kick off the Delaware State Police “Safe Citizen Initiative” which will be held on various dates during the month of October at the Modern Maturity Center.  In addition to the Delaware State Police, the Better Business Bureau, Delaware State Fire School and Kent County Department of Public Safety will provide free education, training and resources to the public on Keeping Yourself Safe, Active Shooters, Top Fraud and Scams Targeting Delaware Consumers, and Fire Safety/Smart 911.

If interested in attending any of these FREE classes listed below, please call 302-734-1200 Ext. 129 or email  lori.christiansen@modern-maturity.org to register.

• October 8, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.: Keeping Yourself Safe-  The Delaware State Police will be providing an interactive training on how to “Keep Yourself Safe” in the community, at home and while traveling.  Important resources and information will also be presented on crime prevention and crime reporting.
• October 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.:  Active Shooter Training- The Delaware State Police, will be providing training on Violent Intruder Preparedness & Response. This interactive class will discuss what is an Active Shooter, what to do if you encounter an Active Shooter and how to protect yourself.
• October 25, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.: Top Fraud and Scams Targeting Delaware Consumers- The Better Business Bureau, will be presenting on the Top Fraud and Scams Targeting Delaware Consumers. Information will be provided on the top fraud and scams targeting Delaware by providing local stories and reports from businesses and the public. Topics covered include how scammers make contact, the tactics they use, and how citizens can protect themselves and their families from losing money.
•  October 31, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.:  Fire Safety/Smart 911– The Delaware State Fire School will present the National Fire Prevention Association’s “Remember When” program. This presentation provides the tools you need to conduct a comprehensive fire and fall prevention program. Also presenting will be Kent County Department of Public Safety on the new Smart 9-1-1, Pulse Point, and Text 2 9-1-1 systems. Education and assistance will be provided to those interested in registering with Smart 911.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092619 1603

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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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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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

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 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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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

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

Released: 092619 1430

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