Milton – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a serious crash that occurred north of Milton earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday September 13, 2017 as a 26-year-old Milton man was operating a 2010 Chrysler Sebring northbound on Coastal Highway (SR1) approaching the intersection at Reynolds Road.  A 73-year-old Milford man was operating a 2017 Blue Bird school bus and was stopped in the median crossover at the intersection waiting to turn northbound on SR1.  For unknown reasons, the Chrysler exited the west side of the roadway and entered into the grassy median while beginning to turn in a slight clockwise rotation.  The Sebring then entered the crossover and the left side of the car struck the right side of the bus and partially under rode the bus before coming to a stop.

The 26-year-old operator of the Chrysler was entrapped in the car before being freed by firefighters from Milton Fire Company.  He was initially transported by EMS to Beebe Healthcare and was later transferred to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted in critical condition.

The 73-year-old bus driver and a 12-year-old male student from Mariner Middle School in Milton, were both checked out by medical personnel and were found to be uninjured in the crash.  An 11-year-old female student that was on the bus, was not transported on scene, but later responded with her parents to Bayhealth Milford Memorial where she was being treated for an undetermined injury.

The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol and drug impairment to not appear to be a factor.  No charges have been filed at this time.  SR1 northbound at Reynolds Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

**Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash North of Milton

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091317 2000

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Millsboro – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a serious crash north of Millsboro that injured an 8-month-old child.

The incident occurred around 11:38 a.m. Wednesday September 13, 2017 as a 40-year-old Laurel man was operating a 2006 Kia Optima westbound on Betts Pond Road approaching a moderate right curve at the intersection of Delaware Avenue. A 54-year-old Dagsboro man was operating a 2004 Mack CV7 Dump Truck loaded with concrete sand eastbound on Betts Pond Road approaching the same curve.  Due to apparent excessive speed and the wet roadway the Kia failed to negotiate the curve and crossed into the eastbound travel lane directly in front of the dump truck. The operator of the truck attempted to steer right, but was unable to avoid the Kia and struck it head-on.

An 8-month-old female in the Kia was improperly secured in a forward facing car seat in the right rear seat and was initially transported by EMS to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.  She was later transferred to A.I. DuPont Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

The 40-year-old operator of the Kia was properly restrained and transported by EMS to Beebe Healthcare where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 54-year-old dump truck driver was uninjured.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  No charges have been filed at this time.  Alcohol and drugs are not a factor in this crash.  Betts Pond Road eastbound and westbound at Delaware Avenue were closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

**Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash North of Millsboro

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091317 1935

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Milton – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash north of Milton.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday September 13, 2017 at the intersection of northbound Coastal Highway (SR1) and Reynolds Road and involves a car and a school bus.  Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

SR1 northbound is currently closed in the area.  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://deldot.gov/information/travel_advisory/#trafficBox1

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091317 1605

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Milford – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after he led them on a pursuit throughout Kent County.

The incident occurred around 12:56 a.m. Wednesday September 13, 2017 as a trooper on patrol in the Camden area observed a vehicle without headlight on.  The trooper turned around in order to conduct a traffic stop, when the vehicle began northbound on Main Street in Camden, and upon reaching South DuPont Highway (US13), continued northbound in the southbound lanes.  The vehicle then made a U-turn through the center median and briefly began traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US13 before crossing back into the southbound lanes near West Lebanon Road (SR10).  The vehicle, which was later determined to be a black 2011 Lincoln MKZ, continued southbound into Harrington and then turned eastbound on Milford-Harrington Highway (SR14) and into Milford where it eventually drove northbound on North DuPont Boulevard (US113).  Officers from Milford Police Department assisted with the pursuit by deploying stop sticks which eventually brought the car to a stop when it pulled into the Travellers Inn (1036 North Walnut Street, Milford).  Upon coming to a stop, the suspect continued to attempt to flee by placing the Lincoln in reverse and running into a state police patrol vehicle that was assisting with the capture.

Gary L. Ward, 18 of Dover, was taken into custody after a brief struggle and transported back to Troop 3 in Camden.  He was charged with two counts of Failure to Stop at the Command of a Police Officer, Reckless Endangering 2nd, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Driving, Driving without a Valid License, and multiple other traffic related offenses.  He was also arrested by Dover Police Department for Theft of a Motor Vehicle after it was determined the vehicle Ward was operating was reported stolen earlier that evening in their jurisdiction.  Ward was arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $2,018.00 secured bond.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091317 1430

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Millsboro – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash north of Millsboro.

