Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early this morning in Dover.
On May 28, 2024, at approximately 2:42 a.m., a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Forrest Avenue, just east of Artis Drive, at an apparent high rate of speed. As the vehicle negotiated a curve in the roadway, it lost control, veering off the south edge of the roadway. It struck a mailbox before crashing into a residence along Forrest Avenue. The vehicle came to rest inside the residence. The driver fled the scene and has yet to be identified.
As a result of the crash, a 56-year-old occupant of the residence sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she died. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. 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 [email protected].
The staff of the Federal Trade Commission has provided its annual report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on its enforcement and related activities in 2023 on the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Consumer Leasing Act (CLA), and Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).
The report highlights the FTC’s enforcement actions and initiatives under these laws and their implementing regulations, including in the areas of automobile financing and leasing, payday lending, other credit and leasing, and electronic fund transfers:
Automobile Sales, Financing, and Leasing: The report highlights the Commission’s Combatting Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, which is designed to put an end to bait-and-switch tactics and hidden fees used by unscrupulous car dealers. The rule also includes clear protections for military members. The new rule is expected to save consumers nationwide more than $3.4 billion and an estimated 72 million hours each year shopping for vehicles. The report notes that the rule was set to go into effect July 30, 2024 but the Commission issued an order postponing the rule’s effective date pending judicial review. The report also notes the Commission’s ongoing litigation against auto dealer marketing firm Traffic Jam Events, and refund payments sent to consumers in 2023 in the Napleton Auto case.
Junk Fees: The report notes the Commission’s proposed rule regarding junk fees, which would prohibit hidden and bogus fees, ensure consumers know how much they are paying and what they are getting, and help spur companies to compete.
Negative Options: The report notes the Commission’s proposed updates to the Negative Option rule that include a “click to cancel” provision requiring sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel their enrollment as it was to sign up. The report also notes additional refund payments sent to consumers in 2023 as a result of the Commission’s case against Triangle Media Corporation.
The report also highlights the agency’s Military Task Force, which comprises a cross-section of FTC representatives and focuses on various initiatives to assist military consumers, and other FTC work involving military lending, including with the Department of Defense. The report further outlines the FTC’s consumer and business education efforts on truth in lending, consumer leasing, and electronic fund transfer issues.
The FTC also provided a copy of the report to the Federal Reserve Board.
The lead attorney on this matter for the FTC was Carole Reynolds in the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Delaware State Police arrested 43-year-old Alexis Martinez of Wilmington, Delaware, for multiple burglaries that occurred over the last several months at locations on Philadelphia Pike in Wilmington.
On May 26, 2024, at approximately 1:53 p.m., troopers responded to the Penny Hill Repair and Service Center located at 517 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, for a report of an unknown Hispanic male that trespassed on the property and broke into a vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arriving, troopers learned the suspect had fled on foot from the property after he was confronted by the auto shop’s owner. A short time later, troopers were dispatched to Saint Helena Roman Catholic Church located at 602 Philadelphia Pike, for a report of an unknown Hispanic male that had unlawfully entered the church and was stealing within. A trooper responding to the church observed a man matching the suspect’s description walking on Philadelphia Pike just south of the church. The trooper made contact with the suspect, identified as Alexis Martinez, and noticed his clothing matched the suspect’s clothing in multiple recent burglaries of the White Glove Car Wash located at 201 Philadelphia Pike.
Martinez was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2, where detectives identified him as the suspect responsible for 8 burglaries that occurred between December 6, 2023, and May 26, 2024, at the following Philadelphia Pike locations: White Glove Car Wash, Saint Helena Roman Catholic Church, and Penny Hill Repair and Service Center. Martinez was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $14,251 secured bond.
Alexis Martinez
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 8 counts
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 5 counts
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving an electric scooter that occurred in New Castle last night that left one man dead.
