The Delaware State Police would like to remind motorists that the deer rut and hunting season is fast-approaching during the months of October and November; therefore, we would like to help prevent the spike in deer-related crashes that typically occur every fall in Delaware. The friendly reminders will hopefully keep our drivers safe, more alert and will also lead them to slow down during this specific time of the year.

In 2016, there were a total of 2,042 animal/deer-related crashes with 1,010 deer crashes investigated in Sussex County; 441 in Kent County and 591 in New Castle County. Majority of deer activity resulting in crashes occurred during the dusk and dawn hour on main roads as well as back roads.

DelDOT (Delaware Department of Transportation) will place signs in all three counties to warn motorists of the potential of deer to dart out into the roadway at any particular time especially at the dusk and dawn hour.

Please be careful when traveling and keep a sharp eye out for deer crossing roadways, especially at dusk. Deer are even more active due to their annual mating season ‘rut’ in November with bucks chasing doe through fields, marshes and woods. The average white-tailed deer in Delaware weighs approximately 130 pounds, with larger bucks tipping the scales at 180 pounds or more. With the increased white-tailed deer activity, Delaware motorists are kindly reminded to stay alert and to be ready for a deer to dart out into the roadway from dusk to dawn.

Attentive driving and slow speeds are the best ways to avoid deer crashes.

To reduce your risk of injury in a collision, always wear your seatbelt.

Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs that mark commonly-traveled areas, and be aware that deer typically cross between areas of cover, such as woods or where roads divide agricultural fields from woods.

Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away. Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer, as these devices have not been proven to reduce deer crashes.

Do NOT feel more secure on highways just because they are better lit than back roads- speeds are higher and deer eyes are more difficult to see on highways- so drive cautiously and remain alert at all times.

Do NOT take your eyes off of the roadway. It’s that split second of changing the radio channel, or reaching for something that can make the difference to avoid a deer.

The Delaware State Police issues this traffic advisory and wishes you safe travel as you reach your destination.

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

Released: 100517 1421

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Smyrna – Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a vehicle fire which occurred at approximately 7:19 a.m., Thursday October 5th, 2017 on State Route 1 northbound approximately 1 mile north of the Smyrna interchange. Traffic is restricted due to lane closures. Expect delays in this area and seek alternate routes of travel.

For further updates please visit the official Deldot website at: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 100517 0740

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Dover – State Police Criminal Investigators have arrested five people involved in a Kent County burglary ring.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, concluded a three month joint burglary investigation involving defendant Christopher Bacon and Harry McKnight.   The investigation revealed that Bacon and McKnight committed numerous burglaries throughout western and northern Kent County, Smyrna and Caroline County Maryland beginning in July of 2017.  During the burglaries, the suspects would target residences and garages containing firearms, ammunition, lawn equipment, riding mowers, tools, jewelry, cash, and electronics, before selling the property for cash or trading it for narcotics.  During the course of the investigation residences in the 200 block of Wilson Private Drive, Smyrna and the 1000 block of Lentz Road, Henderson, Maryland were identified as destinations for the trade of stolen property.

On Thursday September 28, 2017, Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit, along with the Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF), and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT)executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Wilson Private Drive in Smyrna where Vance L. Taylor and Gerald Edmonds were taken into custody without incident.  Upon conducting the search, two Mossberg shotguns, a Chinese SKS 47 rifle with scope and tripod, 112.65 grams of PCP, 10.42 grams of heroin, 5.13 grams of crack cocaine, 13.23 grams of cocaine, several hundred rounds of 7.62 ammunition, numerous pills, and $2,579.00 in suspected drug proceeds were located in the residence. The SKS rifle, scope, and bipod were reported stolen in a burglary near Hartly that was committed by Christopher Bacon, Harry Mcknight, and Greg Grantland.

Christopher Bacon, 38 of Hartly, was taken into custody on September 28, 2017 during a traffic stop and charged with three counts of Burglary 2^nd, Burglary 3^rd, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Theft of a Firearm, four counts of Felony Theft, Misdemeanor Theft, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2^nd, three counts of Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass, four counts of Selling Stolen Property,  three counts Theft by False Pretense, and three counts of Falsifying Business records.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) on $15,805.00 cash bond.

Harry M. McKnight Jr., 44 of Henderson, Maryland, was taken into custody on September 28, 2017 during a traffic stop with Christopher Bacon and charged with three counts of Burglary 2^nd, Burglary 3^rd, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Theft of a Firearm, four counts of Felony Theft, Misdemeanor Theft, Conspiracy 2^nd, three counts of Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Trespass. Committed to JTVCC on $8,005.00 cash bond.

Vance L. Taylor, 22 of Smyrna, was arrested on September 28, 2017 for three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, four counts of Possession of Firearm or Ammunition by Person Prohibited, six counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity, Possession of a weapon with Obliterated Serial Number, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Conspiracy Second, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was committed to JTVCC in default of $130,700.00 cash bond

Gerald Edmonds, 23 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested on September 28, 2017 for three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts Possession of Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, six counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity, Possession of a weapon with Obliterated Serial Number, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Conspiracy Second, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was committed to JTVCC in default of $121,450.00 cash bond.

