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.

The 39th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Delaware will take place from Wednesday, June 11, through Friday, June 13, 2025, bringing together nearly 800 law enforcement officers from across the state to carry the Flame of Hope in honor of the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.

Spanning multiple legs from Fenwick Island to Wilmington, this inspiring three-day event highlights law enforcement’s steadfast commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $12 million to support year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Torch Run Schedule Highlights:

Wednesday, June 11

• Upstate: Begins at 9:00 a.m. at the New Castle County Police Department and travels to the Wilmington Police Department for a ceremony at 9:30 a.m., before continuing along Kirkwood Highway to Albertson Boulevard.
• Downstate: Starts at 3:30 p.m. at Fenwick Island and travels to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Following the ceremony, officers and athletes will complete a one-mile run to Grove Park.

Thursday, June 12

• Downstate: Two Torch Run Legs begin early—Delmar Police Department at 6:15 a.m. and Georgetown Circle at 6:55 a.m.—uniting in Harrington before continuing to Dover for a 1:45 p.m. ceremony on Legislative Mall.
• Upstate: Departs the Middletown Police Department at 10:30 a.m. and also arrives in Dover in time for the afternoon ceremony. Law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes, and state legislators are invited to attend.

Friday, June 13

• The Torch leaves Newark Shopping Center at 4:15 p.m. and completes its journey with the Final Leg into the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware, where the Opening Ceremony for the 2025 Summer Games will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m.

A Legacy of Inclusion

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is more than a relay—it is a symbol of hope, inclusion, and community. Officers from departments across the state come together to honor the strength and determination of Special Olympics athletes, while also helping to ensure that Delaware athletes continue to enjoy opportunities to grow in skill, confidence, and friendship.

Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round training and competition in 15 sports, supported by a passionate community of volunteers, coaches, and sponsors. Programs like the Torch Run help make these experiences possible for thousands of athletes statewide. For more information or to get involved, visit Special Olympics Delaware.

Delaware State Police have identified 22-year-old Jordan Cuffee of Dover, Delaware, as the man who died in the fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Friday night in Cheswold.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling (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 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 are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred last night in Cheswold that left one man dead.

On May 30, 2025, at approximately 7:47 p.m., a Kawasaki ZR9 motorcycle was traveling southbound on North Dupont Highway, in the left lane, approaching Rose Bowl Road. At the same time, a Toyota Sienna was traveling eastbound on Rose Bowl Road, stopped at the stop sign at North Dupont Highway. The preliminary investigation revealed the Sienna proceeded to cross the southbound lanes of North Dupont Highway and entered the motorcycle’s path of travel. As a result, the motorcycle hit the driver’s side of the Sienna, ejecting the driver.

The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he later died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Toyota, a 74-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, sustained a minor injury and refused transport to the hospital.

The roadway was closed for an extended period while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling (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 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 an attempted robbery that occurred Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of a PNC Bank in Wilmington.

On May 29, 2025, detectives began investigating an attempted robbery that occurred on May 27, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of PNC Bank, located at 1704 Marsh Road in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was approached by an unknown black male suspect who demanded money. The victim did not comply, and the suspect fled the scene. The victim was not injured.

Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with relevant information about this case is asked to contact detectives at (302) 834-2620. 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.

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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last night in Millsboro.

On May 28, 2025, at approximately 9:44 p.m., troopers responded to the 27000 block of Patriots Way in Millsboro for a report of a shooting. When troopers arrived, they learned that an unknown suspect fired an unknown number of shots that hit an occupied house. No one was injured, and the incident remains under investigation.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues its investigation and urges anyone who has information about this incident to contact Detective J. O’Neil at (302) 752-3810. 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 robbery that occurred at a business in Bear last night.

On May 27, 2025, at approximately 9:31 p.m., troopers responded to La Estrella Tienda Mexicana, located at 795 Pulaski Highway, Bear, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed 2 suspects arrived at the business after it had just closed, and approached an employee, who was at the register with a money bag. The suspects remained in the store after they were informed the business was closed, and continued inquiring about products. The employee eventually placed the money bag down, and assisted the suspects with retrieving an item within the store. Upon returning to the front of the store, the employee noticed the money bag was missing, and notified another employee. Following this, one of the suspects returned the money bag to the employee, who noticed money was missing from the bag. The employees attempted to stop the suspects from leaving the store; however, the suspects pushed the employees, and fled to the parking lot. The suspects then entered a black vehicle and fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The 2 employees were not injured.

The suspects are described as an unknown black male, and an unknown black female. Surveillance video and images are not yet 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 Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place Sunday night at a Burger King in Bear.

On May 25, 2025, at approximately 11:06 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Burger King, located at 1170 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed that two unknown black male suspects approached a Burger King employee while she was taking out the trash. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the employee, and demanded money from within the business. The employee complied, and the suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

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

The Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding 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 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.