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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early this morning in Clayton.

On July 15, at approximately 3:00 a.m., a Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Sudlers Row, approaching the intersection at Blackiston Church Road. The vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the stop sign. It continued off the edge of the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver, a 24-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The roadway was closed for approximately three and a half hours while members of the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

The investigation remains ongoing. 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.

Delaware State Police have identified 71-year-old Peter Surdo from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania as the man who died in the fatal four-vehicle crash on Friday in Milford.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Sergeant A. Mitchell at (302) 703-3269. 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 27-year-old Devin Flamer from Bridgeville, Delaware, as the man who died in the single-vehicle fatal crash yesterday near Bridgeville.

Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Albert at (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 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

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred this morning near Bridgeville that left one man dead.

On July 12, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a Buick Century was traveling southbound on Wilson Farm Road approaching Cannon Road at an apparent high rate of speed. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Buick proceeded past the stop sign at Cannon Road and exited the east side of Conrail Road. The Buick then re-entered the road, rotated clockwise, exited the west side of Conrail Road, struck a concrete barrier, and overturned.

The driver, a 27-year-old man from Bridgeville, was not properly restrained at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Conrail Road, Wilson Farm Road, and Cannon Road were closed for approximately three and a half hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Albert at (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 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.