On May 26, 2024, at approximately 8:46 p.m., a 2015 Honda Accord was traveling northbound in the left turn lane on New Castle Avenue at the intersection with Memorial Drive. At the same time, a Tifgalop K-8 electric scooter was traveling southbound on New Castle Avenue approaching the intersection with Memorial Drive. The area was dark at the time of the crash and the scooter had insufficient lighting. The operator of the Honda was unable to see the scooter approaching the intersection as the Honda attempted to make a left turn onto Memorial Drive. As a result, the front of the scooter struck the right side of the Honda in the intersection.
The driver of the scooter was not wearing a safety helmet or reflective clothing. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The driver of the Honda, a 50-year-old female from Wilmington, Delaware, was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.
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 investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Corporal P. McAndrew by calling (302) 365-8486. 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police arrested two teenagers in connection with a stolen motor vehicle incident at Christiana Mall on Friday evening.
On May 24, 2024, at approximately 7:58 p.m., security officers at Christiana Mall, located at 132 Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware, observed a stolen Honda Accord driving recklessly in the parking lot. When the security officers approached the vehicle, the suspects fled on foot. The vehicle, which had damage to its tire and steering column, became disabled.
The suspects were described as three black male teenagers, all wearing black ski masks. Two were dressed in all-black clothing, while a third one wore a gray sweatshirt. Troopers responded to the scene and apprehended two of the three suspects in the mall parking lot. The third suspect fled in an unknown direction.
During a search the 16-year-old suspect, was found in possession of approximately 6.18 grams of suspected marijuana and the 14-year-old suspect was found in possession of approximately 3.03 grams of suspected marijuana. Both suspects were transported to Troop 2 and charged with multiple crimes.
The 16-year-old was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Ferris School on a $3030 secured bond.
Receiving Stolen Property Over $1500 (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana Under 18
Criminal Mischief Over $1000
Resisting Arrest
The 14-year-old was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Ferris School on a $2550 secured bond.
Receiving Stolen Property Over $1500 (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana Under 18
Criminal Mischief Over $1000
As of May 27, 2024, the third suspect remains unidentified and is still at large. If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact Trooper Parisano of Delaware State Police Troop 6 by calling (302) 660-3845. 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.
**UPDATED** 05/26/2024 – The Dover Police Department has arrested William Mills, 59, of Dover for the murder of Jonair Pollard, 29, of Dover, who died as a result of the shooting yesterday, May 25th, in Capital Green.
Detectives identified Mills as the person responsible for the shooting and on May 26th, members of the Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant in the 400 East Wind Drive Dover, DE. Mills was taken into custody without incident at the residence and he was transported to Dover Police Department to be processed and arraigned.
Mills was committed to SCI on $250,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Murder First Degree -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Mills is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
William Mills Dover, DE
**ORIGINAL RELEASE**
Incident Number: 50-24-18357
Date/Time: Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at 4:22 p.m.
Location: New Castle Avenue / East Water Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old Dover man Saturday evening. The investigation began at 4:22 p.m., when Dover Police Department was called for a shooting in the area of New Castle Avenue and East Water Street. Officers responded and located the victim, who had sustained a gun shot wound to his upper body. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending family notifications.
Detectives are actively working to develop a suspect description and motive for the homicide. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
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 are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit by email at : [email protected]
Delaware State Police arrested 40-year-old Antonio Mancilla-Pertuz, of Millsboro, Delaware, for 5th offense DUI, following a traffic stop Friday night.
On May 24, 2024, at approximately 8:09 p.m., a trooper observed a Volkswagen Jetta speeding eastbound on Millsboro Highway. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Antonio Mancilla-Pertuz. Upon approaching the vehicle, the trooper smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from Mancilla-Pertuz’s breath and observed signs of impairment during their interaction.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered, and based on the results, Mancilla-Pertuz was arrested for driving under the influence. A subsequent computer check revealed that he had four prior DUI-related convictions and was driving without a valid license. During a search of his vehicle, an open container of beer was found.
