Traffic Stop Leads To Weapons Arrest – Wilmington

Donald Vavala III
Donald C. VAVALA III

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-

*Traffic Advisory* I-95 Southbound Closed at Naaman’s Road Due To Jack-knifed Tractor Trailer

I95 at Naamans

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-

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

Capture

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

Preliminary investigation indicates the crash 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, a 21-year-old Seaford man.  Charges have not been filed at this time.

German Road between Concord Pond Road and Old Furnace Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

*Update* Troopers Investigating Serious 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

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: 041618 1058

-End-

Troopers Arrest Juvenile for Multiple Weapons Charges

 

Delaware State Police arrested a Dover teenager after it was discovered that he was in possession of a firearm.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at approximately 11:09 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the area of Mckinley Circle for reports of an individual with a handgun.  Upon arrival, Troopers observed 15-year-old Davion Scott standing in the area, and proceeding to walk away as he saw the police vehicle.  Scott was given verbal commands to stop, at which point he was observed reaching for an object in his waistband.  Scott then proceeded to remove a handgun from his waistband and threw it underneath a parked vehicle.   Troopers were able to take Scott into custody without further incident.  A black handgun with an obliterated serial number and loaded with a magazine containing 3 45 rounds was recovered from the scene. 

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: 041618 1035

State Police Investigating a Fatal Motorcycle Crash-Bear

Capture

Bear, De. – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash which occurred last evening south of Bear.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, as Thomas J. Miller, 49 of Newark, was operating a 2001 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle westbound on Howell School Road approaching the area of Robert C. Peoples Boulevard. The operator failed to negotiate the traffic roundabout circle at this intersection and struck the raised concrete curb within the inner part of the circle.  The motorcycle fell down onto its right side and the operator was ejected from the motorcycle off the roadway onto a yard on Howell School Road.

Thomas J. Miller, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:22 p.m. last night. Alcohol and drug use are unknown at this time.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Howell School Road in the area of the crash was not closed due to the scene being primarily off the roadway.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041518 1241

-End-

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest-Cheswold

Cheswold– The Delaware State Police arrest a suspect after traffic stop leads to the discovery of drugs.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 13, 2018, at approximately 2:02 p.m. as a trooper on stationary patrol on US 13 southbound north of SR 42 observed a tan Nissan Altima with tinted front windows. A computer check showed the vehicle did not have a tint waiver. The trooper activated the emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was contacted and identified as Shawn A. Wright, 31 of Baltimore, Maryland. He did not have a valid driver’s license. The occupants of the vehicle also included an adult female passenger and two young children with one unrestrained with no child safety seat.

During the investigation a search of the vehicle revealed multiple bags containing marijuana weighing over 134 grams of marijuana. Both children were in arms reach of the marijuana in which could have caused serious injury or harm if ingested.

The adult female passenger properly secured her children in the vehicle and responded to Troop 9. Shawn A. Wright, 31 of Baltimore, MD was taken in custody and transported to Troop 9, Odessa. He was charged with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Marijuana with Aggravating Factor, Driving without a License and Operating a Vehicle with Improper Window Tinting. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released after posting $503.00 secured bond with a no contact order with the children.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041418 1441

-End-

 

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest-Middletown

 

Middletown – The Delaware State Police arrest a suspect after traffic stop leads to the discovery of drugs.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at approximately 9:25 a.m. as a trooper on patrol on the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial Highway (SR-1) northbound north of the William V. Roth Bridge observed a driver operating a green Honda Accord traveling northbound with a seatbelt violation. The trooper activated the emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. During the vehicle stop an odor of marijuana was detected and bags of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were observed inside the vehicle. During the investigation over 353 grams of marijuana was located.

The driver identified as Mosi L. Howell, 19 of Wilmington, was taken into custody and transported to Troop 9, Odessa where he was charged with Manufacturing, Delivers, or Possesses with intent to Deliver Contraband Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, no seat belt and no license.

He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $3000.00 unsecured bond.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041418 1331

-End-

 

 

Update: State Police Investigating Serious Pedestrian Crash – Newark

Capture

Newark– The Delaware State Police are investigating a pedestrian crash that occurred last night.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 13, 2018, at approximately 9:58 p.m. as a 2012 Nissan Altima operated by 22 year old female of Newark was traveling westbound in the left lane on East Chestnut Hill Road just east of Martindale Drive. A pedestrian, a 68 year old male of Philadelphia, was walking northbound crossing both lanes of East Chestnut Hill Road when an unknown vehicle stopped in the left lane to let the pedestrian cross the roadway. Due to the stopped vehicle in the left lane the operator of the Nissan Altima changed lanes into the right lane. As a result, the vehicle’s front bumper struck the pedestrian in the right lane. The driver came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder.

Both the driver and passenger were uninjured in the crash.

The 68-year-old pedestrian was treated at the scene by the New Castle County paramedics and then transported to the Christiana Medical Center. He sustained life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition.

East Chestnut Hill traffic on the westbound lanes were impacted for two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY-Pedestrian Struck* East Chestnut Hill Road and Marrows Road – Newark

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041418 1221

-End-

 

 

 

 

 

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Arrest-Smyrna

Smyrna, Delaware- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun after midnight on Friday.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 13, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., as a trooper was performing traffic enforcement northbound on SR 1 north of exit 119 when two vehicles were observed traveling southbound at very high rate of speed greater than the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted on both vehicles on SR 1 southbound near Smyrna-Leipsic Road. The first vehicle was a 2012 Hyundai Sonata and the driver was identified as Quajan Daniels. The second vehicle was a 2006 Honda Accord and the operator was issued a traffic citation and released.

A computer check for Quajan Daniels revealed he was wanted on three previous traffic capiases. A search was conducted of the vehicle and a fully loaded handgun was located with additional ammunition inside the vehicle.

Quajan A. Daniels, 23 of Dover, was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 9, Odessa where he was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon and Speeding. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 7 on those charges including the capiases. Daniels was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $2500.00 secured bond.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041418 1001

-End-

 

 

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Hit and Run Crash Involving Pedestrian-Wilmington

FLEEING OPERATORSUSPECT VEHICLE

Wilmington– The Delaware State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle involved in a hit and run crash in which a pedestrian was struck yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:12 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 when a dark green SUV, believed to be a Subaru Forester, struck a pedestrian in the Wawa parking lot located at 705 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Delaware.

The pedestrian was standing on a sidewalk and waiting for a bus at the designated bus stop when the suspect’s vehicle reversed and struck him causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect then fled the Wawa parking lot. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries from falling to the ground upon impact with the striking vehicle. The attached pictured operator of the striking vehicle fled the scene.

Please see the attached photos of the female driver and image of a similar vehicle (not actual vehicle involved).

The State Police is continuing their investigation into this incident and asks anyone with information to please contact Corporal J. Gliem at Troop 1  (302) 761-6677 or (302) 660-4285 . 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

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041418 0831

-End-