Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Newark- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on I95 that occurred early last evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident occurred around 7:52 p.m. Friday September 2, 2016 as Melinda Rodriguez, 26 of Patterson, New York, was operating a 2004 Toyota Corolla southbound on Interstate 95 in the left center lane approximately one mile south of the service area.  Lenny Crosland, 47 of Newark, DE, was operating a 2010 Mercury Mountaineer southbound on I95 directly behind the Corolla.  A pedestrian, who was wearing dark colored clothing, was attempting to cross I95 from west to east and entered into the path of the Toyota.  Rodriguez slammed on her brakes in an attempt to avoid colliding with the female pedestrian just as the Mountaineer struck the rear of the Corolla and pushed her forward into the female pedestrian.  The pedestrian was then struck by several other unknown vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene.

The female pedestrian was removed from the scene by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science to determine her identification.

Melinda Rodriguez, who was properly restrained, was transported by EMS to Christiana Medical Center where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Lenny Crosland along with a female passenger, were both properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Drugs and alcohol were not a contributing factor on behalf of either driver.  I95 southbound between Exit 1 and Exit 3 was reduced to one lane for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 090316 0650

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash – I95, Newark

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Newark- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash on I95 southbound between SR273 and Exit 1 that  occurred around 7:52 p.m. this evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident involves a pedestrian that has died as a result of the crash. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation.

I95 southbound, north of Exit 1 currently has one lane open.  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 090216 2025

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Newark- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash on I95 southbound between SR273 and Exit 1 that  occurred around 7:52 p.m. this evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident involves a pedestrian that has died as a result of the crash. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation.

I95 southbound, north of Exit 1 currently has one lane open.  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 090216 2025

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of three businesses along the Rt. 40 corridor in Newark which occurred yesterday.

The first incident occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. yesterday. Thursday, September 1, 2016, as a male suspect entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 400 Peoples Plaza, Newark. The suspect then approached a female clerk who was standing behind the pharmacy sales counter. He then presented her with a demand note for medication. The note implied that the suspect was armed, however, a weapon was not displayed. The clerk complied with the suspects demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of various medications. The suspect then exited the store and was last seen fleeing in a northbound direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was 5’10”- 6’00” tall and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, shorts, and brown boots. He also had a mask covering his face.

The second robbery occurred at approximately 4:19 p.m. as a male suspect entered the Citgo station located at 2694 Pulaski Highway, Newark. The suspect, who was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, confronted a female clerk and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the store and was last seen fleeing in a southbound direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was a black male. He was 5’06”-5’08” tall and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and dark sneakers.

The third incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. last night as a male suspect entered the Walgreens located at 2719 Pulaski Highway, Newark. The suspect then displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a female clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to him. The suspect then confronted a female  customer who was inside of the store and demanded her purse. She also complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over her purse 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” – 5’08” tall, and was last seen wearing a long sleeved hooded sweatshirt, camouflage shorts, black shoes, and had a mask covering his face.

There are no video surveillance photos available to be released 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: 090216 1445

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE – All lanes of northbound SR 1 just south of the I-95 northbound fly-over ramp have been re-opened to traffic.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Released: 090216 1350

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

**Traffic Advisory** 

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a single vehicle crash involving an overturned dump truck that occurred this morning near Christiana.

The initial investigating has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. this morning, Friday, September 02, 2016, on SR1 just south of the I-95 northbound fly-over ramp. As a result of the crash, the operator of the dump truck, which was carrying a load of dirt, has been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he is being treated for his non-life threatening injuries.

The northbound lanes of SR1 have been shut down at this time and traffic is being diverted onto DE Rt. 273 (Christiana Road). Commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

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

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: 090216 0530

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Camden – The 2016 Fall Delaware State Police Citizens Police Academy will begin on Tuesday October 11, 2016. The academy is comprised of six consecutive sessions for the next six Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will conclude on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.   Most of the classes will take place at the Troop 3 Community Room located at 3759 South State Street, Camden.

Participants will learn about a wide variety of police activities consistent with what a Delaware Trooper experiences today. The instruction includes criminal and traffic investigations, special units, and various other law enforcement related topics.  Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to ride with patrol troopers.  Class size will be limited to 20 participants, and a background check will be conducted on all applicants.

Deadline for registration is September 16, 2016. Applications must be returned by that date in order to be processed.

If interested, please contact Master Corporal Gary Fournier at gary.fournier@delaware.gov  or 302-698-8566, in order to obtain an application.  You may also download the application online by clicking on the following link: 2016 Kent CPA.

