The Delaware State Police (DSP) Aviation Section is proud to announce the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Bell 429 Global Ranger helicopters. These cutting-edge aircraft, designed to save lives and combat crime, touched down in Delaware on December 3, 2024, following a nearly year-long fabrication process in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, and Piney Flats, Tennessee.

After years of operating with a reduced fleet of three helicopters, the decision was made to increase the fleet to four. One of the existing aircraft was traded in to facilitate this upgrade as part of the acquisition process. This strategic move ensured the modernization of the fleet without compromising operational readiness. Operating with only three helicopters had previously led to an accelerated maintenance schedule, limited training opportunities, and reduced redundancy during mechanical issues.

In keeping with Delaware’s tradition of valuing unique identifiers, such as low-digit license plates, the tail numbers of these new helicopters— “N2SP” and “N71SP”—pay homage to the proud history of DSP aircraft.

The Bell 429 helicopters come equipped with numerous advancements in aviation technology. These include modern digital gauges, updated monitors, and an enhanced camera system. Notably, these are the first law enforcement Bell 429 helicopters to feature a rear-view camera, providing pilots with an improved field of view during takeoff and landing. Additionally, the aircraft boasts a lightweight interior design, enhancing accessibility and reducing overall weight.

The DSP Aviation Section has flown 526 patients to area trauma centers in 2024, a number expected to grow as DSP paramedics prepare to carry and administer whole blood to critically ill patients. To support this initiative, the new helicopters are equipped with blood warmers for lifesaving transfusions. They also feature upgraded medical equipment, including Zoll Heart Monitors, advanced airway management devices, ventilators, and infusion pumps.

Captain Jeff Whitmarsh, Aviation Commander, remarked, “These new aircraft represent a significant leap forward in our mission to serve and protect the people of Delaware. I have no doubt that they will save lives from their very first mission. Our highly trained crews are ready to support law enforcement, fire personnel, ground medics, and the general public. These helicopters enhance our capacity, efficiency, and capability to serve the First State from above.”

The Delaware State Police have identified 44-year-old Edward Gallagher of New Castle, Delaware as the man who died in the fatal pedestrian crash on Saturday night.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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 have identified 32-year-old Shamar Backus of Wilmington, Delaware as the woman who died in the two-vehicle fatal crash on Thursday. 

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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 have identified 79-year-old Barbara Hageman of Millsboro, Delaware as the woman who died in the three-vehicle fatal crash Friday.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 302-703-3266. 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 New Castle that left one man dead.

On December 7, 2024, at approximately 11:16 p.m., a Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound in the right lane on North Dupont Highway north of Christiana Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that a pedestrian, wearing dark clothing, entered the southbound lane and into the Tacoma’s path of travel. As a result, the front of the Tacoma hit the pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 44-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Tacoma, a 38-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, was not injured.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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 two-vehicle crash that occurred in Wilmington on Thursday that left one woman dead.

On December 5, 2024, at approximately 10:20 a.m., a Honda Civic was turning left onto East Lea Boulevard southbound from Colony Boulevard. At the same time, a GMC Yukon was traveling northbound on East Lea Boulevard passing the intersection at Colony Boulevard. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Honda pulled into the path of the GMC and as a result, the front of the GMC hit the driver’s side of the Honda.

The driver of the Honda, an unrestrained 32-year-old woman from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. An unrestrained front seat passenger, a 28-year-old woman, also from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the GMC, a 36-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

On December 7, 2024, the driver of the Honda died from her injuries. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.

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

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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 three-vehicle crash that occurred near Millsboro yesterday that left one woman dead.

On December 6, 2024, at approximately 5:56 p.m., a Ram Promaster was traveling westbound on Coolspring Road approaching the stop sign at Harbeson Road. At the same time, a Nissan Sentra was traveling southbound on Harbeson Road approaching Coolspring Road. A third vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was traveling northbound on Harbeson Road approaching Coolspring Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Promaster passed the stop sign and as a result, the right front of the Promaster hit the driver’s side of the Nissan. Debris from the crash then hit the Jeep causing minor damage.

The driver of the Nissan, an 86-year-old man from Millsboro, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. A passenger, a 79-year-old woman, also from Millsboro, was taken to an area hospital where she later died. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.

The driver of the Promaster, a 29-year-old man from Salisbury, Maryland suffered minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital.

The driver of the Jeep, a 32-year-old man from Lincoln, Delaware, was not injured.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal R. Albert by calling 302-703-3266. 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 have identified 58-year-old Nancy Szal of Wilmington, Delaware, as the woman who died in a fatal pedestrian crash in Wilmington on Thursday 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 M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. 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 Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

The following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.