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

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a 53 year old New Castle woman after she allegedly assaulted a child at the Manor Group Home in Newark.

The preliminary investigation has determined on April 9, 2016 at approximately 1:39 p.m., a notification was received through the child abuse hotline about a 13 year old child which had been assaulted by a care giver at the Manor Group Home, owned by the Christina School District, located at 30 Glyn Drive, Newark.

On April, 8, 2016, Harrietta Kanda, 53 of New Castle, was observed striking a child, who is autistic and does not speak, in the back of the head several times with a closed fist. Detectives learned that during the incident Kanda requested the child to return back to the kitchen to clean up his area after dinner. Shortly after entering the kitchen the child was heard crying out and moments later he was heard a second time crying out. At this time a staff member immediately responded into the kitchen and found the child on the floor with Harrietta Kanda standing over top of him. Kanda had her hands on the front of his shirt collar lifting him up off of the floor. Kanda was then seen striking him several times in the back, neck and head area with a closed fist. The staff member, who immediately ran into the kitchen, stopped Kanda from striking the child again. After this incident Kanda and the victim were separated.

On April 11, 2016 at approximately 3:35 p.m., a school nurse completed an injury report at which time she observed injuries which included redness and bruising on victim’s right upper arm and scratches on the back of his neck.

After the Attorney General’s review of the investigation and conferring with the Department of Justice warrants were obtained on September 8, 2016 for Harrietta Kanda’s arrest. On September 13, 2016 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Harrietta Kanda responded to Troop 2 where she taken into custody and formally charged with Felony Child Abuse Second Degree – Recklessly or Intentionally Causing Physical Injury To A Child with Intellectual Disabilities and Endangering The Welfare Of A Child – Intentionally, Knowingly or Recklessly Act In Manner Likely To Injure a Child. Kanda was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $2000.00 unsecured bail with a no contact order with anyone under the age of 18. (mug shot attached)

Because of the sensitivity of this case and in consideration of the victim only limited information will be released.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective B. Harris at Troop 2 Glasgow at 302-365-8410. 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: 091316 1411

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

North Dover- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred early last evening.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., Monday September 12, 2016 as Kevin A. King, 22 of Dover was operating a 2012 Honda Accord southbound in the left lane on North Dupont Highway (US13) just south of Fork Branch Road. Robert H. Smith, 41 of Felton, was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of US13 from east to west.  Smith entered the path of the southbound Honda and was struck with the left front bumper throwing him up into the windshield and then into the center median.  The Honda came to an immediate controlled stop in the left lane after the impact.

Robert Smith, who was carrying a small flashlight, was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Kevin King was properly restrained and was uninjured.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  It is unknown if the flashlight Smith was carrying was functioning properly before the collision.  Speed does not appear to be a  factor on the part of the Honda.  US13 southbound was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Released: 091316 0740

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Serious Crash Involving a Pedestrian – North Dover

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

North Dover- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash on North DuPont Highway (US13) southbound between Fork Branch Road and West Dennys Road that  occurred around 8:30 p.m. this evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident involves a pedestrian.

US13 southbound between Fork Branch Road and West Dennys Road is closed.  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 091216 2105

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Newark area CVS store that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred today, Monday, September 12, 2016, at approximately 11:17 a.m., as a male suspect entered the CVS, located at 366 East Chestnut Hill Road, Newark. The suspect approached the sales counter with a handgun and confronted two clerks and a delivery person. He then demanded money from the cash registers. The clerks complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the store and fled into the parking lot towards the rear of the business. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male approximately 5’07” to 5’10” tall, weighed approximately 150 lbs., with his face covered wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants with an unknown type of handgun. There is no further physical or clothing description available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, 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.”

Released: 091216 2151

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

North Dover- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash on North DuPont Highway (US13) southbound between Fork Branch Road and West Dennys Road that  occurred around 8:30 p.m. this evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident involves a pedestrian.

US13 southbound between Fork Branch Road and West Dennys Road is closed.  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 091216 2105

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

Bear, DE – Troopers are investigating a vehicle crash that occurred south of Bear this afternoon involving a school bus.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred around 4:07 p.m. today, Monday, September 12, 2016, as Keith E. Pyle, 40 of Elkton, Maryland was operating a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck northbound on Summit Bridge Road behind a school bus. Ashleigh M. Gladden, 24 of Smyrna, was operating a 2006 Blue Bird bus on Summit Bridge road and stopped in the right lane due to another bus stopped ahead with red lights flashing. A Commercial UTZ fleet truck, operated by Steven Williams, 54 of Dover, was stopped directly in front of the bus. The Dodge Ram pickup truck struck the rear bumper of the bus with the front of the truck. After the collision the bus continued northbound and struck the Commercial UTZ fleet truck. The driver and 18 students were on board the bus. The school bus was from the Delaware First State Military Academy.

There were five students reported to have minor injuries and were transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Steven Williams, 54 of Dover, was wearing his seatbelt and uninjured in the crash.

