Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in New Castle on Tuesday afternoon.

On July 22, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., troopers responded to East Basin Road in the area of William Penn High School in New Castle, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that 2 unknown teenage males met with the 15-year-old victim in the area of the high school to trade sneakers. During the meeting, one of the suspects asked to see the shoes, and the victim complied. The suspect then punched the victim, pushed him to the ground, and grabbed the bag with the shoes. Both suspects then fled toward the high school with the victim’s property. The victim was not injured.

The suspects are described as 2 unknown teenage males. Surveillance video and images of the suspects are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The 2025 Fall Delaware State Police Citizens Police Academy will start on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The academy will consist of nine two-hour sessions on Wednesday nights, with the final session on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Most classes will take place at Delaware State Police Troop 6, located at 3301 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, Delaware.

Participants will learn about a wide range of intriguing police activities consistent with the experiences of the Delaware State Police today. The Academy includes, but is not limited to, classroom instruction on evidence processing, criminal and traffic investigations, tours of DSP facilities, familiarization with special units, and other topics. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to ride with patrol troopers.

Class size will be limited to 20 participants, and background checks will be conducted on all applicants.

Applications can be submitted online through the Citizens Police Academy website from now until August 22, 2025.

Delaware State Police are investigating several fraud-related thefts that occurred at Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator in Bear over the last year. Detectives are seeking assistance in identifying potential victims associated with this ongoing theft investigation.

On July 4, 2025, troopers responded to Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator, 4376 Kirkwood Saint Georges Road, Bear, for a report of a theft that occurred over the last year. In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned the victims signed a contract with Sartin Memorials/Absolute Granite Liquidator for a headstone that was to be installed by March 2025. As of June 2025, the headstone had been paid for, but had not been installed. The victims made several attempts to contact the business, but were unsuccessful. Troopers have reason to believe there are additional unidentified victims that have paid for headstones as early as 2023, and the orders have not been fulfilled, totaling over approximately $14,500 in stolen payments.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has further information regarding this case, or who may be a victim to contact Detective J. Klink by calling 302-365-8435. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery that occurred in New Castle last night.

On July 21, 2025, at approximately 9:18 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery that occurred on South Dupont Highway in the area of Beaverbrook Plaza in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was traveling on an electric bicycle on the shoulder of South Dupont Highway when an unknown white Nissan sedan stopped in front of him. Two unknown suspects exited the vehicle, and struck the victim with a metal pipe, during which they stole various personal property from him. The suspects then fled in the Nissan with the victim’s property. The victim sustained minor injuries.

The suspects are described as a white male, and a black male. Surveillance video and images of the suspects or the suspect vehicle are not available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective R. Strecker at (302) 365-8413. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police have identified the man found dead inside a parked SUV on Olive Avenue in Rehoboth Beach on June 24, 2025, as 85-year-old Lewis Johnson of Reston, Virginia.

Through investigative efforts and forensic testing conducted by the Division of Forensic Science, Mr. Johnson was positively identified and determined to have died of natural causes. The investigation further revealed that a family member drove Johnson to Rehoboth Beach after his death.

Out of concern for the family member’s well-being and after consulting with relatives, a Gold Alert was issued on June 28. The individual was safely located the following day and taken to a medical facility for evaluation.

No criminal charges are pending, and this case is now closed. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit extends its appreciation to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and the Division of Forensic Science for their assistance.

To read the original news release, please click here.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.

Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at the Superlodge in New Castle early Saturday morning.

On July 19, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Superlodge, located at 1213 West Avenue in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim allowed an unknown black female to enter his room to use the bathroom. Three unknown black males approached the room while the female was inside. As the female opened the door and exited the room, the three unknown black male suspects produced a handgun and forced the victim back into the room. The suspects struck the victim in the face with the handgun and placed him in a chokehold while demanding for his money and belongings. The suspects fled the area on foot with the victim’s property.

The victim, a 44-year-old man from Newark, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Note: Some of the individuals listed below are also homeless. Their profiles will not be duplicated in the separate homeless sex offender news release, as their wanted status is already reflected here and within their public sex offender registry listing.

The following individuals are not wanted for failing to register or re-register at their current address. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Delaware State Police are investigating a drowning that occurred in the Broadkill River near Milton on Tuesday afternoon.

On July 15, 2025, at approximately 4:32 p.m., troopers responded to a water rescue at the boat ramp located at the end of Oyster Rocks Road in Milton. The Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire companies, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to assist in the search for a missing swimmer in the Broadkill River.

The investigation revealed that 18-year-old Yorch Niz-Chilel had been crabbing with family near the boat launch when he entered the river as they were preparing to leave. He walked into the river until it reached his neck, at which point he began yelling for help. Family members attempted to rescue him but were unable to reach him before he went under. While calling 911, the family lost sight of Yorch as he drifted away and submerged.

A coordinated search effort by water and air units from multiple responding agencies was launched but did not locate him. Due to deteriorating safety conditions, search operations were temporarily suspended later that evening.

On the morning of July 16, 2025, members of the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, Maritime Unit, and Underwater Recovery Team resumed search operations. The coordinated search operation continued throughout the day but was unsuccessful in locating Yorch.

That evening, a fisherman called 911 after spotting a body near the Outer Wall, close to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse in the Delaware Bay. The body was recovered and positively identified as Yorch Niz-Chilel.

Yorch’s family has been notified, and his body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for further examination.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Delaware State Police have identified 24-year-old Timothy Schuler of Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in a single-vehicle fatal crash on Tuesday morning in Clayton.

The Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.