Dover, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that took place late last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:21 p.m., Wednesday, November 21, 2018, on Forrest Avenue (SR 8) at Artis Drive west of Dover. A 2013 Mazda MZ3, operated by a 27-year-old of Dover, was traveling northbound on Artis Drive and stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of Forrest Avenue (SR 8).  A 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 27-year-old of Hartly, was traveling east bound on Forrest Avenue (SR 8) approaching the intersection of Artis Drive. The Mazda pulled away from the stop sign and attempted to make a left turn into the path of the Kawasaki motorcycle.  The motorcycle operator braked and laid the motorcycle down on its left side and slid into the left front fender and driver’s side door of the Mazda for impact in the east bound lane within the intersection.  After impact the Mazda driver drove to a residence on Sharon Hill Road north of the collision scene. The motorcycle operator was ejected and thrown onto the roadway just north of the area of impact.  The Kawasaki motorcycle came to rest in the area of the initial impact.

The 27 year old of Dover and operator of the Mazda MZ3 returned to the crash scene a short time later in another vehicle and identified himself to witnesses to having been involved in the collision.  He was not injured in the collision. This investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. Alcohol is suspected on the part of this driver.

The operator of the Kawasaki motorcycle, 27 of Hartly, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet. Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 ½ hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact M/Cpl. W. Killen of the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-698-8451. 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 112218 0825

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Newark – The Delaware State Police have charged 23 year old Sharnagia Watson of Wilmington with Robbery and other related charges after she pepper sprayed a Macy’s department store employee while shoplifting.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:41 p.m., Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at the Macy’s, located in the Christiana Mall. Watson along with a second unknown female suspect were observed by a store employee, concealing merchandise in a bag, and then attempted to exit the store without paying. The employee confronted Watson as she was exiting at which time she sprayed him with pepper spray. The employee was able to detain Watson until responding Christiana Mall Public Safety Officers arrived, who then took her in to custody without further incident. The second suspect was able to flee without being detained.

Watson was charged with one count each of Robbery 2^nd Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree, Conspiracy 3^rd Degree and Shoplifting. She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $11,000.00 unsecured bond.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. M. Lipp at Troop 6 by calling 302-633-5000.

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 Michael Austin

Released:112218 0755

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Seaford, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting complaint that occurred during the late night hours north of Seaford.

The incident occurred on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at approximately 11:57 p.m. when troopers were dispatched to a residence located in the 11,000 block of Park Drive, Seaford for a report of shots fired.

Further investigation revealed that a physical altercation occurred between two male subjects and during the argument several shots were fired at a vehicle leaving the scene. All of the subjects involved in the incident had fled prior to troopers arrival. There were no reports of anyone injured as a result of this incident

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit.  If anyone has any information in reference to this case, they are asked to please contact Troop 4, Detective D. Cathell at 302-752-3793. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 112018 1524

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Seaford, Delaware – The Delaware State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating: Matthew A. Patchett, 29 of Laurel, Delaware. He is currently wanted by the Delaware State Police Troop 5 in Bridgeville for Burglary 2nd Degree, Felony Theft and also wanted by the Delaware Sex Offender Unit for Registered Sex Offender Failed to Verify Address as Required.

On Thursday, November 1, 2018 at approximately 9:38 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a reported Burglary that occurred on Woodland Church Road, Laurel. The investigation developed Matthew A. Patchett, 29 of Laurel, as the suspect in the Burglary.  Through investigative measures the suspect was positively identified and warrants were created.

Matthew A. Patchett is currently wanted for Burglary 2^nd degree, Felony Theft and he is also listed as wanted for Failing to verify address as a sex offender. He is described as 5’09” tall, 164 lbs. with blue eyes and blond hair. He may be seen in the Laurel or Salisbury, Maryland area.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Matthew A. Patchett, they are asked to please contact Trooper K. Marvel of Troop 5,  Bridgeville, Delaware at 302-337-1090.  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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 112018 1004

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Bear – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a crash on State Route 1 in Bear Monday night that has claimed the lives of two Newark men.

The initial investigation has determined that at approximately 7:27 p.m., Monday, November 19, 2018 a 2013 Cadillac CTS, being driven by Miles W. Hunt, 28, of Newark, was travelling SR 1 northbound in the area of DE Rt. 72 (Wrangle Hill Rd.), at an apparent high rate of speed. As the vehicle continued northbound from RT. 72, on a straight stretch of roadway, Hunt lost control of the vehicle at which time it struck a guardrail in the center median of SR 1. After impacting the guardrail the Cadillac went airborne, striking the support beam of an overhead road sign, which caused the vehicle to be split in half. The rear portion of the Cadillac was projected in to the southbound lanes of SR 1 along with other parts of the vehicle which created a debris field in the roadway. A 2016 Chevy Traverse operated by a 57 year old New Castle woman and a 2019 Subaru XV Cross, driven by a 23 year old Middletown woman who were travelling SR 1 southbound struck the debris in the roadway, causing disabling damage to both vehicles.

Miles W. Hunt along with his passenger, 25 year old James P. Warrington 2^nd, also of Newark were pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment on behalf of Hunt is undetermined at this time.

Neither the operator of the Chevy nor the Subaru were injured as a result of the crash.

Both the north and southbound lanes of SR 1 were closed intermittently over a 5 hour span while the scene was investigated. The roadway completely reopened at approximately 12:35 a.m.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 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@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:112018 0755

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are on scene of a serious crash that occurred at approximately 7:27 pm., Monday, November 19,  and as a result all southbound lanes of State Route 1 are closed at DE Rt. 72.