Mancilla-Pertuz was transported to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $6301 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 37-year-old Omarr Scott, of Wilmington, Delaware, on multiple felony drug and firearm charges following a months-long investigation.
On May 23, 2024, members of the Delaware State Police New Castle County Drug Unit, Governor’s Task Force, Special Operations Response Team, and the FBI executed search warrants at two residences: one on East Fourth Street in Wilmington and another on Hickman Road in Claymont. The investigation identified Omarr Scott as a key individual involved in narcotics distribution at these locations. Upon arrival at the East Fourth Street location, Scott was apprehended without incident while inside his vehicle. The investigation and subsequent searches led to the discovery of approximately 95 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 30 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 900 bags (6.13 grams) of suspected heroin, a stolen loaded 40 caliber handgun, a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, a 10mm handgun, another 9mm handgun, and drug paraphernalia. A computer check confirmed that Scott is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Scott was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony- 2 counts (Felony)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity- 3 counts (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity-3 counts (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm if Prev Convict of Two Violent Felonies-4 counts (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited with Controlled Substance- 2 counts (Felony)
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited- 2 counts (Felony)
Possession of a Weapon with Obliterated Serial Number (Felony)
Location: New Castle Avenue / East Water Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old Dover man Saturday evening. The investigation began at 4:22 p.m., when Dover Police Department was called for a shooting in the area of New Castle Avenue and East Water Street. Officers responded and located the victim, who had sustained a gun shot wound to his upper body. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending family notifications.
Detectives are actively working to develop a suspect description and motive for the homicide. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
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 are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit by email at : [email protected]
The following individuals are notwanted. 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.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 is issuing a Gold Alert for 11-year-old Isinay Ross of Magnolia, Delaware. Isinay was last seen on May 15, 2024, at her residence in Magnolia. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for her safety and well-being.
Isinay is described as a black female, approximately 5’0” tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds with mid-length black curly hair. A clothing description is unavailable.
Anyone with information regarding Isinay Ross’ whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 3 by calling 302-697-4454, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
With Memorial Day just around the corner, many of us gather with loved ones to honor our fallen heroes. The Delaware State Police is here to remind everyone of the importance of driving safely, particularly during this weekend, but also each and every day.
Memorial Day often marks the “unofficial” beginning of summer, which means traffic is expected to increase, making it all the more crucial for us to take responsibility for our safety and the safety of others. The Delaware State Police will be actively enforcing traffic laws and providing assistance to drivers in need. Our troopers aim to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes during this unofficial start of summer by focusing on distracted driving, unrestrained motorists, impaired drivers, and aggressive driving behaviors. We urge you to do your part by being responsible drivers.
To ensure safe travels during the holiday weekend, follow these simple steps:
Tame your inner speed demon
Buckle up and ensure everyone in the vehicle is also buckled up
Never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Designate a sober driver, call a sober friend, call a sober family member, or use a rideshare service
If you spot a drunk or aggressive driver on the road, contact 911 immediately
If someone you know is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home
Eliminate driving distractions such as texting
Be aware of increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic by yielding to pedestrians and sharing the road responsibly
REMEMBER, one poor decision can have life-altering consequences, so drive safely, be responsible, and have a memorable and meaningful Memorial Day.
The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.
New data from the Federal Trade Commission shows that Best Buy/Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal are the companies people report scammers impersonate most often.
A newly released data spotlight shows that consumers in 2023 submitted about 52,000 reports about scammers impersonating Best Buy or its Geek Squad tech support brand, followed by about 34,000 reports about scammers impersonating Amazon. PayPal was the third-most impersonated company with about 10,000 reports from consumers.
When it comes to the amount lost, though, consumers reported losing far more money to scammers impersonating Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House than any other companies. Consumers reported losing a total of $60 million to Microsoft impersonation scams and $49 million to Publishers Clearing House impersonation scams.