The incident occurred around 11:38 a.m. Wednesday September 13, 2017 near the intersection of Betts Pond Road and Delaware Avenue and involves a car and a dump truck.  Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

Betts Pond Road eastbound and westbound are currently closed in the area.  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://deldot.gov/information/travel_advisory/#trafficBox1

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 091317 1230

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police continue to investigate a hit-and-run crash which injured a 47-year-old male pedestrian yesterday evening.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at approximately 7:52 p.m., as Michael Aiken, of Wilmington, was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of DE Rt. 2 (Kirkwood Highway) just west of Milltown Road, in a northbound direction. As Aiken stepped into the right hand lane of the roadway, he entered into the path of an unknown vehicle which was traveling in an eastbound direction on DE Rt. 2. Aiken was knocked to the ground and came to rest in the left hand turn lane for Milltown Road. The striking vehicle failed to stop and was last seen fleeing in an eastbound direction on Kirkwood Highway.

Michael Aiken, who was not utilizing a marked crosswalk at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries. Alcohol use on the part of Aiken is being considered as a factor in the crash.

After further investigation, which included the collection of evidence and witness interviews, troopers were able to determine that the striking vehicle may possibly be a dark gray 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner which should now have front end damage.

The eastbound lanes of DE Rt. 2 were closed for approximately one hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Corporal Andrew Johnson at 302-660-3828. 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.

Click on link to view original Traffic Advisory

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Presented by the Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

 Released: 091317 0833

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Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a hit-and-run crash in which a pedestrian was struck that occurred this evening west of Wilmington.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash happened at approximately 7:52 p.m. this evening, Tuesday, September 12, 2017, on eastbound DE Rt. 2 (Kirkwood Highway) east of Delaware Park Drive, and involves a male pedestrian who was struck by an unknown make and model vehicle which then fled the scene.

As a result of the crash, the male pedestrian was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he is being treated for his non-life threatening injuries.

The eastbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway were closed as troopers conducted their investigation, however, they will be re-opened shortly.

The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 6 at 302-633-5000. 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 Website of the First State

Facebook

Twitter

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by the Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

 Released: 091217 2046

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Milton – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an incident in which shots were fired at a residence on Cool Spring Road.

The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday September 12, 2017 as troopers responded to the 19000 block of Cool Spring Road for a report of shots fired in the area.  When troopers arrived, they were contacted by the homeowner who advised there were multiple gunshots fired at their house.  Several bullet holes were located on the exterior and interior of the home where three adults were sleeping at the time.  None of the residents, to include two males and one female, were injured as a result.

At this time there are no suspects.

This case remains under investigation and the Delaware State Police is requesting any information regarding this incident to contact Detective K. Wideman at 302-752-3832. 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 Gary Fournier

Released: 091217 1610

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Dover – The Delaware State Police are now accepting applications for the position of Cadet Trooper.

The Cadet Trooper’s primary duties include the enforcement of handicap parking and fire lane violations, however they are also used in various administrative duties such as traffic control at large events and foot patrol at the State Fair. The Cadets will complete 40 hours of mandatory classroom instruction and will be assigned to various troops throughout the state.  Since the program began in 1998, the Delaware State Police have hired 69 Cadet Troopers.  22 of those cadets have been hired as Delaware State Troopers.   

Minimum Qualifications to become a cadet includes:

• Education- Candidates must be a Delaware resident and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college in the state of Delaware (full-time or part-time)
• Age- Candidates must be between the ages of 18-21
• Citizenship- Candidates must be a citizen of the United States
• Driver’s License- Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license 

Selection Process includes:

• A formal State of Delaware application
• An Oral Board Interview
• Polygraph Examination
• A Background Check

An online application can be found by clicking on the following link: www.becomeatrooper.com.  Once at that page, scroll halfway down the page and click on Important Documents.  The Cadet Application will be found on that page.  The deadline for receiving the applications is Friday October 27, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.  Completed applications should be mailed to: Delaware State Police – Recruiting Office, P.O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903.  Any questions should be directed to the Delaware State Police Recruiting Office at 302-739-5980 or dsprecruiting@delaware.gov.

Released: 091217 1540

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Imagine a profession where you get to work among Delaware’s finest while providing the very best law enforcement services and making a positive impact on your community.

