Troopers Investigating Serious Crash Involving Pedestrian On Coastal Hwy.-Rehoboth

Rehoboth – Delaware State Police have identified Rhonda Oliver, 48, of New York as the pedestrian who was struck Sunday, October 15, 2017 on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. A. Mendez of the Sussex County Collision Reconstruction Unit, Troop 7 at 302-703-3269

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101617 1657

Newport – Further information indicates that I-495 southbound is shut down at the I-95 southbound split with all traffic being diverted on to DE 141.

I-495 is expected to be shut down for an extended amount of time, please seek alternate routes of travel.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Please follow the Real Time Travel Advisories through DelDOT to get updates on the road opening by clicking: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

Presented by Public Information, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101617 1650

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Newport- All lanes of I-95 south-bound are closed due to a multi-vehicle crash which occurred at the I-495 south-bound split. All traffic is being diverted on to the DE 141 ramps.

I-95 is expected to be shut down for an extended amount of time, please seek alternate routes of travel.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Please follow the Real Time Travel Advisories through DelDOT to get updates on the road opening by clicking: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

Presented by Public Information, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101617 1625

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Newark – Delaware State Police have arrested a Miami, Florida man who was in possession of over one kilogram of cocaine, after he was stopped for speeding on I-95 in Newark.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at approximately 8:45 a.m. when Troopers from the Delaware State Police Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) stopped a 1996 Peterbilt tractor trailer/car carrier, operated by Jorge R. Pupo, 36, of Miami, Florida for speeding on I-95 northbound in the area of the Delaware House Travel Plaza, Newark.

Troopers then conducted a routine safety inspection of the Peterbilt. Based on this inspection along with other investigative leads the two vehicles which were on the car carrier, a Kia Forte and Chevrolet Aveo, were off-loaded for further investigation. A Wilmington Police Department K-9 Unit responded to the scene and conducted a search of the two vehicles and gave a positive response for drugs when searching the Chevrolet Aveo.

Based on the K-9’s positive response a more detailed search of the vehicle was conducted by members of the Delaware State Police Drug Unit, with assistance from the DEA . The search produced a package which was concealed in a hidden compartment in the front passenger seat of the Aveo. The package contained approximately 1.2 kilograms of cocaine which has a street value of approximately $30,000.

Pupo who is currently on probation for drug trafficking out of Florida, was taken into custody without incident and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with one count each of: Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Manufacture, Deliver or Possess With Intent To Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 4 Quantity and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Non-Marijuana Related.

Pupo was arraigned at the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $20,500.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101617 1605

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Dover– The following are not wanted.   This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification.  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.

Please click on thumbnails to enlarge.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101617 1330

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The Delaware State Police in partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety have coordinated a multi-state traffic campaign to reduce serious and fatal crashes during National Teen Driver Safety Week.

The Delaware State Police are joining forces with 14 other states and local allied partners to reduce traffic deaths and injuries through traffic enforcement. These initiatives will be a contributing effort to support the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiative, “The Drive to Save Lives Campaign.” The IACP leaders’ goal is to change the high-risk behaviors of motorists in order to decrease the number of collisions through a greater awareness, education, strong partnerships, and high-visibility traffic enforcement.

According to NHTSA, 2015 marked the largest increase in traffic fatalities since 1966. Also, the first half of 2016 revealed a similar pattern of increase.  The approximate 1,920 miles of I-95 has been ranked among the top 10 in fatalities for the past several years and furthermore, I-95 is the fifth most dangerous interstate in the U.S.

Distracted Driving fatalities increased 8.8% in 2015 and distracted driving is believed to be responsible for 10% of all fatal crashes.

With this initiative being held during National Teen Driver Safety Week it’s important to highlight the fact that half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before they graduate from high school. Also, according to the National Organization for Youth Safety:

• 66% of teen passengers who die in a crash are NOT wearing a seatbelt
• 58% of teens involved in crashes are distracted
• 25% of car crashes involved an underage drinking driver
• 5% of teen deaths in crashes are pedestrians and 10% are bicyclists

With the first six months of 2016 showing an increase in fatal crashes compared to the first six months of 2015, National Teen Driver Safety Week proved to be an appropriate time for this initiative.

On Friday, October 20^th and Saturday, October 21^st, 2017, law enforcement agencies in each state will conduct traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 and other targeted roadways to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The enforcement initiatives will focus on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, as well as motorcycle and commercial vehicle safety and enforcement.

Click here for Pedestrian Safety Video

All 15 states that line Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida (Maine State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Rhode Island State Police, Connecticut State Police, New York State Police, New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware State Police, Maryland State Police, Virginia State Police, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, and the Florida Highway Patrol), will be participating in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives in October” safe driving campaign, led and coordinated by the Delaware State Police.

The following municipalities– Bethany Beach Police Department, Camden Police Department, Cheswold Police Department, Clayton Police Department, Dagsboro Police Department, Delaware Capitol Police Department, Delaware City Police Department, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, Kenton Police Department, Laurel Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Selbyville Police Department and South Bethany Beach Police Department, will be participating in the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” by conducting traffic enforcement across the approximately 96 miles of the State of Delaware.

