Delaware State Police have identified 29-year-old Leo Hernandez Perez of Milford, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Christmas Day.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith at (302) 703-3267. 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 an attempted robbery that occurred at a Dollar General in Wilmington last night.

On December 24, 2024, at approximately 9:22 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at the Dollar General, located at 1402 East Newport Pike in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown white male suspect entered the business armed with a taser. The suspect charged at a Dollar General employee with the taser activated and demanded money from the cash register. As the suspect attempted to tase the employee, the employee pushed the suspect away and retrieved a baseball bat. The suspect then fled from the store on foot towards East Highland Avenue. The employee was not injured.

The suspect is described as an unknown white male. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. 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 crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On December 24, 2024, at approximately 7:28 p.m., a blue 2009 Hyundai Elantra was traveling northbound on Thompson Bridge Road, north of Guyencourt Road. For reasons under investigation, the Hyundai traveled into the southbound lane of Thompson Bridge Road, and into the path of a black 2015 Mazda 6 that was traveling southbound. As a result, the front of the Hyundai struck the front of the Mazda in the southbound lane of Thompson Bridge Road. After the initial impact, the Mazda traveled in a northeast direction and came to a stop near a tree line. The Hyundai remained in the roadway due to being disabled and was subsequently struck by a white 2018 Kia Sportage traveling southbound on Thompson Bridge Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed the two occupants of the Hyundai were outside of the vehicle after the initial collision, and one of the occupants was struck by the Kia.

The driver of the Hyundai has not been determined at this time. The Hyundai was occupied by a 22-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, and an unidentified man. The 22-year-old man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. The second occupant of the Hyundai was taken to an area hospital by EMS, where he was admitted for critical injuries.

The driver of the Mazda, a 45-year-old man from West Chester, Pennsylvania, was not injured.

The driver of the Kia, a 31-year-old woman from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5.5 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 R. Kunicki by calling 302-365-8417. 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 fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early this morning.

On December 25, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a Toyota Tundra was traveling northbound on Cubbage Pond Road, approaching the intersection at Johnson Road. At the same time, a pedestrian was walking along Cubbage Pond Road. The Toyota struck the pedestrian and continued northbound, fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later located abandoned on Johnson Road.

The victim, a 29-year-old male from Milford, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified.

Cubbage Pond Road, from Johnson Road to Flea Town Road, was closed for approximately three hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Delaware State Police is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith at (302) 703-3267. 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 robbery that occurred at a 7-Eleven in Bear last night.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the 7-Eleven, located at 1700 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect approached an employee inside of the store, and demanded he open the cash register. While making the demand, the suspect implied he had a gun and threatened to shoot the employee. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. 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 an armed robbery that occurred at a Check ‘n Go in Newark yesterday morning.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 11:10 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Check ‘n Go, located at 27 Chestnut Hill Plaza in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect entered the business, displayed a firearm, and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. 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 hopes everyone will have the safest and hap-hap-happiest Christmas and holiday season this year. Before families kick off their fun, old-fashioned family adventure by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape, troopers are unwrapping a gift of safety tips with a sprinkle of wordplay.  As we navigate through the twinkling lights and festive delights, let’s keep safety at the top of our wish list.

1. Plan Your Trip – No Grinches Allowed: Before hitting the road, map out your journey. It’s not just a roadmap; it’s your holiday GPS to ensure you don’t end up ‘Lost in New York.’  Happy trails, Hans! Yippee-ki-yay!
2. Car Love – Give Your Sleigh a Little TLC: Make sure your ride is more than just ‘not a bad little car.’ Check all fluid levels and tire pressure, and don’t forget the spare tire. It’s not a bad little car. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.
3. Weather Check – Don’t Let Weather Snow on Your Parade: Look into road and weather conditions to ensure your car can handle them. After all, we wouldn’t want you ‘stranded like a lonely Christmas tree.’
4. Home Sweet Home Security – Light up the Night: Lock doors, set the alarm, and put those ‘fragile’ leg lamps and lights on timers. It’s not just home security; it’s ‘Grinch-repellent.’
5. Phone Down, Sleigh Up – No Texting While Sleighing: Don’t let a screen light guide your sleigh tonight. Distracted driving is naughtier than the Grinch!
6. Pit Stop Pleasantries – Pudding and Roast Beast Approved: Take breaks, stretch, and maybe snack on some pudding or some carved roast beast.
7. Don’t Let Kevin Go Solo: If you stop at a rest stop, park in a well-lit area, stay with your children, and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let ‘Kevin’ wander on his own.
8. Deck the Halls, Not Your Car: When your car is parked, lock the doors and don’t leave any valuables or gifts in sight. The Grinch may be lurking, staring down from his cave with a sour grinchy frown, at the warm lighted windows below in the town.
9. Ovaltine Over Eggnog – Stay off the Naughty List: Don’t drive impaired. If you’ve been ‘sipping’ on holiday cheer, call a friend, family member, or ride-sharing service. Instead of eggnog, go for Ovaltine!
10. Social Media Silence – Foil Harry and Mary: Avoid updating your location on social media. Harry and Marv will know when no one is home, and they may try to break in. Save those photo dumps for when you return!
11. Channel your inner ‘Elf’ on the road: When traffic gets ‘Griswold ‘-y, remember to stay as patient as Santa’s elves and be as flexible as Buddy’s spaghetti recipe!

Ensuring that all these points are checked can prevent a family trip from being jeopardized. The “obvious” things can be easily overlooked – wouldn’t it be quite the bulbous blunder to meticulously check thousands of tiny twinkling lights, only to discover the extension cord was plugged in and the light switch was off?

And when it comes to safety, there’s always time to double-check. Even if you still have to brush your teeth, feed the hog, have some homework to do, and still have those bills to pay – make the time! This isn’t charity – it’s family.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific – travel safely and enjoy the holiday season!

The Delaware State Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery that occurred Saturday night in Newark.

On December 21, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery that occurred on Salem Church Road in the area of Bradley Drive in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that the 3 teenage victims were walking on Salem Church Road when they were approached by a group of unknown suspects and assaulted. The suspects fled in a dark-colored pickup truck towards Pulaski Highway with various personal property belonging to the victims. The victims, a 17-year-old male, 16-year-old female, and 14-year-old female, sustained minor injuries.

The suspects are described as a black male, a Hispanic female, 2 teenage Hispanic females, 2 teenage Hispanic males, and 1 teenage white male. Surveillance video and images of the suspects are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact detectives by calling (302) 365-8566. 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 an armed robbery stemming from a shoplifting that occurred at the Royal Farms in Wilmington on Saturday night.

On December 21, 2024, at approximately 9:27 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Royal Farms, located at 3701 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown white male suspect concealed merchandise on his person and attempted to leave the store with the unpaid products. Employees confronted the suspect as he exited the store, at which point the suspect displayed a handgun and threatened the employees. The suspect then fled from the store in a blue sedan driven by an unknown subject.

The suspect is described as a white male wearing dark-colored clothing. There is no further description available for the suspect vehicle or its driver. Surveillance video and images of the suspect and suspect vehicle are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact detectives by calling (302) 365-8566. 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 shooting that occurred Sunday night at the Budget Inn in New Castle that left one man dead.

On December 22, 2024, at approximately 8:21 p.m., troopers responded to the Budget Inn, located at 3 Memorial Drive, New Castle, for a report of a shooting. Upon arriving, troopers found the victim in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, a 49-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was transported by EMS to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. Due to the circumstances, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was shot by an unknown suspect during a robbery that occurred in the rear parking lot of the motel. At this time, a description of the suspect is unavailable.

The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi by email at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov or by calling 302-365-8441. 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.