The Delaware State Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon at the Fulton Bank in Wilmington.

On November 4, 2024, at approximately 1:38 p.m., troopers responded to the Fulton Bank, located at 800 Foulk Road, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect entered the bank and presented a demand note to a bank employee. The victim complied and the suspect fled on foot towards Wilson Road with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0”-6’1” tall with a thin build wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance images and video are not yet 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 Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. 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 have identified 79-year-old William Blatt of Dagsboro, Delaware as the man who died in a fatal bicycle crash in Dagsboro on November 2, 2024.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. 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 motorcycle crash that occurred last night in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On November 4, 2024, at approximately 7:40 p.m., a burgundy 2010 Ford F-150 was parked directly in front of a large box truck on the right shoulder of eastbound Maryland Avenue between East Summit Avenue and West Summit Avenue. The Ford began to enter the eastbound lanes of Maryland Avenue, which put it directly into the path of a black 2003 Honda CBR motorcycle that was traveling in the left eastbound lane on Maryland Avenue. The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the collision, and the front of the motorcycle struck the left side rear of the Ford. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist was ejected from the motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Ford, a 29-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was not injured. The Ford’s passengers, a 50-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and a 2-month-old boy, all from Newark, Delaware, were not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 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 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 are investigating a fatal bicycle crash that occurred last night in Dagsboro that left one man dead.

On November 2, 2024, at approximately 6:14 p.m., a 2016 Ford F-150 was traveling in the left southbound lane of Dupont Boulevard, north of Molly Field Road in Dagsboro. At the same time, an Ancheer E-Bike was traveling southbound on Dupont Boulevard. For reasons under investigation, the bicyclist attempted to cross Dupont Boulevard in the area of Cricket Street, directly in the Ford’s path of travel. The Ford was unable to avoid the e-bike, and the two impacted in the left southbound lane of Dupont Boulevard.

The bicyclist, a 79-year-old man from Dagsboro, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Ford, a 46-year-old man from Frankford, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. 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 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.

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 Delaware State Police are investigating an assault that occurred on Sandhill Road in Georgetown last night.

On October 31, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., detectives responded to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes for a report of an assault. The investigation revealed that on October 30, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a female victim was pulling into the driveway of her residence on the 18000 block of Sandhill Road when she saw a car parked on the side of the road. When the victim approached to check on the car, she was attacked by an unknown male. The victim was able to use a flashlight taser to defend herself and the suspect fled. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective M. Skidmore at (302) 856-5850. 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 49-year-old Damon Phares of Newark, Delaware, as the man who died in a fatal pedestrian crash on I-95 in New Castle on October 29, 2024.

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 302-660-4267. 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 pedestrian fatal crash that occurred last night in New Castle that left one man dead.

On October 29, 2024, at approximately 9:03 p.m., a white Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling in the right northbound lane of I-95, north of Churchmans Road. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing the northbound lanes of I-95 attempting to get to the east side of the roadway from his disabled vehicle on the left shoulder. The pedestrian entered the Freightliner’s path of travel as he crossed the roadway and was struck by the tractor trailer.

The pedestrian, a 49-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 Freightliner, a 52-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 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 302-660-4267. 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 Superintendent, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, is pleased to announce the appointment of Major William D. Crotty as the 27th Colonel of the Delaware State Police, effective November 1, 2024. Major Crotty’s promotion to the rank of Colonel marks the culmination of a distinguished career of over 27 years of dedicated service.

Major Crotty began his career with the Delaware State Police in January 1997 as a member of the 66th Delaware State Police Academy class. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop 1 in Penny Hill, where he excelled within the uniformed patrol division. Over the years, he has held a wide range of operational and leadership positions, preparing him to lead the agency.

His dedication and leadership quickly led to several high-profile assignments, including serving on the Governor’s Task Force, as a Sussex County Drug Unit member, and the Sussex County Criminal Investigative Unit. His rise through the ranks continued with promotions to Sergeant in 2007 and Lieutenant in 2009. By 2010, he was assigned to the Delaware Information and Analysis Center as Deputy Director.

In addition to his operational leadership, Major Crotty has been a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion within the DSP, having served as Chair of the DSP Diversity Council for several years. His commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the agency and the wider community has had a lasting impact.

Promoted to the rank of Captain in 2016, he commanded the Criminal Intelligence Section, a position that has given him critical insight into the state’s security needs. His role in implementing innovative programs like the State Police Enhanced Analytical Response (S.P.E.A.R.) demonstrates his commitment to using data-driven strategies to combat crime effectively. Major Crotty later became the Troop Commander for Troop 4 in Georgetown, where he led both patrol and investigative operations.

Most recently, he has served as the South Operations Major, managing criminal investigative and patrol operations for Kent and Sussex counties. His leadership in managing crime trends and coordinating proactive crime reduction initiatives has undoubtedly contributed to the safety and security of Delaware’s communities.

Major Crotty has also been a driving force in the statewide communications operations, overseeing four communication centers that dispatch 911 services for the DSP and municipal police agencies across the state.

His leadership has extended beyond his operational roles. He is an active member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Standing Law Enforcement Committee, where he has worked to foster collaboration between law enforcement and motor vehicle agencies to improve highway and public safety, as well as fraud prevention efforts. His contributions to AAMVA highlight his commitment to innovative solutions that enhance public safety on and off the roadways.

Additionally, he has been recognized nationally for his contributions to community policing, serving on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). His focus on building sustainable community engagement programs highlights his dedication to the principles of 21st-century policing.

Major Crotty holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Delaware and has completed numerous prestigious training programs, including the FBI National Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Fusion Center Leaders Program.

“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working side by side with the finest women and men who encompass the professional and sworn complement of the Delaware State Police,” said Major Crotty.  “I marvel at their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serve. Every day, they enrich the lives of Delaware’s residents and visitors, and I am humbled to serve as their 27th Superintendent. I remain dedicated to upholding our high standards through community engagement and evidence-based policing strategies. I am grateful to Governor Carney and Secretary McQueen for their trust and for the opportunity to lead this remarkable agency.”

Colonel Zebley praised his promotion, stating, “Major Crotty’s diverse experiences, unwavering leadership, and dedication to the Delaware State Police and the communities we serve make him the ideal choice to lead our agency into the future. His focus on innovation, community engagement, and character driven decision making align with our mission to provide the highest level of public safety to the people of Delaware.”

Major Crotty will assume command following Colonel Melissa Zebley’s retirement. The Delaware State Police congratulates Major Crotty on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership in his new role as Superintendent.