Delaware Troopers with support of their allied partners will be out in full force on Friday October 20^th, 2017 through Saturday, October 21^st, 2017 conducting traffic enforcement statewide by ground and air, targeting the following roadways, and others throughout the state:

New Castle County

I-95, I-495, SR-1

Kent County

US 13, US 113, SR 1

Sussex County

US 13, US 113, SR 1

“Directed traffic enforcement during the “I95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “I95 Drive to Save Lives Delaware” along with the “National Teen Driver Safety Week” displays our continued proactive commitment to maintain safer roads both within our state and to assist with national safety efforts. The Delaware State Police, working with our state and local allied partners, will aim to increase awareness of traffic safety to keep motorists safe and to reduce fatalities.”

Sergeant Richard D. Bratz, Delaware State Police

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

Released: 101617 1121

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Little Heaven – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash on State Route One in Little Heaven that occurred earlier this morning.

The incident occurred around 5:56 a.m. Monday October 16, 2017 as a 58-year-old Houston woman was operating a 2007 Kia Spectra northbound on Bay Road (SR1) just north of Mulberrie Point Road.  For unknown reasons, the Kia crossed the center median and began to rotate counter-clockwise before entering into the southbound lanes.  A 36-year-old Dover man was operating a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe southbound on SR1 in the same vicinity and was unable to avoid striking the Kia on the right front passenger’s side.  The Kia was pushed southbound after the impact and came to a stop on the right shoulder of the southbound lanes.  The Santa Fe continued a short distance southbound and rotated counter-clockwise before coming to a stop.

The 58-year-old female driver of the Kia was properly restrained and was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where she was pronounced dead.  Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The 36-year-old male operator of the Santa Fe was properly restrained and transported to KGH where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol and drugs are not contributing factors in this case.

SR1 southbound, north of Mulberrie Point Road was closed for approximately two and half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Click to view original release: **Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash, Little Heaven

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 101617 1125

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Little Heaven – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash on State Route One in Little Heaven.

The incident occurred around 5:56 a.m. Monday October 16, 2017 on Bay Road (SR1) southbound, north of Mulberrie Point Road, and involves two vehicles.  Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

SR1 southbound, north of Mulberrie Point Road is closed.  Commuters should expect delays in the area and find alternate routes of travel.

Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Please follow the Real Time Travel Advisories through DelDOT to get updates on the road opening by clicking: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 101617 0630

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Rehoboth – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian which occurred on SR 1 (Coastal Hwy.), in the area of Rehoboth Ave. (Rt. 1A).

The incident occurred at approximately 1:13 a.m on Sunday, October 15, 2017 when a 2003 Toyota Celica, operated by a 19 year old Rehoboth man was traveling northbound on Coastal Hwy., in the left lane, approaching Rehoboth Ave.

A 48 year old female from New York then proceeded to walk eastbound across the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway, without utilizing a marked and signal controlled pedestrian crosswalk, directly into the path of the Toyota. The female was struck by the front right of the vehicle, ultimately coming to rest in the northbound right lane of Coastal Hwy. The operator of the Toyota came to a stop and remained at the scene.

The female victim was treated on scene before being transported to Beebe Hospital with significant traumatic injuries. Once stabilized the victim was transferred to Christiana Hospital where she was admitted in critical condition.

The Toyota operator was properly restrained at the time of the crash and sustained no injuries. Drug or alcohol involvement is not being considered a factor on his behalf.

The northbound lanes of Coastal Highway were closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash scene was processed.

No charges have been filed at this time.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. A. Mendez of the Sussex County Collision Reconstruction Unit, Troop 7 at 302-703-3269

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101517 0820

Wilmington – Delaware State Police have arrested an adult and two juveniles for staging the armed robbery of a Dominos delivery driver in North Wilmington.

The incident began on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at approximately 10:53 p.m. when Jonathan Snyder, 19, of Wilmington placed an order with a local Dominos for food to be delivered to a North Wilmington residence. Prior to the delivery being made Snyder re-contacted the Dominos and changed the delivery location to Silverside Rd. in the area of Harrison Ave.

As the 56 year old delivery driver arrived at the Silverside and Harrison Rd. location he made contact with Snyder and started the sales transaction. At this time two subjects wearing Halloween masks and brandishing black handguns, approached from nearby bushes. The two armed subjects, who would later be identified as 17 year old males from Wilmington, then demanded the pizza and other food items from the delivery driver and money from Snyder. After receiving the property both suspects fled on foot. Snyder and the victim then left the area separately, in different directions.

The delivery driver victim was uninjured as a result of the incident.

The investigation would ultimately determine that Snyder and the two juveniles conspired to stage the robbery with Snyder posing as a legitimate customer and victim.

With the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department the three suspects were located in the same vehicle which was stopped on Silverside Rd. for an unrelated traffic offense, a short time after the robbery. Based on various investigative leads the occupants of the vehicle were identified as the three suspects responsible for the robbery. A subsequent search of the vehicle produced the Halloween masks and two black BB guns which resembled the black handguns described by the victim. Detectives also recovered the food items which were taken during the robbery, after conducting a search at a Silverside Rd. residence associated with the suspects.

The three suspects were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where they were each arrested and charged with Robbery 1^st Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy Second Degree.

Jonathan Snyder was arraigned and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $62,000 cash bail.

The two juveniles were arraigned and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of $67,000 cash 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. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 101417 1953