Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Floyd McNally

Newark, DE – Troopers are investigating a crash in which an operator drove his vehicle into a building yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:06 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 as Thomas Harding, 73 of Bear, was operating a 2011 Kia Sorento in the parking lot of McDonald’s located at 4160 Ogletown-Stanton Road (SR4), Newark.  As the Kia backed out of a parking space it continued across the parking lot and drive thru lane. The Kia continued and struck the building with its rear bumper stopping just inside McDonald’s. As a result one patron was struck by the vehicle and another was struck by a table. One other person was able to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Thomas Harding, the driver of the Kia, did not recognize his vehicle was still in reverse. He and his passenger, Judith Harding, were uninjured in the collision. He was cited for Careless driving.

Two patrons Michael Riastick,31 of Bear, and Kevin Thompson, 24 of Florida, were treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. Both were then removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Sonny Riastick, 29 of Bear, the third patron, was uninjured in the crash.

(See attached photos)

Released: 112216 1201

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Milton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place yesterday afternoon near Cool Springs Farm south of Milton.

Preliminary investigation reveals the incident took place around 5:35 p.m. Monday November 21, 2016 as a 64-year-old male was approached by a male subject near the 19000 block of East Meadowview Drive who needed a ride home.  The victim agreed and began driving to the end of East Meadowview Drive where the male subject turns the ignition off, grabs the victim by the throat, and tells him he’s taking the car.  The male victim exits the car along with the suspect, who then re-enters on the driver’s side and drives away in an unknown direction.

The 64-year-old victim was uninjured in the incident and was able to call 9-1-1 from a nearby residence.  The vehicle, a Mazda Miata, was located a short time later abandoned on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (US9).

The suspect was described as a black male, 25-35 years old, 6’02”-6’04” tall, 200-210 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes, wearing brown overalls (No further physical or clothing description available). The suspect appeared to be unarmed.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. 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.”

Released: 112216 0925

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Delaware – The Delaware State Police is now accepting applications for the 91st Delaware State Police Recruit Class.  The closing date for the applications will be Friday, January 20, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.  Testing for this class, which is slated to begin in fall of 2017, will occur in early February.

Questions concerning this information can be directed to the Recruitment Office of the Delaware State Police by email at dsprecruiting@delaware.gov or telephone 302.739.5980.  Information regarding minimum qualifications and the application process can be found on the Delaware State Police website at www.becomeatrooper.com.

The DSP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Released: 112216 0910

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Dagsboro – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) have arrested two people after an investigation into the illegal sales of narcotics from a residence on Gum Tree Road.

On Monday November 21, 2016 at approximately 5:25 p.m., the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, along with Probation and Parole Officers from the Georgetown office, responded to the 28000 block of Gum Tree Road in order to conduct an administrative probation search on the residence of Brandon R. Garrison, 33, who is currently on Level 3 probation stemming from a 2015 drug conviction.  When troopers and probation officers arrived at the home, Garrison and Marcos W. Ortlip, 24 of Georgetown, were both taken into custody without incident outside the home.  A search of the residence revealed 620 bags (9.3 grams) of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and over $6,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

Brandon Garrison and Marcos Ortlip were transported back to Troop 4 where they were both charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  They were both committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $101,500.00 secured bond.

Released: 112216 0900

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Floyd McNally

Hockessin, DE – The Delaware State Police is currently investigating a serious crash that occurred south of Hockessin this morning.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred around 11:29 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2016 as James J. Conway, 28 of Pennsylvania, was operating a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze southbound on Lancaster Pike (SR 41) approaching New Port Gap Pike.  A 2010 Ford Edge operated by Sonseeahray Dunn, 59 of Pennsylvania, was northbound on Lancaster Pike and approaching the Cruze traveling southbound on Lancaster Pike. For unknown reasons the Cruze crossed the center line and drove into the northbound lane of Lancaster Pike and struck the front left side of the Edge. The Edge then rolled onto its roof in the northbound lane of Lancaster Pike.  A third vehicle a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder operated by Megan Fitzpatrick, 47 of Wilmington, was traveling northbound behind the Edge and struck the vehicle in the passenger side door. The Pathfinder continued northbound on Lancaster Pike and came to a controlled stop. The Edge spun counterclockwise in the roadway.

James J. Conway, who was wearing a seat belt was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics for non-life threatening injuries. He was subsequently transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center.

Sonseeahray Dunn, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics. She was transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Megan Fitzpatrick was uninjured in the crash.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Lancaster Pike (SR 41) in the area of the crash was closed approximately one  hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 112116 1511

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Felton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a stabbing that took place over a possible road rage incident.

