Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Milton yesterday afternoon.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 3:56 p.m., troopers responded to Lewes-Georgetown Highway near Harbeson Road for reports of a possible impaired driver after several 9-1-1 calls from witnesses. Prior to arrival, dispatchers advised troopers that a red Ford F-150 was seen driving at a slow speed, swerving into the opposite lane of travel, and driving on the shoulder. Troopers located the vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued on area roads. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in a driveway on the 28000 block of West Springside Drive in the community of Cool Spring Farms. The white male suspect exited the vehicle, with a knife, and ran into a nearby occupied home that he did not reside in. He then exited the home with the knife. Troopers gave repeated verbal commands for him to stop and drop the weapon. The suspect ignored these commands and continued to advance toward the troopers. As a result, both troopers discharged their divisionally issued handguns, striking the suspect.

Troopers immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect, a 44-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until family is notified.

Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the involved troopers have been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident and asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-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 fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Frederica this morning that left one man dead.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 5:38 a.m., a Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound stopped at the stop sign at Barratts Chapel Road and Old Beach Road. At the same time, a Harley Davidson XLH motorcycle was traveling southbound on Old Beach Road approaching Barratts Chapel Road. The preliminary investigation revealed the F-150 proceeded to enter the intersection to travel northbound on Old Beach Road. As a result, the F-150 entered the motorcycle’s path of travel, where the motorcycle hit the passenger’s side of the F-150, ejecting the driver.

The driver of the motorcycle, a 37-year-old man from Magnolia, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the F-150, a 39-year-old man from Felton, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling (302) 698-8451. 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 a shots fired incident that occurred on Red Lion Road in New Castle on Saturday night.

On April 27, 2025, troopers responded to a residence on Red Lion Road in New Castle, for a late report of shots fired heard by a homeowner on the 1000 block of Red Lion Road on Saturday night. The preliminary investigation revealed that on April 26, 2025, at approximately 9:53 p.m., a suspect in an unknown vehicle fired multiple shots from the vehicle as they traveled northbound on Red Lion Road. There are no reported injuries or property damage at this time.

Troopers canvassed the area after the incident was reported, and recovered numerous shell casings at the scene. There is no further information available for the suspect or suspect vehicle at this time. Surveillance video and images are not available.

The Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has information regarding this case to contact Detective J. Lucyk by calling 302-365-8446. 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 have identified 48-year-old Christopher DeFeo of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Monday afternoon in Newark.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 pedestrian crash that occurred yesterday afternoon in Newark that left one man dead.

On April 28, 2025, at approximately 2:51 p.m., a 2015 Nissan Altima was traveling northbound on Salem Church Road, south of Chapman Road in Newark. At the same time, a pedestrian was in the right shoulder of the northbound lane of Salem Church Road, in the same area as the Nissan. For reasons under investigation, the Nissan veered off the right side of the roadway, and struck the pedestrian. The Nissan then continued in a northeast direction through a grassy area, where it struck a tree and rolled over before coming to a stop.

The pedestrian, a 48-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Nissan, an 18-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 a shooting that occurred late last night in Selbyville.

On April 27, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., troopers responded to the 30000 block of Sea Gull Road for a report of gunfire. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots as three vehicles traveled westbound on Lighthouse Road near New Road.

During the investigation, troopers discovered that a nearby residence on Sea Gull Road had been struck by gunfire while the homeowners were inside. Luckily, no one was injured.  At this time, there are no known suspects.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating the incident. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective C. Simpson at Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling (302) 752-3855. 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.

Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred over the weekend at an unsanctioned car meet in Bear.

On April 27, 2025, at approximately 12:23 a.m., troopers responded to a residence in Middletown for a late report of a shooting that occurred earlier that night at an unsanctioned car meet at a warehouse complex located in the 2400 block of Bear Corbitt Road in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed 3 teenage males were involved in an argument with another group of males, during which the suspect displayed a firearm. Following the argument, the victims returned to their vehicle, at which point the suspect fired multiple shots, some of which struck the victims’ vehicle. The victims were not injured.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male. There is no additional description available for the suspect.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact Detective M. Conway at 302-365-8411 or by calling 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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 (DSP) honors the enduring sacrifice of Corporal Dennis F. Kelly by adding his name to several law enforcement memorials, recognizing a life and service that exemplified the highest ideals of our profession. His legacy continues to inspire those who serve today.