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The FTC recently finalized its new rule on government and business impersonation, which gives the agency stronger tools to combat and deter scammers who impersonate government agencies and businesses, enabling the FTC to file federal court cases seeking to get money back to injured consumers and civil penalties against rule violators.
The spotlight also outlines the most common forms of payment people reported scammers used to steal money in 2023. Scammers requested a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrency and bank transfers, which were the top methods used by investment scammers, according to the data spotlight. Other frequently reported payment methods included payment apps or services and gift cards. The top payment apps and services people reported paying with were PayPal, CashApp and Zelle, while the most reported gift cards were Apple and Target.
Delaware State Police detectives arrested 35-year-old Rakeshkumar Patel of Flushing, New York, for felony theft following a joint financial crimes investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In February of 2024, a Millsboro woman contacted Delaware State Police to report that she was the victim of a scam. During a joint investigation with the FBI, detectives learned that starting in October of 2023, a suspect had impersonated a federal agent and convinced the victim that she needed to convert money to gold. He told her to give it to him for transport to the U.S. Treasury for safe keeping. Through investigative means, detectives identified Rakeshkumar Patel as one of the suspects involved in the scam. The joint investigation is ongoing as detectives are working to identify other suspects.
On May 20, 2024, Patel was arrested near Millsboro and taken to Troop 4. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $103,000 cash bond.
Theft over $100,000 (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded in a similar manner to please contact the Financial Crimes Unit by calling Troop 2 for New Castle County at 302-834-2620, Troop 3 for Kent County at 302-697-4454, and Troop 4 for Sussex County 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. In addition to contacting the Delaware State Police, victims are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Robert Layton of Bridgeville, Delaware, for felony DUI and drug offenses yesterday morning.
On May 22, 2024, at approximately 11:25 a.m., troopers on patrol saw a maroon Ford pick-up weaving left and right while driving southbound on Coverdale Road near Seaford. Troopers saw the driver make additional traffic violations and pulled the truck over. The driver, identified as Robert Layton, showed signs of impairment and troopers also saw that there was a child in the truck. The troopers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and after the tests, Layton was arrested for driving under the influence. A computer check showed that he had two prior DUI-related convictions. During a search of Layton’s truck, troopers found approximately 2.9 grams of crack-cocaine, approximately 1.015 grams of suspected heroin, and approximately 1.15 grams of suspected powder cocaine.
Layton was taken to Troop 5, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $15,003 secured bond.
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
3rd Offense DUI (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police Troop 6 is issuing a Gold Alert for 34-year-old Lynique Crummell of Wilmington, Delaware. Lynique was last seen on May 22, 2024. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for her safety and well-being.
Lynique is described as a black female, approximately 5’5” tall, weighing approximately 195 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt, white shorts, and multicolored shoes. Her method and direction of travel are unknown.
Anyone with information regarding Lynique Crummell’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 6 by calling 302-633-5000, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred yesterday in Harrington that left one man dead.
On May 21, 2024, at approximately 4:01 p.m., a Freightliner tractor and trailer was driving westbound on Vernon Road approaching Fox Hunters Road. At the same time, a Honda CB1 motorcycle was driving eastbound on Vernon Road approaching Fox Hunters Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Freightliner had almost completed a left turn onto Fox Hunters Road when the front of the Honda hit the back part of the trailer. As a result, the driver was ejected, and the motorcycle came to rest on the south side of the road.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 31-year-old man from Denton, Maryland, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. The driver of the Freightliner, a 58-year-old man from Laurel, Delaware, was not injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate 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 [email protected].
University of Delaware graduation ceremonies between Thursday 5/23 and Saturday 5/25 will cause significant increased traffic around the City of Newark, especially in the area of the UD field house and football stadium. On Thursday 5/23 and Friday 5/24, ceremonies will occur all day…
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to 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 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 [email protected].
