Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna – Troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred earlier this evening east of Smyrna.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday October 19, as a 54-year-old male from Dover, was operating a 2012 Triumph motorcycle eastbound on Smyrna-Leipsic Road west of Big Oak Road.  For undetermined reasons, as the motorcycle entered into a moderate left curve, it drove off the south side of the road and struck a ditch before striking a vinyl fence.

The operator was ejected from the motorcycle upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.  It is unknown if he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.  His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and are seeking information on a white mid-sized passenger car that may have been in the area prior to the crash.  If anyone has any information in reference to this crash or the white vehicle, they are asked to contact Sergeant M. Groce at 302-698-8518. 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.”

Smyrna-Leipsic Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 101916 2245

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

Newark, De- Delaware State Troopers are investigating a crash between a passenger car and a school bus occupied with students from a local school.

The incident occurred around 6:55 a.m. Wednesday October 19, 2016 as Ahmad J. Abdullah, 49, of Wilmington, was operating a 1999 Toyota Corolla eastbound on Old Baltimore Pike preparing to make a left had turn onto Salem Church Road, Newark. As Ahmad approached the intersection, he failed to stop on a solid red traffic signal.

John Ewasko, 55 of Wilmington, was operating a 2013 International School bus and was traveling westbound on Old Baltimore Pike. He attempted to avoid the Toyota Corolla by taking evasive action and swerving, however the vehicles collided. After the collision, both vehicles were able to come to a controlled stop on the shoulder of Old Baltimore Pike.

Abdullah was properly restrained and was treated by New Castle County Paramedics at the scene of the collision before being transported to Christiana Hospital by ambulance for non-life threatening injuries. He was cited for Failure to Stop at a Red Light by Delaware State Police.

A 13-year-old female passenger of the Toyota Corolla was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics and transported to Christiana Hospital by ambulance where she was treated for her non-life threatening injuries.

John Ewasko was also properly restrained and treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported to Christiana Hospital by ambulance for non-life threatening injuries.

All 37 students from Newark Charter School were uninjured in the collision.

The roadway was closed for approximately One hour while being investigated and cleared.

Released: 101916 1230

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**Original Release**

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

Smyrna, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has identified the 64 year old male who was struck and killed on SR1 at Paddock Road, Smyrna, on Monday, October 17, 2016, as John Torlish, 64, of Laurel, DE.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Released: 101916 1150

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**Original Releases**

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a two vehicle crash involving a school bus which occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash happened at approximately 6:56 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike and Salem Church Road, Newark, and involves a passenger car and a school bus with several children on board. There were injuries in the crash, however, the exact number of injured subjects and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

The intersection of Old Baltimore Pike and Salem Church Road has been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Released: 101916 0725

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Presented by Public Information Officer Corporal James O’Neil

New Castle, DE- The Delaware State Police Retail Theft Unit have arrested three women and charged them in connection with a string of thefts from home improvement stores which occurred throughout New Castle County since mid- September.

The initial investigation began on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at around 9:46 a.m., after troopers were called to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store located at 1030 East Songsmith Drive, Bear for thefts of faucets. During the investigation it was discovered three unknown black female suspects had stolen high-end kitchen and bathroom faucets with a total value of over $20,000.00 in merchandise.

After detectives continued to look into the rash of thefts, information was obtained through investigative measures; examination of evidence and multiple interviews which identified three suspects working together in the thefts as Lakiesha S. Hargrow, 35 of Wilmington, Deerna Johnson, 27 of Pennsylvania and Geneara Shovall, 24 of Wilmington.

Detectives were able to link the suspects to the following thefts:

• Lowe’s 1030 East Songsmith Drive Bear, De.
• Lowe’s 2000 Ogletown Road Newark, De.
• Lowe’s 3100 Brandywine Parkway Wilmington, De.
• Lowe’s 2225 Hessler Boulevard New Castle, De.
• The Home Depot 2000 Peoples Plaza Newark, De.
• The Home Depot 1301 Churchmans Road Newark, De.
• The Home Depot 601 Naamans Road Claymont, De.

On Friday, October 14, 2016, as troopers responded to a residence located on Polk Road Wilmington to execute a warrant. The three suspects were seen preparing to leave the property and were taken into custody without incident.

