Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last night near the Slaughter Beach Memorial Volunteer Fire Company.

On June 12, 2025, at approximately 7:14 p.m., troopers responded to the public access area adjacent to 359 Bay Avenue in Milford for a reported shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 32-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was attending a party at the pavilion behind the fire company when approximately three masked suspects arrived and began firing multiple rounds at the attendees.

As the victim attempted to flee, he was struck in the lower extremity. The suspects fled the area before police arrived.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released. The suspects were described as wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. It is currently unknown how they arrived at or left the scene. Surveillance footage is not yet available.

The Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues investigating this shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, has information, or may be a victim regarding this case to contact Detective H. Lingo by calling 302-752-3864. 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.

Delaware State Police have identified 39-year-old Brandon Lemon of Dover, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal pedestrian crash that occurred yesterday morning in Dover.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling (302) 698-8451. 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 Homicide Unit continues to investigate the 2016 death of 63-year-old James Leager from Clayton, Delaware.

On April 27, 2016, James was found in his vehicle on a farm property on the 700 block of Blackbird-Greenspring Road in Smyrna, with serious injuries. He was taken to an area hospital where he died nearly 3 weeks later. James was a life-long resident of the Smyrna-Clayton area and was well known in the community.

Over the past nine years, detectives have continued to investigate, examine forensic evidence, and pursue leads in this case. There have been no arrests. Investigators are once again asking for the public’s help with any information that may be relevant.

Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov or by calling 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers, who offers a $5,000 cash reward, 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 Claymont area motel armed carjacking that occurred early this morning.

On June 10, 2025, at approximately 2:35 a.m., troopers responded to the Riverview Motel, located at 7811 Governor Printz Boulevard, Claymont, for a report of an armed carjacking. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking to his car in the motel’s parking lot when he saw 2-3 unknown male suspects attempting to get into his car. The victim confronted the suspects, which led to a physical altercation during which 2 of the suspects displayed firearms. The suspects ultimately fled in the victim’s car toward Governor Printz Boulevard. The victim was evaluated at the scene by EMS for a minor injury.

The suspects are described as 2-3 unknown black males wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective R. Strecker by calling (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 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 fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early this morning in Dover that left one man dead.

On June 10, 2025, at approximately 2:21 a.m., a Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound, in the right lane, on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (State Route 1) approaching White Oak Road. At the same time, a pedestrian wearing dark, non-reflective clothing, and not carrying a light, was in the Jeep’s path of travel on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.  Subsequently, the pedestrian was struck by the Jeep in the right northbound lane of the highway.

The pedestrian, a 39-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Jeep, a 63-year-old man from Berlin, Maryland, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling (302) 698-8451. 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.

Delaware State Police have identified 74-year-old Mary O’Bier of Ellendale, Delaware, as the woman who died in the fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday in Milton.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 302-703-3266. 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 are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred yesterday in Milton that left one woman dead.

On June 6, 2025, at approximately 4:32 p.m., a Ford Bronco was traveling northbound on Mulberry Street approaching Milton-Ellendale Highway. At the same time, a fully marked Sussex County EMS Chevrolet Suburban, that was responding to an emergency call with its emergency equipment activated, was traveling westbound on Milton-Ellendale Highway approaching Mulberry Street. The preliminary investigation revealed the Bronco proceeded past the posted stop sign at Mulberry Street and into the path of the responding EMS Suburban. As a result, the front of the Suburban hit the passenger’s side of the Bronco. After the collision the Bronco rotated clockwise and struck a tree.

The driver of the Bronco, a 74-year-old woman from Ellendale, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where she later died. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.

The driver of the Suburban, a 38-year-old female Sussex County Paramedic, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 302-703-3266. 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 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.

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 Delaware State Police announces the retirement of Major Peter Sawyer, Special Operations Officer at Headquarters, effective June 8, 2025. Major Sawyer’s distinguished career spans over three decades of dedicated law enforcement service, marked by his leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to public safety.

“For over thirty years, Major Pete Sawyer has served the citizens of Delaware with purpose, passion, and professionalism,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, reflecting on Major Sawyer’s career. “From his early years with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department to nearly three decades with the Delaware State Police, Major Sawyer has been a voice for the voiceless and a steady presence during difficult times. His commitment to communication, collaboration, and inclusion defined his leadership, whether advancing investigative efforts or championing causes like the Special Olympics. Even in his final year of service, Major Sawyer remained devoted to the well-being of his fellow troopers by joining the DSP Peer-to-Peer Wellness Team. He continued to lead through support, compassion, and a deep investment in those around him. His impact as a law enforcement leader, mentor, and advocate will continue to shape the DSP long after his retirement.”

Major Sawyer began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where he served as a police officer until joining the Delaware State Police on November 1, 1996, as a recruit in the 66th Delaware State Police academy class. He was assigned to Troop 6 as part of the Field Training Officer Program and promoted to the rank of Trooper just weeks later. These early years laid the foundation for a remarkable trajectory of service and leadership.

Over the next two decades, Major Sawyer held key roles within the agency. He worked as a patrol trooper, a detective at Troop 2, and a sergeant assigned to Troop 6, as well as a specialized enforcement unit focused on drug and quality-of-life crimes. He later served as a supervisor in the Governor’s Task Force and held command positions at both Troop 2 and Troop 6 as a lieutenant. He was instrumental in leading statewide initiatives while assigned as the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Control Unit and later as the Deputy Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit in New Castle County.

In 2010, he was promoted to Captain and assumed leadership of the Intelligence Unit within the Delaware Information Analysis Center, which serves as Delaware’s fusion center. In that role, he oversaw specialized units, including the Maritime Unit, High Technology Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Electronic Surveillance Unit. His strategic leadership continued as the Commander of the Homicide Unit, and in 2021, upon his promotion to Major, he assumed oversight of all special operations within the DSP.

Major Sawyer is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (253rd session) and a past president of the Maryland-Delaware Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. His career has also been marked by passionate service beyond traditional policing. He has been a devoted 30-year member of the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and currently serves as its State Director. He is also the recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Lifetime Achievement Award for his steadfast commitment to traffic safety and victim advocacy.

The Delaware State Police extends its heartfelt appreciation to Major Peter Sawyer for his exemplary service and wishes him the very best in his retirement and future endeavors.