On May 17, 2024, following a weeks-long investigation into drug sales, Newark police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200-block of East Park Place. During a search of the residence, police seized more than six pounds of marijuana, mushrooms, LSD, cocaine…
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., troopers responded to a shooting at the Concord Mall parking lot, located at 4737 Concord Pike in Wilmington. When troopers arrived, they found two teenagers who had been shot and began life-saving efforts. The victims were transported to an area hospital, where Flowers was pronounced dead. The second victim, a 17-year-old male, was treated at the hospital for serious injuries, and has since been released.
This case remains an active investigation, and Delaware Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821 or emailing [email protected]. 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. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police arrested 43-year-old Melissa Horton of Millsboro, Delaware, for multiple offenses following a suspicious person investigation that occurred in a Millsboro neighborhood early Saturday morning.
On May 18, 2024, at approximately 3:47 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on Devonshire Road in Millsboro for a report of a suspicious person wearing dark-colored clothing and a backpack looking into windows and possibly stealing mail. A responding trooper observed a person whose clothing matched the description for the suspect walking on Victoria’s Landing Road and conducted a stop. The trooper made contact with the woman, who proceeded to provide the trooper with multiple false identities. She was taken into custody without incident, and was ultimately positively identified as Melissa Horton. A subsequent search of Horton’s backpack led to the discovery of two clear plastic baggies containing approximately 5.01 grams of methamphetamine, and $2,090 in suspected drug dealing proceeds.
Horton was taken to Troop 4, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace 7, and released on a $5,500 unsecured bond.
Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred last night in Newark that left one man dead.
On May 20, 2024, at approximately 8:51 p.m., a black 2019 Toyota Tundra was traveling in the right eastbound lane of East Chestnut Hill Road approaching the intersection of Salem Church Road. At the same time, a pedestrian, who was not wearing any reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight, was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of E. Chestnut Hill Road from the center median. The Toyota swerved in an attempt to the pedestrian directly in its path, however, was unable to avoid the collision and struck the pedestrian in the eastbound lanes.
The pedestrian, a 72-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 Toyota, a 61-year-old woman from Wilmington, Delaware, was not injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to 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 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police Troop 5 is issuing a Gold Alert for 15-year-old Alyssa Taylorof Bridgeville, Delaware. Alyssa was last seen on May 20, 2024. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for her safety and well-being.
Alyssa is described as a white female, approximately 5’1” tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds with long black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red short-sleeved shirt and long black pants. Her direction of travel is unknown.
Anyone with information regarding Alyssa Taylor’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 5 by calling 302-337-1090, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized an order against Blackbaud Inc. settling allegations that its lax security practices allowed a hacker to breach the company’s network and access the personal data of millions of consumers including Social Security and bank account numbers.
In a complaint first announced in February 2024, the FTC charged that the South Carolina firm, which provides data services and financial, fundraising, and administrative software services to companies, nonprofits and others, failed to implement appropriate safeguards to secure and protect the vast amounts of personal data it collects. As a result of these failures, a hacker in early 2020 exploited weaknesses in Blackbaud’s networks, which went undetected for three months, allowing the hacker to remove massive amounts of unencrypted sensitive consumer data belonging to Blackbaud’s customers. The company waited nearly two months to notify its customers about the breach and then misled consumers about the extent of the data that was stolen, according to the complaint.
Under the order, Blackbaud is required to delete data that it no longer needs to provide its products or services andis prohibited from misrepresenting its data security and data retention policies. The order also requires Blackbaud to develop a comprehensive information security program that would address the issues highlighted by the FTC’s complaint and put in place a data retention schedule outlining its data deletion practices. It also requires Blackbaud to notify the FTC if it experiences a future data breach that it is required to report to any other local, state, or federal agency.
After receiving two comments, the Commission voted 3-0-2 to give final approval to the settlement. Commissioner Andrew Ferguson did not participate and Commissioner Melissa Holyoak was recused.
