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

Wilmington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a two vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a Middletown woman that occurred this afternoon east of Wilmington.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, as a 48-year-old Middletown woman was operating a 2010 Nissan Maxima and was traveling in the right hand northbound lane of I-495 on the upslope of the Christina River Bridge. The female operator failed to see a 2010 Mack 613 trash truck, owned by Republic Services, which had become disabled on the bridge in the right hand lane. The front of the Maxima then struck the rear of the truck and became lodged underneath.

The female operator of the Maxima, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was treated by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of her next of kin. It is unknown if alcohol or drug use on the part of the victim was a factor in this crash.

The male operator of the trash truck was uninjured. Alcohol or drug use on his part is not being considered as a factor.

I-495 northbound was completely closed for approximately one hour and then was restricted to only the left lane for another three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Milford – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash on Bay Road (SR1/US113) northbound at Wayne D Avenue.

The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. Wednesday May 17, 2017 and involves at least three vehicles.  The extent of any injuries is unknown at this time.

Bay Road northbound is currently closed at Thompsonville Road and commuters are encouraged to seek alternate routes of travel.

Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 051717 2110

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

Wilmington- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. on I-495 northbound on the Christina River Bridge east of Wilmington, and involves two vehicles. At least one person has suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash.

I-495 northbound is currently closed and traffic is being diverted onto I-95 northbound around the crash scene. Commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation at this time. Further details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 051717 1555

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

Wilmington (19805)- Delaware State Police investigated a five vehicle crash in which one person was injured that occurred yesterday morning.

The investigation determined that the crash occurred on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at approximately 8:49 a.m. , as Desiree Cuff, 33, of Wilmington, was operating a 2013 Dodge Durango and was traveling on the exit ramp from I-95 southbound onto 4th Street. The front of the Durango then struck the rear of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, which was being operated by a 31-year-old Ambler, PA man, and which was also stopped on the ramp to 4th Street. The force of the collision caused the Hyundai to be pushed forward at which time its front struck the rear of a 2015 Subaru Impreza, which was also stopped on the ramp, and which was being operated by a 38-year-old Wilmington woman. The Subaru was then pushed forward causing it to strike a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, which was also stopped on the ramp, and which was being operated by a 36-year-old Wilmington man. The Subaru was then pushed forward at which time its front bumper struck the rear of a 2015 Dodge Caravan which was being operated by a 42-year-old Wilmington man.

Desiree Cuff , who was not injured in the crash, was cited by troopers with Following Too Closely.

The 31-year-old operator of the 2016 Hyundai, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by EMS before being transported by ambulance to the Wilmington Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries.

The southbound lanes of I-95 were closed in the area for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

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Released: 051717 0915

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Desmon M. Bostic, 31 of Seaford, who is wanted for Failure to Verify Address as a Sex Offender, two counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft, Falsifying Business Documents, and Selling Stolen Property.  He is also wanted out of Sussex County Court of Common Pleas for a capias.

If anyone has any information in reference to Desmon Bostic’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Trooper J. Valerio at (302)-232-3147.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 051717 0540

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

Wilmington- The southbound lanes of I-95 in the area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard have been re-opened to traffic. Commuters should still expect slowing in the area.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Please click on link to view original release.

Released: 051617 1015

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Presented By Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington- Delaware State Police are currently at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash which occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 8:49 a.m. on I-95 southbound in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and involves approximately six vehicles. It is unknown how many persons were injured in the crash at this time, however, the injuries are non-life threatening.

As a result of the crash, the southbound lanes of I-95 have been closed and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. More information will be provided at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 051817 0912

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

Bear- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Bear Metro PCS store that occurred yesterday evening.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, as a male suspect entered the Metro PCS located at 728 Pulaski Highway, Bear. The suspect then approached the sales counter where he confronted a female clerk while displaying an unknown make and model handgun. He then demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was 5’04”-5’05” tall, weighed 215-230 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and black boots. There is no further physical or clothing description available.

The Delaware State Police would like to remind the business community that robbery prevention is something business owners need to cover with new hires as well as current employees on a regular basis.

Anytime there is money in a place, there is a chance that someone will want that money, and is willing to use force to get it. You can take some simple steps to help reduce the chances that you, or your business, will be robbed. There is no way to fully prevent robbery, but you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim. 

Methods for Discouraging a Robber

• Lock unused doors.
• Avoid working alone. If you must work alone, turn on a radio or TV so robbers will think there is someone with you.
• Vary the schedule and route you take for your bank deposits each day, keep only the necessary cash on hand.
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by.
• Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, because they block visibility from the street.
• Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
• Place colored markings at the exits to estimate the suspect’s height as they leave.
• A robbery may be over in less than a minute. You need a quick eye to get a good look at the robber. That’s why some stores place hidden cameras behind cash registers.

If a Robbery Occurs

• Call police immediately by dialing 9-1-1, before calling anyone else.
• Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? Give it to him/her! Never refuse a robber.
• Remain calm. You will be able to give a better description to the police. Most robbers do not harm the victim.
• Do not resist. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what he asks. He may be armed and may harm you or others if you do not cooperate. Listen carefully to him/her, and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• Try to avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
• The most important thing to do if you’re robbed is to do as you’re told and try to observe. The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

Steps to Take After a Robbery

• Wait until the suspect has left the store and then sound the alarm.
• Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher the name and address of your business. Give a brief description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle if known.
• Ask customers to stay and wait for the police.
• When your witnesses have agreed to stay, lock the doors until the police arrive.
• Preserve the crime scene and make sure the witnesses are aware that they should not touch anything that the suspect may have touched.
• Ask all witnesses and staff members to write down their observations of the suspect description.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Robbery unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 051617 0845

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What: Delaware State Police will hold a press conference to discuss the ongoing investigation into the death of James Leager of Clayton which occurred in May of 2016.

When: Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Paris Community Room, Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 LaGrange Avenue, Newark.

Who: Master Corporal Jeffrey Hale, Detective Daniel Grassi, and family members of James Leager.

Released: 051617 0815

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit has arrested a 31-year-old Milford man after he fled from the scene of an automobile crash.

The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. Monday May 15, 2017 when a male subject was observed by witnesses operating a 2010 Toyota Corolla eastbound on Seashore Highway (SR18/404) approaching Coverdale Road.  The Corolla was passing vehicles on the right shoulder when it travelled off the south side of the road and struck a ditch.  The car then overturned multiple times before coming to a stop after striking a tree.  The operator, and lone occupant, was then seen exiting the vehicle and fleeing southbound on foot through a wooded area and into a field.

Trooper 2 was flying in the area due to a pursuit that had been initiated by Milton Police Department with the Toyota Corolla, but was discontinued by the pursuing officers approximately five minutes earlier.  The helicopter crew was informed of the crash and located the operator running through an open field.  The trooper pilot was able to lower the aircraft into a position to block the suspect’s egress and the trooper medic was able to expeditiously exit the helicopter and place the subject on the ground before the two person crew handcuffed him and took him into custody without further incident.

The operator, who was identified as Steven D. Martin, 31 of Milford, was turned over to Milton Police Department to face charges stemming from their pursuit.  He was also charged by state troopers for Reckless Driving, Failure to Have Insurance in Possession, and Passing on the Right.  He was arraigned on those charges and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $350.00 secured bond.

Please contact Chief Robert Longo of the Milton Police Department at 302-684-8547 for information regarding their investigation and charges involving the pursuit.

Released: 051617 0735

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