Released: 090216 1120

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a serious crash that occurred early Thursday evening on Route 1 near Smyrna.

The incident occurred around 5:53 p.m. Thursday September 1, 2016 as William D. Jayne, 46 of Dover, was operating a 2005 International Tow Truck (D&D Towing) southbound on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (SR1) in the area of Twin Willows Road when the truck experience a front tire blow out.  This mechanical issue caused William Jayne to lose control of the truck and travel off the west side of the roadway while rotating clockwise before striking a tree.  The impact with the tree caused the truck to rotate violently and overturn, ejecting William Jayne from the vehicle.  The truck came to a stop in a tree line west of SR1.

William Jayne, who was not properly restrained, was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where he was listed in critical condition.

Tina I. Jayne (wife of William), 52 of Dover,  was properly restrained, and was trapped inside the vehicle until fire crews freed her from the wreckage.  She was transported to KGH and eventually released with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  SR1 southbound in the area of Exit 114 experienced intermittent lane closures for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 090216 0925

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Claymont, DE – Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Claymont area dollar store that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 9:32 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016, as two male suspects entered the Dollar Express Store located at 2099 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. The suspects, one of which was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, then confronted a female employee and demanded money from the store safe. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to them. Both suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing on foot in a northbound direction on Philadelphia Pike. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’10” tall and was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, a black hat, and had a mask covering his face. He was also armed with a handgun.

The second suspect was also a black male. He was 6’03” tall and was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, a black hat, and had a mask covering his face.

There is no further physical or clothing description available and there are no video surveillance photos available to be released 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: 090216 0900

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Delaware– What are the Delaware State Police Explorers and what do they do?

Our program consists of young men and women who have an interest in Law Enforcement. We participate in fingerprinting young children at community events; work the missing children’s area at the State Fair, and many more community events.  We also offer opportunities for the National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference and the Federal Leadership Academies as well as the Delaware State Police Cadet Program.

We teach a variety of police procedures including fingerprinting, evidence collection, and patrol procedures. We strive to lead them down the right path and stand as positive role models. We also plan to instill leadership, responsibility, integrity, and commitment. Every Explorer Post is overseen and run by Delaware State Police Troopers.

We have minimum qualifications: a 2.0 Grade Point Average, mature, clean cut as well as clean shaven with no criminal convictions. This is not a discipline program. The age range is 14-20 years of age and at least in 9^th grade.  The program consists of high school and college students.

Where and When: 

• Troop 1 (Wilmington): 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Concord High School.
• Troop 2 (Newark): 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Troop 2.
• Troop 3 (Dover): 6:00 p.m., Monday, September 19, 2016 at Troop 3 & 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 26, 2016 at Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club located at 1683 New Burton Road Dover, DE.
• Troop 4 (Georgetown): 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Sussex Central H.S.
• Troop 5 (Bridgeville): 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2016 at Seaford H.S.
• Troop 6 (Wilmington): 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Troop 6.
• Troop 7 (Lewes): 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Sussex Central H.S.
• Troop 9 (Odessa): TBA.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE OPEN HOUSE: 

All interested students should be prepared to submit a $50.00 program registration fee at the Open House. Checks or cash is accepted. You will also need a copy of last year’s grades.  If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign the registration.

We hope to see you at our Open House so we can explain more about our program and how to become a Delaware State Police Explorer.

Released: 090216 0810

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

**Traffic Advisory** 

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a single vehicle crash involving an overturned dump truck that occurred this morning near Christiana.

The initial investigating has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. this morning, Friday, September 02, 2016, on SR1 just south of the I-95 northbound fly-over ramp. As a result of the crash, the operator of the dump truck, which was carrying a load of dirt, has been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he is being treated for his non-life threatening injuries.

The northbound lanes of SR1 have been shut down at this time and traffic is being diverted onto DE Rt. 273 (Christiana Road). Commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

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

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: 090216 0530

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Cheswold – The Delaware State Police are investigating an early morning home invasion style robbery that occurred west of Cheswold.

The incident occurred around 5:55 a.m. this morning, Wednesday August 31, 2016 when three male subjects forcefully entered the front door at a residence located in the 3000 block of Seven Hickories Road.  The suspects confronted a 36-year-old female and demanded cash before tying her up and removing an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency.  The three then left the home and fled in the victim’s white 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer with Delaware registration; PC173332 traveling westbound on Seven Hickories Road.  The female victim, who was uninjured, was eventually able to free herself and ran to a nearby neighbor’s house where she called 9-1-1.

The three suspects were all described as black males with black masks covering their faces.  No further physical or clothing description available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective M. Weinstein at 302-698-8443. 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: 083116 2010

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