The DSP deeply values the commitment of Delaware’s law enforcement officers, whose daily sacrifices embody the courage and dedication shared by law enforcement professionals nationwide. Their service forms the foundation of public safety in our state and beyond.

Corporal Dennis F. Kelly, originally from Wilmington, Delaware, served with the Delaware State Police for seven years. He was assigned to the Delaware State Police Aviation Section, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication to service and public safety.

On May 20, 1984, while conducting routine helicopter takeoff and landing exercises at Sussex County Municipal Airport in Georgetown, Cpl. Kelly and his partner, Cpl. Thomas W. Robbins, were involved in a crash. Their Bell Jet Ranger 206B helicopter made a hard landing and rolled over upon impact. While Cpl. Robbins sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Cpl. Kelly suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia.

Cpl. Kelly, known by his aviation call sign “Combat,” never fully recovered from his injuries. He lived with the enduring effects of the crash for four decades with strength and resilience before succumbing to complications from those injuries on December 21, 2024, at age 69.

In May 2025, Cpl. Kelly’s name will be formally added to both the Delaware State Police Memorial, located at DSP Headquarters in Dover, and the Delaware Law Enforcement Memorial on Legislative Mall. Currently, there are 23 troopers honored on the DSP Memorial. Cpl. Kelly will be the 24th trooper recognized for making the ultimate sacrifice. In May 2026, his name will also be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“Dennis felt privileged to be part of the Delaware State Police family,” stated Mrs. Paula Kelly, wife of Cpl. Dennis Kelly. “A guy who never considered himself lucky thought he hit the lottery when he joined the Aviation Section—getting paid to do what he loved. I know he would be humbled and honored by this acknowledgment of his helicopter accident and the life he lived over the past 40 years.”

“Corporal Kelly’s resilience in the face of life-changing injuries and his decades-long struggle to live with honor reflect the very essence of what it means to wear this uniform,” stated Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “His name will now be etched alongside our fallen heroes, where it rightfully belongs.”

“In the line of duty, our officers face not only the dangers of their daily work but also the unforeseen challenges that come with their training,” stated Governor Matt Meyer. “The tragic loss of Corporal Kelly underscores the sacrifices made by those committed to community service. His dedication and spirit will remain in our memories. We stand united in honoring his legacy and supporting his family during this challenging time.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Corporal Kelly,” stated Joshua Bushweller, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “His loss reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who protect and serve. His bravery and dedication will forever be remembered, and it is fitting that his name will now be enshrined alongside those who gave their lives in the line of duty. My heartfelt condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this tremendous loss. May we honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values for which he stood.”

The Delaware State Police extends its deepest sympathies to Cpl. Kelly’s family, friends, and fellow troopers. His memory and service will forever remain a part of our agency’s history. To learn more about Cpl. Kelly’s life and legacy, his family has created a tribute page at StoriesOfHisLife.com.

As we prepare for National Police Week in May, we invite the public to join us in honoring all fallen law enforcement officers. Whether attending events in person or reflecting quietly at home, we encourage Delawareans to pause and remember the women and men who gave their all in service to others. The Delaware Fraternal Order of Police will host the annual Delaware Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service at 1200 hours on the Legislative Mall in Dover on May 7, 2025.

Delaware State Police have identified 43-year-old Thomas Pusey of Wilmington, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in Wilmington on Friday night.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 pedestrian crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On April 25, 2025, at approximately 11:24 p.m., a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling in the left westbound lane of Kirkwood Highway, approaching the intersection with North Woodward Avenue. For unknown reasons, a pedestrian entered the Jeep’s path of travel from the north edge of the roadway, and was struck by the SUV.

The pedestrian, a 43-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Jeep, a 31-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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.