Dover (19901)- The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred late yesterday afternoon and have arrested a Dover man.

The incident occurred on Monday, April 16, 2018 at approximately 4:51 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Mannering Drive for a reported shooting.  Upon arrival, Troopers were informed that a 22-year-old male victim had been transported by EMS to a local area hospital with a gunshot wound.

Further investigation revealed that 21-year-old David I. Brown of Dover, had arrived at the Mannering Drive residence, entered the house without permission, assaulted a 19-year-old female resident, and broke down a bedroom door where the victim was located.  Brown and the victim engaged in a physical altercation which continued outside of the residence.  While outside, the victim was subsequently shot and Brown fled the scene prior to police arrival.  The victim sustained a non life threatening gunshot wound to his lower torso and was being treated at a local area hospital.

Troopers along with Probation and Parole responded to Brown’s residence where he was taken into custody without incident.  Brown was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with Assault First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Home Invasion, Offensive Touching, and Criminal Mischief.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $75,500.00 cash only bond.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit.  If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective D. Blomquist at 302-698-8426. 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. 

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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041718 0950

-End-

Bear – Delaware State Police are investigating the assault of a Bear area motel owner that took place over the weekend.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:24 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the West Motel, located at 711 Pulaski Highway, Bear. The 54 year old male, owner of the motel was inside the office when he heard someone yelling from outside the front door. He then observed a white male subject standing outside, who was yelling that a black female had just taken money from him that was supposed to be used to rent a room, but was now gone.

The motel owner, who believed that the subject was the victim of a crime exited the office area and approached the subject to see if he could help. Immediately upon making contact with the subject, the motel manager was punched in the face multiple times and knocked to the ground. The subject then took the victims phone, threw it on the ground and began stomping on it.

The suspect who was described as a white male, 45-55 years of age, 5’6”-5’9”, 180 lbs., with a stocky build, was wearing jeans and brown work boots. He was last seen fleeing the parking lot in an older model, 2 door sports car, possibly a Trans Am, which had two white stripes racing stripes.

The victim was treated at an area hospital for eye and facial injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. R. Kirchenbauer at Troop 2 by calling 302-365-8525.

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. (1-800 842-8461).  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: 041718 0745

-End-

Wilmington – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man for threatening two employees of a local McDonalds by displaying a handgun.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:05 p.m., Sunday, April 15, 2018, at the McDonalds, located at 3318 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, when Robert C. Oldham, 40, of Wilmington, entered the business and asked if he could have some vegetable oil for use with his hair clippers. The two female employees who encountered Oldham, advised him that they could not fulfill his request due to it being against store policy. Oldham became disorderly and argumentative, at which time he lifted his shirt, displaying a black handgun that was tucked in his waistband, and stated that he will get his oil one way or another. Oldham then exited the business and was last seen fleeing the property on a bicycle. The employees were not injured as a result of the incident and no property was obtained by Oldham.

A description of Oldham was broadcast and he was located in the area by responding Troopers. Upon being taken in to custody, Oldham was found to be in possession of a black, hand gun style pellet gun.

Oldham was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 6 where he was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Menacing, and one count each of Terroristic Threatening and Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument.

Oldham was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $10,000.00 secured bail.

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: 041618 2130

-End-

Claymont – Delaware State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that closed I-95 southbound, south of Naaman’s Road.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:12 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2018, as a 2009 Freightliner tractor trailer, operated by Francis Carter, 49, of Elkton, Maryland, was traveling I-95 southbound just south of Naaman’s Road. The tractor trailer changed from the I-95 southbound left lane, which was clear, in to the right lane, which was covered in standing water, at which time the operator lost control, traveled off the right side off the roadway and struck a guardrail. The vehicle jackknifed and came to rest blocking all southbound lanes.

Carter, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle as a result of the collision, and was transported to the Christiana Hospital by Delaware State Police helicopter Trooper 4, with non-life threatening injuries.

The collision also required the response of a DNREC Hazardous Materials Response Team due to a fuel leak from the vehicle. As a result of the investigation and clean-up operation the roadway was closed for approximately seven hours.

Carter was cited for Failure To Maintain Lane of Travel and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.

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: 041618 2030

-End-

Seaford– The Delaware State Police have identified and arrested the driver in connection with a fatal pedestrian hit and run crash.

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at approximately 5:05 p.m. as a white, 2002 Mazda Protégé was traveling northbound on German Road, approximately .7 miles south of Old Furnace Road. The 9-year-old child that resides on the east side of German Road had just finished checking the mailbox and was walking back to her residence when she was struck by the Mazda.  The Mazda continued northbound, fleeing the scene. 

The 9-year-old sustained major injuries and was removed from the scene by the Delaware State Police helicopter.  She was flown to A.I. Dupont Children’s Hospital where she was listed in critical conditions.

On Saturday, April 14, 2018 at approximately 10:49 p.m., the 9-year-old child succumb to her injuries.

Through investigative measures, Troopers located the operator of the Mazda, 21-year-old   Dwayne R. McConnell of Seaford. On Monday, April 16, 2018, McConnell was charged with Operation of a Vehicle Causing Death of Another Person, Inattentive Driving, Leaving Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death, Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury or Death, and Possession of Marijuana.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $6,151.00 unsecured bond. 

Click on link for original release: *Traffic Advisory* Pedestrian Struck Has Road Closed- Seaford

*Update* Troopers Investigating Serious Pedestrian Hit and Run Crash-Seaford

*Update #2* Troopers Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run Crash-Seaford

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident, and asked anyone with information to please contact Master Corporal J. Burns at 302-703-3266.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041618 1623

-End-

Wilmington (19809) – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of two loaded handguns.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:41 a.m., Saturday, April 14, 2018, when a Trooper stopped a black Ford Explorer for a traffic violation, in the area of Philadelphia Pike and Murphy Road, Wilmington. When contact was made with the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, who was identified as Donald C. Vavala III, 30, of Wilmington, a strong odor of alcohol was detected. Based on the preliminary roadside DUI investigation, Vavala was taken in to custody and transported to Delaware State Police Troop #1 for further investigation.

A search of Vavala’s vehicle produced a fully loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, a fully loaded H&K 9mm handgun and a plastic baggie containing pills which were identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Vavala was subsequently arrested and charged with the following:

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• DUI/Alcohol
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon While in Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Inattentive Driving
• Failure to Remain in Single Lane
• Improper Turn

Vavala was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on $4,675.00 unsecured 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: 041618 1230

-End-

Claymont – Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a single vehicle crash involving an overturned tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 11:12 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2018, on I-95 southbound, south of Naaman’s Road. I-95 southbound is completely shut down with all traffic being diverted on to I-495.

Motorists will experience delays in the area and are asked to seek alternate routes of travel. For updated traffic conditions and road closure information log on to:

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

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 041618 1210

-End-

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian hit and run crash involving a 9-year-old child.