Delaware State Police have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with a robbery that occurred last month. A second suspect remains at large.

On July 8, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at McDonald’s, located at 2702 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. The investigation revealed that two unknown males met with the victim inside the restaurant to purchase an item the victim had listed for sale. Before the transaction was completed, one suspect grabbed the victim’s bag, leading to a struggle. During the altercation, one suspect grabbed at his waistband and implied he had a firearm. The victim released the bag, and both suspects fled on foot toward Philadelphia Pike with the victim’s property. The victim was not injured during the incident.

Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspects as a 17-year-old male and 19-year-old Avery Quartlebaum, both of Claymont. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for each.

On August 26, 2025, the 17-year-old turned himself in at Troop 1, accompanied by a parent. He was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and remanded to the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on a $ 7,000 secured bond.

• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Robbery Second Degree (Felony)

Quartlebaum remains wanted on the following charges:

• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Robbery Second Degree (Felony)

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Avery Quartlebaum is asked to call 911 or contact Troop 1 at (302) 761-6677. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Delaware State Police have arrested 19-year-old Brandon Carter of Dover in connection with a shooting last month.

On July 11, 2025, at approximately 5:20 a.m., troopers responded to Washington Place in Dover for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, troopers learned that unknown suspect(s) had fired multiple rounds at an occupied residence. Five adults and three children were inside the home at the time. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Detectives from Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit continued their investigation and later identified Carter as the shooter. By that time, he was already being held at Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) on an unrelated matter. On August 22, 2025, detectives responded to SCI and obtained arrest warrants. The following day, he was formally charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and held at SCI on a $48,050 secured bond.

• Reckless Endanger First Degree – 8 counts (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Under $1000 Damage Property

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Detective E. Paneda by calling 302-698-8444. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred Saturday evening in Newark.

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling westbound on Chestnut Hill Road, approaching North Kingston Road, in the left lane. At the same time, a Buick LaCrosse was traveling eastbound on Chestnut Hill Road in the left turn lane. As the Buick attempted to turn left onto North Kingston Road, the motorcycle crashed into the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The impact caused the rider to be ejected.

The rider, 53-year-old Jackie Spicer of Elkton, Maryland, was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. On August 25, 2025, he died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the Buick, a 44-year-old woman from Newark, was not injured.

At the time of the crash, the roadway was closed for approximately 1 hour while troopers investigated and cleared the scene. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit has since assumed the investigation.

Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware has launched the Blue Envelope Program, a new statewide community initiative designed to help drivers with autism and other disabilities navigate interactions with law enforcement more confidently and safely.

The Blue Envelope Program is a tool that drivers can keep in their vehicles to store important documents such as their driver’s license, registration, and insurance. It also includes clear communication tips for officers, instructions for drivers, and space to list emergency contact information and medical conditions that may impact behavior or responses.

The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies reviewed and approved the envelope’s content and design to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to the disability community.

“This program is another example of how Delaware law enforcement is adapting to meet the diverse needs of our communities,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “The Blue Envelope Program helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a safer experience for everyone involved in a traffic stop.”

“The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to join the Delaware State Police, University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, and Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles in supporting the Blue Envelope Program. This free initiative is designed to foster safe, clear, and respectful communication between law enforcement officers and drivers with autism and other disabilities. By providing a simple, visible tool that can be used during traffic stops or roadside encounters, the program helps reduce misunderstandings and encourages positive, informed interactions. The Blue Envelope Program is available to everyone. No qualifying questions are asked, and no identification is required to participate. It is our goal as an association to encourage all Delaware law enforcement agencies to participate in this initiative so that drivers across the state can benefit from consistent, supportive interactions,” said Chief Richard McCabe, President of the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police.

“This program is a valuable addition to other statewide initiatives promoting the inclusion of Delawareans with disabilities,” explained Dr. Sarah Mallory, Associate Director of the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. Dr. Alisha Fletcher, Director of the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, added, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the state in learning about this valuable resource.”

The envelope outlines behaviors a person may exhibit, such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, or use of a communication device. It also provides quick reminders for first responders to speak calmly, use simple language, minimize physical contact, and reduce background noise whenever possible. These prompts help create a safer, more supportive interaction from the start.

Drivers are encouraged to inform the officer that they have a Blue Envelope and present it when asked. The envelope also includes practical do’s and don’ts to help the interaction go smoothly.

The Blue Envelope Program is part of a nationwide initiative to promote understanding, prevent miscommunication, and support the safety and dignity of all individuals.

You can pick up a Blue Envelope for Delaware Drivers at any Delaware State Police Troop. Residents are also encouraged to contact their local police agency to find out if they are participating in the program. For more information, visit the Blue Envelope Program.

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal motorcycle crash that occurred earlier this month in Wilmington.

On August 10, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle was traveling northbound on Barley Mill Road and took the off-ramp going eastbound to Kennett Pike. For unknown reasons, the rider failed to negotiate the curve on the ramp and struck a guardrail on the left side. The impact caused the rider to be ejected from the motorcycle.

The rider, 21-year-old Zack Napolitano of Wilmington, Delaware, was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. On August 24, 2025, he died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

At the time of the crash, the roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while members of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated and cleared the roadway.

The investigation remains ongoing. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police have identified 75-year-old Jack Gantz of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon in Newark.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police have arrested 54-year-old Nathaniel Spencer, of Lewes, Delaware, for 4^th Offense DUI and numerous traffic-related offenses following a traffic stop last night.

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a white Acura traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Robinsonville Road near Kendale Road. The vehicle then crossed back over into the correct lane of travel. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, activating emergency lights to pull the car over.

The driver, identified as Nathaniel Spencer, opened the door and got out of the vehicle as the trooper initiated the stop. The trooper observed signs of impairment and instructed Spencer to return to his car, which he did. Upon contact, the trooper smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverages and continued to observe additional signs of impairment. The trooper also noticed the Acura had a shredded front tire and was riding on the rim.

Based on these observations, the trooper conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which revealed further evidence of impairment. Spencer was taken into custody. A computer inquiry revealed that Spencer was under pre-trial conditions prohibiting him from driving or being in control of a vehicle. In addition, the trooper discovered that the vehicle was uninsured, the registration had expired, and Spencer’s driver’s license was revoked.

Spencer was taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $8400 cash bond.

• 4^th Offense DUI (Felony)
• Breach of Conditions of Bond (Felony)
• Driving in Proper Lane and Direction
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Failure to Have Required Insurance
• Other Traffic Violations

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred in Newark on Friday afternoon that left one man dead.

On August 22, 2025, at approximately 3:23 p.m., a maroon Chevrolet Trax was traveling northbound on Bear Christiana Road and was in the left turn lane at the intersection of Freedom Road. At the same time, a black BMW 335 was traveling southbound in the right lane of Bear Christiana Road, approaching Freedom Road. The BMW was seen racing another unknown vehicle at a high rate of speed as it approached the intersection of Freedom Road while the Chevrolet began to make the left turn towards Freedom Road. As a result, the front of the BMW struck the front right side of the Chevrolet.

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 75-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the BMW, a 49-year-old man, from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Bear Christiana Road was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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 at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Note: Some of the individuals listed below are also homeless. Their profiles will not be duplicated in the separate homeless sex offender news release, as their wanted status is already reflected here and within their public sex offender registry listing.

The following individuals are not wanted for failing to register or re-register at their current address. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.