Greg A. Grantland, 43 of Smyrna was arrested on October 3, 2017 for Burglary 2^nd, nine counts of Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited, and Felony Theft.  He was committed to JTVCC in default of $131,100.00 cash bond.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 100417 2000

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Dover – The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in numerous burglaries throughout Kent County.

The most recent incident occurred around 2:48 a.m. Wednesday October 4, 2017, when an alarm activation was received by the Kent County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) at the Uncle Willies located at 5485 South DuPont Highway, Woodside.  Troopers responded to the store and observed the glass to a door on the south side had been shattered.  Further investigation revealed the suspect(s) entered the store by using an unknown object to break the window and then removed an ATM machine before fleeing in an unknown direction.

A similar incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. Friday September 29, 2017, when an alarm activation was received by the Kent County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) at the Shore Stop located at 16381 South DuPont Highway, Harrington.  Troopers and Officers from Harrington Police Department responded to the store and observed the glass to a door on the north side had been shattered.  Further investigation revealed the suspect(s) entered the store by using an unknown object to break the window and then removed an ATM machine before fleeing in an unknown direction.

Detectives believe three other burglaries committed at Meineke (1312 South DuPont Highway, Dover), Ollie’s (1732 South Governors Avenue, Dover), and Burke’s Tire (3892 North DuPont Highway, Dover) are associated with this suspect(s).  In each of these incidents, the suspect(s) broke into the businesses and removed cash and a trailer was taken from Burke’s Tire.

The suspect depicted in the surveillance image appears to be a male wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, a beanie on his head, and a mask covering the lower portion of his face.  No other information is available on a possible second suspect.

If anyone has any information in reference to these incidents or the suspects involved, they are asked to contact Detective B. Beck at 302-698-8527. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 100417 2000

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Edgemoor – The Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation into a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred Monday October, 2nd, 2017 at approximately 12:27 p.m. on I-495 northbound, north of the Edgemoor Rd. interchange.

Further investigation revealed that 35 year old male operator of the 2003 Honda Accord had been cut off by a vehicle which did not strike his vehicle but caused him to lose control and strike the guardrail.

The only description provided by the operator was that it was a maroon vehicle.

If anyone has information regarding this incident please contact Delaware State Police Troop 1 at 302-761-6677.

State Police Investigating Serious Crash I-495 Northbound – Edgemoor

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 100417 1715

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Newark – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Newark area day care employee after an investigation revealed that she had assaulted an infant under her care.

The incident began on Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 at approximately 9:30 a.m. when Amber R. Worthy, 31 of New Castle was attending to an 11 month old female infant at the Happy Kids Academy located at 273 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE.

Approximately forty minutes after attending to the 11month old, Worthy submitted an incident report to the facility’s director advising her that while re-positioning the infant she heard a crack in her foot. The director then immediately contacted the Delaware Division of Family Services and reported the incident. After an initial review by the Division of Family Services the case was turned over to the Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit for further investigation.

This investigation revealed that while attempting to get the 11 month old to go to sleep Worthy repeatedly hit the infant victim on the back and buttocks and aggressively re-positioned her multiple times. Worthy also repeatedly shook the victims legs and at one point intentionally twisted her right leg.

Subsequent treatment at a Pennsylvania area hospital revealed that the victim had sustained a fractured right tibia.

On Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 Worthy turned herself in at Delaware State Police Troop 2 where she was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of Child Abuse 1st Degree. Worthy was then arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $20,000 unsecured bond.

If anyone has further information regarding this case or is aware of similar incidents regarding Amber Worthy, they are asked to contact Detective A. Lloyd at 302-365-8411. 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. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 100417 1642

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Lincoln – Johnson Road is now open.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 100417 1540

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Lincoln – At approximately 1:25 p.m. a 66-year-old male was taken into custody upon exiting the residence.  He is currently being transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

Detectives continue to investigate this incident and charges may be forthcoming.  Johnson Road is still closed between US113 and North Old State Road and an update will be sent when it is re-opened.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 100417 1355

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Greenville – Delaware State Police have identified the operator of a 2017 Jeep Patriot involved in a crash which occurred on Friday September 29, 2017 as Anthony J. Penna, 17 of Hockessin. Penna who was initially admitted to Christiana Hospital in critical condition, has died as a result of his injuries sustained in the crash.

The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. No charges will be filed.

*Traffic Advisory* Troopers Investigating Serious Motor Vehicle Crash – Greenville (Final Update)

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 100417 1333

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Camden – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after an investigation revealed he was sending sexually related text messages to a teen.

The investigation into the incident began on September 29, 2017 after a 17-year-old female Caesar Rodney High School student contacted a school employee about an adult male that was sending her text messages that were sexual in nature.

The male, who was identified as Dale S. Street, 35 of Dover, began texting the student on September 26, 2017 and even met her one time alone in the parking lot of the John S. Charlton School where he is employed.

Dale Street was arrested on Tuesday October 3, 2017 and charged with Sexual Solicitation of a Child Under 18.  He was arraigned at JP2 and released on $20,000.00 unsecured bond.

Because of the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.

If anyone has any similar incidents regarding Dale Street, they are asked to contact the Detective A. Palese at 302-697-2161. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Any questions regarding the employment of Dale Street should contact the Caesar Rodney School District Central Business Office as 302-698-4800.

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 Gary Fournier

Released: 100417 1315

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