Keith E. Pyle, 40 of Elkton, Maryland, was wearing his seatbelt and was uninjured in the crash. He was ticketed for Inattentive Driving.

The intersection of Summit Bridge road and Red Lion road was impacted for approximately one hour while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091216 1831

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash involving two motorcycles that occurred early this morning south of Newark.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred early this morning, Monday, September 12, 2016, at approximately 1:22 a.m., as a 2010 Harley Davidson FFB motorcycle operated by Ryan S. Courtney, 33 of Newark, was traveling northbound on SR 896 with a small group of motorcycles. It was reported some of the group were making a right hand turn onto eastbound Old Baltimore Pike and others were going to continue northbound straight on SR 896. A second motorcycle, a 1999 Harley Davidson Sportster operated by Kathryn M. Ford, 33 of Wilmington, was traveling northbound on SR 896. As she approached the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike directly behind Courtney’s motorcycle her front tire struck the rear right side of his motorcycle. Both motorcycles slid out of control and went down into the intersection of SR 896 and Old Baltimore Pike causing both operators to be ejected.

Kathryn M. Ford, 33 of Wilmington, was wearing a helmet. She was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics and then transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with life threatening injuries and is currently listed in critical condition.

Ryan S. Courtney, 33 of Newark, was wearing a helmet. He sustained minor injuries and refused treatment.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Old Baltimore Pike and SR 896 in the area of the crash was impacted for approximately 30 minutes as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091216 1051

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

Edgemoor, De. – Delaware State Police are currently at the scene of a single vehicle crash.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 7:25 a.m., Monday, September 12, 2016, on I-495 southbound north of Edgemoor Road. The operator of the single vehicle is reported to be uninjured.

As a result of the crash, all lanes of I-495 southbound have been close. Commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Further updates will be released as they are received.

Released: 091216 0751

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dover – The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion style robbery that occurred south of Dover.

The incident occurred around 11:18 p.m., Saturday September 10, 2016 when two male subjects entered the front door at a residence located in the unit block of Weeping Willow Court.  The suspects confronted a 32-year-old female who was sleeping in her bedroom with her 7-year-old daughter.  The two suspects were armed with unknown type handguns and demanded cash and a safe.  The two then removed an undisclosed amount of money from the victim’s purse as well as a safe and fled the residence in an unknown direction.  The victim and her 7-year-old daughter, as well as three other children ages, 16, 12, and 8, that were asleep in other rooms, were uninjured in the incident.

The two suspects were described as black males, 25-35 year of age, 5’10” – 6’01” tall.  One of the suspects was wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans, black gloves and a white mask covering his face.  The second suspect was wearing dark colored clothing with a black mask covering his face.  No further physical or clothing description available.  Both were armed with unknown type handguns.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective T. Ford at 302-698-8569. 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: 091116 0900

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

New Castle – The Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the shooting of a 16-year-old boy as he rode his bike along Christiana Road (SR273).

The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m., Saturday September 10, 2016 when a 9-1-1 call was received advising of 6-10 gunshots in the area of SR273 and Airport Road.  Approximately five minutes later, another 9-1-1 call was received from a residence on Winburne Drive stating a 16-year-old male had been shot in the lower extremity.  The investigation revealed the 16-year-old had been riding westbound on SR273 east of Airport Road when he was shot and continued home where his mother called 9-1-1.

The young boy was transported by EMS to an area hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to an upper extremity as well as the lower extremity.

There is currently no suspect information available.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and if anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective A. Lloyd at 302-834-2630. 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: 091116 0825

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

New Castle– The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash that occurred on I95 under the Chapman Road overpass involving a dump truck (originally reported as a tractor trailer).

The incident occurred around 11:08 p.m. Saturday September 10, 2016 as Fresa M. Pichardo, 46 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was operating a 2015 Caterpillar CAT660 dump truck southbound on I95 moving from the far right lanes (construction zone) to the far left exit lane, in order to make a U-turn at the I 95 service area.  The dump hopper was in the raised position after unloading asphalt when the left side of the hopper’s upper portion struck the lower steel girder of the Chapman Road overpass bridge.  This impact caused the dump truck to overturn on its right side.

Fresa Pichardo was properly restrained uninjured.  She was cited for Inattentive Driving.

DelDOT engineers responded to the crash scene to inspect the overpass which was determined to be structurally sound.

Traffic on I95 southbound was impacted for approximately fours hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091116 0755

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

New Castle– Delaware State Police are currently at the scene of a single vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 11:08 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2016, on I-95 southbound under the Chapman Road overpass and involves a tractor-trailer which has overturned. The male operator of the tractor trailer is reported to be uninjured.

As a result of the crash, all lanes of I-95 southbound have been closed and traffic is being diverted off of the highway and onto the ramp to DE Rt. 273 (Christiana Road) southbound. Commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Further updates will be released as they are received.

Released: 091116 0040

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