Motorists can expect significant delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

The investigation is in the early stages with further information being released as it becomes available.

For updated traffic and road closure information click on the following link:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:111918 1955

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Dover – Now that we have entered in to the holiday shopping season, with the weather turning colder and the hours of daylight decreased, the Delaware State Police have seen an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles, not only in parking lots, but at residences as well. Another crime trend also on the rise during the holiday season is the theft of delivered packages from residences.

In order to help you protect yourself and your property we would like to offer the following crime prevention tips.

Protect Yourself

• Keep your head up and scan your surroundings.  Make eye contact with people so they are aware that you see them.  This sends a message that you know they are there, and that you can also identify them if necessary.
• Walk confidently. Project an assertive, confident image.
• Avoid listening to music through earphones when out on the street.  It prevents you from paying full attention, and distracts you from what and who is around you.
• If you are being followed, or you see a person or group that makes you feel uncomfortable, give yourself permission to act; cross the street, walk in another direction, go in to a business, or ask other people walking if you may walk a short distance with them.
• If someone demands your property and displays or implies in any way that they have a weapon, don’t resist.  Your physical property isn’t worth getting injured or killed over.

Secure Your Vehicle

• Do not leave valuables in your car. That sounds like common sense, but drivers/passengers do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items visible in your car, your car is automatically a target.
• If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously.
• Once home, unload your valuables immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.
• Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas, or in your garage (if you have one).
• Raise your windows and lock ALL of your vehicle’s doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. Every week, items are stolen from unlocked vehicles where the owner expected to be away for “just a second.”
• Set any alarm or anti-theft device. If you have one, use it! Many people believe that car alarms no longer make a difference, but they can be an effective deterrent to vehicle break-ins
• Don’t think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables. Thieves often use flashlights to see through tint, and after-market tint is handy to keep all the broken glass in one “sheet” when they break out your window.

Deter Package Theft

Package thefts often increase between the months of October and January.  Some package thieves follow delivery trucks and then take the packages after the delivery is made.  Others are crimes of opportunity, when thieves see packages in plain view of the street. Here are a few measures you can take to decrease your chances of being a target:

• Track your shipment online.
• Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery.
• Arrange to ship the package to another location for someone else to receive.  This can be a friend, relative, trusted neighborhood or landlord/apartment leasing office.  Many local ‘mailbox’ businesses may agree to accept shipment of your item for a small fee.
• Ask the delivery service to hold the package for customer pick-up at their facility.
• A more expensive option is to buy a locking bin. This should be bolted down so the bin cannot be removed.  You can then give the key code to the delivery company.

Regardless of the situation, circumstance or location, if you observe any type of suspicious activity make sure to report it.

 “TRUST YOUR GUT”

“SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING”

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 111918 1200

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New Castle, Delaware- The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the individual who was killed in a crash on Friday, November 15, 2018 on U.S. 13 south DuPont Parkway near Jefferson Avenue, New Castle as Wendy L. Hitt, 39 of Newark, Delaware.

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

Troopers Investigating Fatal Pedestrian 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. 

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111818 2211

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Delmar, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating an industrial accident that seriously injured a Pocomoke, Maryland man.

On Saturday, November 17, 2018 at approximately 3:00 p.m., troopers responded to 37735 Raceway Road Delmar, Delaware for a report of an industrial accident involving a drag car at the Delmar Speedway. The investigation revealed a driver, 34 year old of Pocomoke, Maryland was operating a 1995 Ford Mustang drag car. The driver was in the left lane and was making a timed pass by himself. The track was closed to the public and only open to the drivers. During the timed run he hit the eighth mile mark at a high rate of speed and suddenly lost control of his vehicle and struck a guard rail with his left driver’s side. The vehicle then struck the finish line post and went into a barrel role coming to rest on the vehicles roof. The driver was wearing a helmet and restrained with safety belts at the time of the accident.

The driver sustained serious life threatening injuries and was flown by the Delaware State Aviation Unit to the Christiana Hospital. The Delaware State Police continues the investigation into this incident.

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: 111818 1602

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Dover, Delaware- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 36 year-old Dover man following the attempted robbery of a local area restaurant that occurred last night.

The investigation began last night, Saturday, November 17, 2018 at approximately 8:45 p.m. after a male suspect entered the Pizzeria and Taqueria Porta Bella restaurant located at 1618 South Governors Avenue, Rodney Village Shopping Center, Dover, Delaware. The suspect approached the front register and reached his hand around the counter to grab the tip jar while the employees were busy. As the suspect attempted to flee from the restaurant with the jar, he was confronted by the employees. A struggle ensued with the suspect and he was restrained by the employees until troopers arrived. The money was recovered and no injuries were reported by the employees. It was also determined through investigative measures that this same suspect was the one who attempted to steal the tip jar on November 14, 2018.

The suspect, Titus A. Rodriguez, 46 of Dover, was arrested and taken into custody with the assistance of the brave employees of the restaurant. Titus A. Rodriguez was charged by the Delaware State Police with Attempted Robbery 2nd Degree and Attempted to Commit Theft. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Magistrate Court 7 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $4,000.00 secured bond. He also had an active capias for Failure to Appear on another Robbery case investigated by the Dover Police Department with a $5,000.00 cash 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@delaware.gov

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Nextdoor

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz,

Released: 111818 1521

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