Delaware State Police arrested 41-year-old Corey Cohee of Milford, Delaware, for stealing a Tesla Cybertruck from a residence in Lincoln yesterday morning.
On May 18, 2024, at approximately 8:10 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on Brick Granary Road in Lincoln for a report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arriving, troopers learned the victim’s 2024 silver Tesla Cybertruck with temporary New Jersey registration was stolen from his property by an unknown suspect. Troopers responded to the area where the victim’s Tesla was tracking and located the occupied truck on a dirt path off of Pinecone Drive. However, before troopers could approach the truck, it fled toward Pinecone Drive. The Tesla disregarded all police signals and did not stop as it continued traveling on Pinecone Drive toward Brick Granary Road. After a brief pursuit, the Tesla came to a stop on Brick Granary Road, and the driver/sole occupant, identified as Corey Cohee, was taken into custody without incident.
Cohee was taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $4,002 secured bond.
Delaware State Police arrested David Mitchell, 55, of Newark, Delaware, and Colleen Floyd, 32, of Delaware City, Delaware, for theft of copper wires and related offenses from a New Castle area construction site that occurred on Tuesday.
On May 14, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m., troopers responded to a Greggo and Ferrara, Inc., construction site located at 765 Hamburg Road, New Castle, for a report of a theft. During the investigation, troopers discovered two male suspects and one female suspect trespassed onto the property during the early morning hours of May 13, 2024. Once on the property, the suspects cut copper wiring from construction equipment and then fled in a pick-up truck without the copper wiring. The following day on May 14, 2024, at approximately 4:05 a.m., one of the male suspects returned to the property in the pick-up truck and stole the cut copper wires. Through investigative means, troopers located the pick-up truck containing the copper wires at a residence in Newark. At the residence, troopers made contact with David Mitchell and Colleen Floyd, who were subsequently identified as two of the suspects involved in the theft.
Mitchell and Floyd were taken into custody without incident, and transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with multiple crimes. The third suspect (pictured below), identified as 40-year-old Thomas Cordell of New Castle, Delaware, has not been located at this time. There is a felony warrant for criminal mischief and associated charges for his arrest.
Thomas Cordell
Mitchell was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $3,200 unsecured bond.
David Mitchell
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Criminal Trespass – 2 counts
Floyd was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $2,100 unsecured bond.
Colleen Floyd
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Criminal Trespass
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Troopers continue to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Thomas Cordell to contact Troop 2 by calling (302) 834-2620. 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 arrested 47-year-old RobertWheeler of Wilmington, Delaware, for organized retail theft following a series of shopliftings of cigarettes from multiple Wawa locations in New Castle County that occurred in April and May of this year.
On May 15, 2024, at approximately 2:10 a.m., troopers responded to the Wawa located at 2754 Pulaski Highway, Newark, for a report of a shoplifting. Upon arriving, troopers learned a masked black male suspect jumped behind the sales counter, grabbed cigarettes from the display, and then ran out of the business without rendering payment. Wawa employees recognized the suspect’s actions to be similar to that of a habitual shoplifter who is known to shoplift from multiple Wawa locations in one day. Over the next two hours, two additional Wawa locations in New Castle County reported a suspect with the same description trespassing on their properties. The suspect was reported to have fled from the two locations in a red SUV with damage to the passenger side. On May 15, 2024, at approximately 4:16 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed the suspect’s vehicle traveling in the area of the Wawa located at 2030 Limestone Road, Wilmington, and conducted a traffic stop on the burgundy Chevrolet Tahoe. Troopers made contact with the driver, who initially provided troopers with a false identity. However, troopers quickly recognized the driver as Robert Wheeler from previous investigations and he was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of his person led to the discovery of 4 packs of Newport cigarettes.