Lakiesha S. Hargrow transported to Troop 2 where she was formally charged with two counts of Felony Theft, two counts of Organized Retail Crime, two counts of Conspiracy, and Felony Selling Stolen Property. She was also charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Assault stemming from a warrant out of Wilmington Police Department. Hargrow was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $12,000.00 secured bond. (mug shots attached)

Deerna Johnson was transported to Troop 2 where she was formally charged with two counts of Felony Theft, two counts of Organized Retail Crime, two counts of Conspiracy, and Felony Selling Stolen Property. Johnson was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $10,000.00 secured bond. (mug shots attached)

Geneara Shovall was transported to Troop 2 where she was formally charged with two counts of Organized Retail Crime, Conspiracy, and Felony Selling Stolen Property. Shovall was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $8,000.00 secured bond. (mug shots attached)

This is an active and ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Cpl. 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 application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/

Released: 101816 1051

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

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the theft of audio equipment from a Newark area Christian Center and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The investigation began on Thursday, August 18, 2016, after troopers were called to respond to the Word of Life Christian Center located at 854 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. It was at this time that troopers were advised that sometime between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, a male suspect (pictured) had entered the auditorium of the Christian Center and had proceeded to remove several pieces of audio equipment valued at over $2400.00. The suspect then exited the building and fled in an unknown direction.

The pictured suspect is described as a black male 20-35 years of age. He was 5’10”-6’00” tall, had a muscular build, and was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a black short sleeve t-shirt and black and blue sneakers.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Christian Hevelow at 302-365-8471. 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 application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 101816 1035

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

Bear, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery and assault of a female teen which occurred early yesterday evening in Bear.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2016, as a sixteen year old female had exited her vehicle which she had just parked in the lot of the Dollar General located at 1590 Red Lion Road, Bear. It was at this time that the victim was approached by five females who had been sitting in a silver unknown make and model vehicle which was also parked in the lot. The suspects then proceeded to assault the victim and removed her wallet from her wrist. They cts then fled in the vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim suffered minor injuries; however, she refused medical treatment.

The suspects were all described as black females. The first had long black hair and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans. The second suspect was last seen wearing a purple shirt, black leggings, and black sneakers. The third suspect was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black leggings, and black sneakers. There was no further description available for the fourth and fifth suspects. No video surveillance photos are available at this time.

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.”

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 application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 101816 0935

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

Smyrna, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred early this afternoon in Smyrna.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 12:31 p.m. today, Monday, October 17, 2016, as James Leggett, 66, of Yeadon, PA, was operating a 2016 Kenworth tractor and flatbed trailer and was traveling in a southbound direction on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (SR1) at Paddock Road, Smyrna. For an unknown reason, the tractor trailer drifted slightly onto the right had shoulder of the roadway where it then struck a 64 year old Laurel, DE man, who had just exited the driver’s seat of a 2002 Ford F-150, and was walking toward the front of the car. The tractor trailer then struck the left hand side of the Ford before stopping just south of the crash. The male pedestrian landed in the right hand southbound lane of SR1 where he came to rest.

The male victim was declared dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin. James Leggett, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Neither speed nor alcohol use appear to be a factor in the crash.

The southbound lanes of  SR1 were closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 101716 1920

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Delaware – On Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Delaware State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

The locations for planned disposal monitored by the Delaware State Police will be at the following (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches):

New Castle County

• Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 LaGrange Avenue, Newark, DE 19702
• Christiana Care, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713

Kent County

• Delaware State Police Troop 3, 3759 South State Street, Camden, DE 19934

Sussex County

• Delaware State Police Troop 4, 23652 Shortly Road, Georgetown, DE 19947.
• Delaware State Police Troop 7, 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 22 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.

Released: 101716 1450

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

Smyrna, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in which a male pedestrian has been killed that occurred early this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred today, Monday, October 17, 2016, at approximately 12:31 p.m., on southbound SR1 at Paddock Road, Smyrna, and involves a single vehicle which struck a male pedestrian. As a result of the crash the pedestrian has been pronounced dead. The operator of the vehicle did remain at the scene.

The southbound lanes of SR1 are currently closed in the area of the crash and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is responding to the crash scene and will assume the investigation. Further details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 101716 1313

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