Laurel – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle, that occurred in Laurel, early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m., Sunday, August 12, 2018, on Fire Tower Rd., approximately .4 miles north of U.S. 9 (County Seat Highway), Laurel. A 2004 Kia Optima, being operated, and solely occupied by an 18 year old Laurel woman, was traveling northbound on Fire Tower Rd., north of U.S. 9, at an apparent high rate of speed. While negotiating a left curve in the road, the operator over corrected and the vehicle began to spin. The Kia proceeded to slide off the roadway, before striking a tree, where the vehicle came rest.

The driver, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending next of kin notification.

Fire Tower Rd. was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Burns of the Troop7 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-644-5020.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081218 0918

-End-

DELAWARE – The Delaware State Police celebrated the front-runners of the 2018 Delaware State Police Community Outreach Art Contest at an award ceremony on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Delaware State Police Museum in Dover. Students from schools throughout the state participated in this very neat art contest from first through sixth grade. Bella, a first grader from the Townsend Elementary School, was asked why she chose to draw her artwork titled, “No Matter the Seasons or Time of Day”… she said, “because cars drive in seasons and they drive everyday mostly.”  Nicholas, a fourth grade student from the Odyssey Charter School, was asked what do you think the most important thing for everyone to know about traffic safety…he said, “to always follow the traffic laws.”

Sergeant Richard Bratz said, “It is so very nice to see all of the families here tonight and we thank you for coming to this very important community event. I would like to give a special thank you to all of the boys and girls who worked carefully to create a unique masterpiece. Students from schools throughout the state participated in this art contest and wow, have they really done an awesome job relaying a positive message through their creative artwork. I would also like to thank the moms and dads, brothers and sisters and other family members who lend a hand to help these very fine artists with their drawings. It is not only the picture of art that we appreciate; it’s also the message of each boy and girl expressed in their creations! A good title for your art is important, like “Roadways Aren’t Just For Trucks and Cars!” It says something about what the drawing means to you. Boys and girls, we are humbled by your depth and imagination as you inspire us and share a part of your creativity.”

The honorary speaker was our Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. Also those in attendance were Deputy Superintendent, Lieutenant Colonel Monroe Hudson and members of the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit. Additionally, several family members and friends of the honored students came out to support the event. Their artwork will be humbly displayed at the Delaware State Police Museum. If you missed the ceremony checkout our Facebook live post of the event on August 9th, 2018.

“I am proud of everyone who participated in sharing a little bit of what the roadways mean to you. Roadways are shared by everyone, you must be respectful of others on the road whether its a bicycle, motorcycle or pedestrian. I look at roadways much like we look at our communities; in that some folks believe it is the responsibility of our law enforcement to keep out roadways safe however, it’s the community as a whole that keeps our community safe. The same holds true for our roadways, it is everyone’s responsibility. The roadways are much safer when everyone is paying attention to the speed limit and giving their full attention to driving. So thank you for taking the time to really look at what is going on our roads.” 

Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Released: 081118 1711

-End-

Claymont- All lanes of I-495 have re-opened at this time.

The investigation is ongoing with further details being released as they become available.

Related links:

*Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE-Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

Presented by Public Information Officer,  Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 1430

-End-

Claymont- The southbound lanes of I-495, which had been closed due to a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor trailer have reopened at this time.

I-495 northbound remains closed between Edgemoor Rd. and Philadelphia Pike.

The roadway is anticipated to remain closed for an extended period of time and there is no projected time for the re-opening of the northbound lanes at this point as the investigation and clean-up operation continue.

For updated road closure information click on the following link: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

Presented by Public Information Officer,  Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 1250

-End-

The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit has established a program to assist elementary school aged children in need with the necessities for school. Troopers are asking for help with any donations to fill each child’s back-pack with school supplies.

Troopers assigned to the Statewide Community Outreach Unit have initiated this program and are working with organizations in their communities to collect and donate school supplies for children in need. Donations can be taken to Headquarters in Dover or to any Troop statewide by anyone wishing to help. Each Troop will have a box in their lobby for supplies to be dropped off for the project.  The donations will be collected until August 31, 2018 and the donations will be presented for the 2018-2019 school year, prior to school starting. A list of supplies needed for the students are listed below:

Backpacks

No. 2 pencils

Spiral notebooks

Washable Crayola crayons box of 24

Large pink erasers

Pencil cases

Colored pencils

Washable markers

Loose leaf wide ruled paper

Highlighters

Composition books

3 ring binders

Plastic folders with pockets

Tissue boxes

Hand sanitizer

If you need to contact any of the Troopers in the Community Outreach Unit, their information by region is listed below:

Corporal Rob Colmery (New Castle County) 302-365-8466

Corporal/1 Heather Imhof (Kent and Southern New Castle County) 302-698-8520

Master Corporal Ricky Hargis (Eastern Sussex County) 302-752-3804

Corporal/2 Juanita Huey-Smith (Western Sussex County) 302-232-3459

Please help the Delaware State Police give to the students who will need the essential supplies and materials for a successful school year.

Thank you for your help.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 1000

-End-

Seaford – Delaware State Police have charged Steven D. Verley, 28, of Millsboro with multiple drug and traffic related offenses, stemming from a July traffic stop, in which he fled from the police and in the process, abandoned his 9 year old child. At the time of the original incident Troopers recovered Verley’s abandoned vehicle which was still occupied by his child, along with an assortment of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Warrants were issued for Verley’s arrest and on Friday, August 10, 2018, Verley turned himself at Troop 5.

Verley was charged with 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Disregarding a Police Officers Signal, and other traffic related offenses. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $32,950.00 secured bail.

Click on the following link to view the original release:

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Suspect Who Abandoned Child After Pursuit

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081181 0925

-End-

Bridgeville – Delaware State Police have arrested Salomon V. Morales, 51, of Georgetown, after he was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol for the 6th time.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2018 when a Trooper stopped a black Volkswagen Jetta for a traffic violation, on Coverdale Rd. in the area of Millpark Dr., in Bridgeville. Upon making contact with Morales, who was the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, the Trooper detected a strong odor of alcohol, which initiated a DUI investigation. Further investigation was able to determine that Morales had 5 prior DUI convictions.

Morales was transported to Troop 5 where he was charged with 6th Offense DUI, Driving Suspended, No Proof of Insurance and Improper Taillights. He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 before being committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7101.00 cash bail.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 0835

-End-

Wilmington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that took place on I-95 in Wilmington, Friday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:55 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2018 on I-95 northbound in the area of W. 2^nd St., Wilmington. A 2008 Kawasaki ZX1, operated by Eric K. Williams, 32, of Newark, was traveling in a group of three motorcycles, northbound on the ramp from MLK Jr. Blvd., to continue I-95 northbound. As the Kawasaki approached a curved portion of the ramp, it struck a piece of metal debris in the roadway, which caused Williams to lose control of the steering. The Kawasaki then struck a concrete barrier which caused Williams to be ejected from the motorcycle and thrown over the concrete barrier, falling approximately 35 feet to the ground below.

Williams was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash and fall.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 0755

-End-

Claymont- Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 on I-495 northbound just south of Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

As a result of the crash I-495 northbound is closed between Edgemoor Rd. and Philadelphia Pike and I-495 southbound is closed between Edgemoor Rd. and the PA state line.

The roadway is anticipated to be closed for an extended period of time and there is no projected time for the re-opening at this point as the investigation and clean-up operation continue.

For updated road closure information click on the following link: 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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 0715

-End-

Dover– The following are not wanted. These are Homeless Sex Offender Public Notifications. If you have information that any of the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 0630

-End-