Troopers and Emergency Medical Services responded to the area of the 10000 block of South DuPont Highway around 2:30 p.m. Sunday November 20, 2016 for a report of a woman who was stabbed during an altercation at a red light.  Upon their arrival, it was determined that the 36-year-old female from Wilmington was riding as passenger in a car when another car pulled up along side of them at a traffic light located at South DuPont Highway (US13) southbound and Evans Road.  The female operator and a female passenger of the other car exchange profanities and unpleasant hand gestures toward the victim and her family while at the red light.  A female passenger of the other vehicle then exited and began approaching the passenger’s side of the victim’s vehicle.  As the victim began to exit her vehicle, the female passenger from the other car began to physically assault the 36-year-old victim.  As the two were engaged in the confrontation, the driver from the suspect car exited her vehicle and began stabbing the victim in the upper torso.  The three then separated and entered their own vehicles and continued southbound on US13 when the victim noticed she had been stabbed.  The victim’s daughter then pulled into a residence in the 10000 block of South DuPont Highway and called 9-1-1.  The female victim was transported by EMS to an area hospital where she was admitted in stable condition.

Further investigation revealed the incident may have started in the area of US13 southbound near Voshells Mill Road when the suspect vehicle began following the victim’s vehicle and was honking the horn and flashing their lights while traveling in the left lane.

The suspects were only described as two black females.  The driver is approximately 50-60 years old while the passenger was approximately 20-30 years old.  Varying descriptions of the vehicle were given, but possibly a grey in color Toyota Corolla.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective T. Valeski at 302-698-8442. 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.”

Released: 112116 1010

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Felton – Troopers are investigating a robbery of the Canterbury Shore Stop that occurred just after midnight.

The incident occurred around 12:18 a.m. Monday November 21, 2016, when a male suspect entered the convenience store located at 8953 South DuPont Highway and approached the female employee at the counter armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.  The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of currency.  The male then fled the business in an unknown direction.  The female employee was uninjured in this incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 16-30 years of age, 5’05”-5’10” tall, 130-185 lbs., wearing all dark colored clothing (No further physical or clothing description).  Armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.  (Surveillance photo attached)

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective T. Valeski at 302-698-8442. 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.”

Released: 112116 0905

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

Milton, De.– The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion style robbery that occurred south of Milton early Sunday morning.

The preliminary investigation into this incident revealed it occurred around 7:33 a.m., Sunday, November 20, 2016 when a neighbor observed smoke in the area of the victim’s residence in the 17,000 block of Pettyjohn Road, Milton. As the neighbor responded toward the residence, the victim was found outside near the roadway. The victim had been asleep when unknown subjects entered the residence and struck the victim in the head with an unknown object where he subsequently went unconscious. The victim’s residence was fully involved and extinguished by the fire department. The victim sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local area hospital.

The suspect or possibly multiple suspects were only described as males (No further physical or clothing description).

Delaware State Fire Marshal Harry Miller is the point of contact for this incident and can be reached at 856-5600.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective G. Windish at 302-752-3814. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 112116 0851

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

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating an assault incident and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspect.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 2:02 p.m., Saturday, November 19, 2016, as a male suspect entered the BP station located at 1 Jay Drive off of West Basin Road in New Castle. The suspect concealed items in his pants pockets while inside the BP station and was then confronted by two store clerks. The suspect became combative and assaulted the clerks. During the incident the suspect kicked and smashed the glass door and fled on foot northbound onto Jay Drive in the direction of the Chelsea Estates neighborhood. The clerks sustained minor injuries and decided to drive themselves to an area hospital.

The suspect was described as a black male approximately 25-35 years of age, 6’00” tall and 190-210 lbs. The suspect was last seen wearing a red Phillies baseball cap, sunglasses, black t-shirt and tan pants.  A front of the t-shirt read “IMMA ALWAYS KEEP IT 100”.  (See attached photos)

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Corporal B. McDerby at 302-365-8533. 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.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor.com application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 112016 1121

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

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.

• Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
• Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
• Do not step into a cross walk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
• Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Do not risk crossing outside of a cross walk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high-speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
• Cross only at cross walks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again.  Only start to cross when it’s clear.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless whether or not you have the right of way.
• If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle.  Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance.  Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
• If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.
• We urge pedestrians and drivers to be more observant, cautious and safe.

Our Focus is in the areas where most of our recent crashes involving pedestrians occurred:

US 40 Pulaski Highway in the areas of Church Road and Walther Road, Newark

US 13 DuPont Parkway at the intersection of Llangollen Boulevard, New Castle

SR 1 Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Smyrna

SR 2 Kirkwood Highway in the area of Limestone Road and Duncan Road Newport and Elsmere

US 13 Philadelphia Pike in the area of Washington Street and Harvey Road Bellefonte and Ardentown

I95 John F.Kennedy De. Turnpike

Old Baltimore Pike in the area of Hanna Drive, Newark

SR 41 Lancaster Pike in the area of Lora Lane, Newark

I 495 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, Newport

Released: 111916 1401

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