Lieutenant Andrea Boone has built a remarkable career and has such a job. She exemplifies self-sacrifice and diligence in a career she and her family can be most proud of. As a result of her recent advancement and job assignment as the new Assistant Director of the Delaware State Police Human Resources Section, she became the first African-American female trooper in our 94 year history to be promoted to the prestigious rank of Lieutenant.

When Lt. Boone called her mother to share the exciting news about a congratulatory call from Colonel McQueen, she recalled her mother Laura proudly shouting, “Finally!” And repeatedly stating, “I’m so proud, I’m so happy for you…”

Becoming a Trooper
Lieutenant Boone clearly remembers being introduced to the grandiose idea of becoming one of Delaware’s finest like it was yesterday. While working in her initial dream job, at that time as a manager and trainer of other managers for Circuit City Incorporated, she learned from a family member that the Delaware State Police was actively recruiting the very best. She challenged herself and stepped out on faith and initiated the rigorous application process. Joining the State Police family seemed like the perfect choice due to her sincere desire to provide a high level of customer service to the public.

In August of 1995, Andrea visited Troop 2 in Newark and sought an application to become a member of the Delaware State Police. The following day she informed her supervisor of her well-thought out decision to change careers. At that time her supervisor inquired as to what he could do to get her to change her mind. Although, she was apprehensive about leaving the career she loved and invested so much time into, she informed her supervisor that her head and her heart led her to believe this was the right thing for her to do at the right time. Lt. Boone stated, “that was the beginning of my career with the Delaware State Police…I have wondered where I would be today, if I hadn’t made that life changing decision at that time, however, I have never regretted my decision nor have I ever looked back.”

Our Past
When the state police was shaped in 1923 as the Delaware State Highway Police, the agency was comprised of an all-white male force until the first African American, William W. Bessix, was selected as a trooper in 1969. In 1975, Cynthia Lowden and Georgia Carter were the first women appointed as troopers with the Division and became the first female state troopers to graduate from the Delaware State Police training academy. Today The Delaware State Police has 96 female Troopers.

Career
Lieutenant Andrea Boone was hired on March 16, 1996 into the 65^th Delaware State Police Recruit Class. She began her career assigned to Troop 1 and Troop 6 during her Field Training Officers’ Program and then was later assigned to uniformed patrol at Troop 6, Prices Corner. Lt. Boone was promoted to Trooper First Class on March 16, 1998 and then Corporal on March 16, 2000. In August of 2001 she was assigned to Troop 2, Glasgow as a School Resource Officer working at the Red Clay and Christina School Districts as well as the Saint Georges Technical School.

While managing her career as a Trooper, Lt. Boone attended Wilmington University and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice in 2005. Boone was encouraged by several adjunct professors to consider instructing at Wilmington University. She completed the process to become an adjunct instructor and taught several classes at multiple locations during 2006-2008.

In 2007 she was promoted to Senior Corporal and was assigned to the Conflict Management Team until June 15, 2009 when she became a member of the Executive Protection Unit. On March 16, 2010 she was promoted to Master Corporal and in a few short months temporarily assigned to the Academy as a TAC officer alternating weekly assignments. On August 30, 2010 she returned to the Executive Protection Unit.

August 10, 2014 she was promoted to Sergeant and spent 15 months at Troop 1 and later was assigned to Troop 9 before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is currently assigned as the Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division, effective August 13, 2017. Lt. Boone has also been a member of The Delaware State Police Honor Guard for the last 18 years.

An Honor
Lieutenant Andrea Boone lives by the rich tradition established by those troopers who preceded her and continues to build upon their legacies, recognizing that the road to success requires dedication, loyalty, and hard work.

“I’m truly honored, and it is indeed a privilege, to have been selected as a Lieutenant with the Delaware State Police.  I’m equally honored to have been selected as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. I attribute my successes to first of all prayer, because I truly believe that prayer works.  I also attribute it to hard work, the unwavering support of many, many, many family members and friends and that includes co-workers, and certainly to those that came before me and paved the way because without them I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here today. You know someone once told me the secret to getting ahead is getting started, and that I truly believe.  And so I challenge each of you today to get started learning more about the Delaware State Police by logging onto our website www.becomeatrooper.com.   Thank you.”

Lieutenant Andrea Boone
Assistant Director of the Human Resources Section

“Andrea Boone’s promotion to the rank of Lieutenant is the result of a distinguished career and one I fully expect to continue as she assumes her new role as the Assistant Director of the Human Resources Section. This significant achievement is a historic first, to be celebrated as she becomes the first African-American female to achieve this rank and position.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

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

Released: 091117 2021

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