Wheeler was taken to Troop 2, where troopers identified him as the suspect responsible for 17 shopliftings from multiple Wawa locations throughout New Castle County that occurred between April 9, 2024, and May 15, 2024, and totaled over $5,600 worth of stolen cigarettes. A computer inquiry revealed Wheeler has an active No Contact Order with all Wawa properties in Delaware that was issued by the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas. Wheeler was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $2,000 secured bond.
Organized Retail Theft (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Delaware State Police arrested 31-year-old Andre Gershad, of Wilmington, Delaware, on several felony charges stemming from a series of burglaries that occurred throughout New Castle County over the last two months.
On May 16, 2024, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives located Andre Gershad at a motel in New Castle, and took him into custody without incident. Gershad was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $122,000 cash bond.
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 13 counts
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 6 counts
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony) – 11 counts
Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 11 counts
Detectives continue seeking assistance in locating one additional coconspirator, 33-year-old Perignon Brooks (pictured below), who remains at large.
Perignon Brooks
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating these incidents. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Perignon Brooks to contact Detective M. Kerrigan by calling (302) 365-8487. 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 [email protected].
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 notwanted. 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.
A federal grand jury in Baltimore has returned a superseding indictment charging Owen Jarboe, 18, of Hagerstown, MD and Evan Strauss, 26, of Moneta, VA with conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications, and threats to damage or destroy by means of fire and explosives. The…
The Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Joshua Bryant and 58-year-old Shawn Haley, both of Hartly, Delaware, for felony drug charges following a search warrant at a Hartly residence.
On May 16, 2024, members of the Kent County Drug Unit and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed a search warrant at a house on the 2000 block of Slaughter Station Road in Hartly. The search warrant was obtained following a two-month-long investigation of Bryant and the distribution of illegal narcotics from the property. Detectives arrested Bryant and Haley, the property owner, at the house. During the search of the house, they discovered the following items:
Approximately 10.38 grams of Crystal Methamphetamines
Firearm ammunition
Drug paraphernalia
Digital scale
Bryant was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $22,500 secured bond.
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
Possession with Intent to Deliver (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Haley was taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $2,500 secured bond.
The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night at a Valero gas station in Newark.
On May 15, 2024, at approximately 9:48 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Valero gas station located at 796 Old Baltimore Pike in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown black male suspect armed with a firearm approached a Valero employee at the counter and demanded money from the cash register. After the employee complied, the suspect placed his firearm on the counter as he placed an undisclosed amount of cash in his pockets. The employee grabbed the firearm from the counter and pointed it at the suspect. The suspect fled from the business, however, immediately returned, and demanded the employee return the firearm. The employee proceeded to fire one round at the suspect, and the suspect again fled from the business in a northeast direction.
Troopers recovered the firearm from the employee. It is unknown if the suspect was injured. There were no reported injuries at area hospitals. The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images of the suspect are not available.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective R. Strecker by calling (302) 365-8413. 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police arrested 29-year-old Michael Lacey of Valley Stream, New York, for making fraudulent credit card purchases.
On May 13, 2023, troopers responded to Coastal Wine and Spirits, located at 12141 Coastal Highway in Milton for a theft. Troopers learned that two men used a fake credit card to purchase over $3,800 of merchandise. On May 17, 2023, troopers responded to Hickman’s Discount Liquors, located at 30447 Cedar Neck Road in Ocean View, and learned that a man used a fake credit card to purchase over $6,600 of merchandise. Through investigative means, detectives identified Michael Lacey as one of the suspects involved in the thefts, and warrant was obtained for his arrest.
On May 13, 2024, Lacey was extradited to Delaware from New Jersey. He was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $11,000 secured bond.
Possession of Instruments Facilitating Identity Theft (Felony) – 2 counts
The Delaware State Police are investigating a knifepoint robbery that occurred last night at a Walgreens in Wilmington.
On May 15, 2024, at approximately 8:56 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a knifepoint robbery at the Walgreens located at 802 Philadelphia Pike in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown male suspect approached a Walgreens employee at the front counter and demanded money from the registers while pointing a large knife at her. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot towards Duncan Road with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as a white male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images of the suspect 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 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police (DSP) is proud to announce the creation of the new Highway Safety Unit (HSU), which aims to promote safety on Delaware’s roadways through proactive enforcement measures and public education initiatives. The HSU is the result of a collaborative effort between the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), the Delaware State Police, and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).
“As we remain focused on reducing fatalities and crashes in our state, the new DSP Highway Safety Unit enables us to devote full-time resources to proactively address traffic safety priorities. This dedicated unit will be a visible presence on our highways and instrumental in preventing crashes, minimizing injuries, and saving lives,” said Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.”
Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski commented, “Unsafe driving has become far too commonplace on our roads, especially our highways. Over the past year, new safety legislation has been passed and we’ve launched the Be DelAWARE safety campaign in an effort to make our roads safer for all users. The new Highway Safety Unit sends a strong message to everyone driving on our roads that safety should be everyone’s priority and DelDOT is pleased to support this collaborative effort with DSHS and DSP.”
The HSU will consist of an eleven-person unit dedicated to statewide traffic enforcement, primarily focusing on designated “High Intensity” roadways. These roadways include:
Interstate 95 (from the Maryland line to the Pennsylvania line)
Interstate 495 (from the I-95 junction south of Wilmington northbound to the I-95 merge just south of the Pennsylvania line)
Interstate 295 (from I-95 to the Delaware Memorial Bridge)
State Route 1 (entirety)
Other highways identified by the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police or their designee in coordination with DelDOT and the Office of Highway Safety based on factors such as speed, aggressive driving complaints, crash data, and DUI incidents.
“The HSU is a proactive initiative to combat traffic safety challenges in Delaware. We are committed to deploying our resources strategically to address areas of concern and promote safer driving behaviors,” said Colonel Melissa Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. The DSP is excited to collaborate with partnering agencies and the community to achieve the shared goal of making the roadways safer for everyone.”
Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The open meeting will commence at 1 pm ET and will begin with time for members of the public to address the Commission.
The following items will be on the tentative agenda for the May 23 Commission meeting:
Business Before the Commission:
Presentation on Final Rule on Government and Businesses Impersonation:
Staff from the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s Division of Marketing Practices will provide a presentation on the Commission’s Final Rule Concerning Government and Business Impersonation. The Rule, which went into effect last month, gives the agency stronger tools to combat scammers who impersonate businesses or government agencies, enabling the FTC to directly file federal court cases aimed at forcing scammers to return the money they made from government or business impersonation scams and seek civil penalties for their conduct.
Staff Presentation on Roll-Up RFI:
Staff from the Bureau of Competition will provide a presentation on the Commission’s Request for Information for public comment on corporate consolidation through serial acquisitions and roll-up strategies. The RFI seeks information from the general public on serial acquisitions across all sectors and industries in the U.S. economy, particularly those acquisitions that do not require review by antitrust agencies, and their effects on competition, consumers, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Voice Cloning Challenge Winners Presentation:
Representatives from the Division of Marketing Practices and the Office of Technology will provide a presentation on the Voice Cloning Challenge winners and their ideas for protecting consumers from AI-enabled voice cloning harms, such as fraud, and the broader misuse of biometric data and creative content.
At the start of the meeting, Chair Khan will offer brief remarks and will then invite members of the public to share feedback on the Commission’s work generally and bring relevant matters to the Commission’s attention. Members of the public must sign upfor an opportunity to address the Commission virtually at the May 23 event.
Each commenter will be given two minutes to share their comments. Those who cannot participate during the event may submit written comments or a link to a prerecorded video through a webform. Speaker registration and comment submission will be available through Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8 pm ET.
A link to the event will be available on the day of the event, shortly before the meeting starts via FTC.gov. The event will be recorded, and the webcast and any related comments will be available on the Commission’s website after the meeting. The Commission retains discretion to make public comments available following the event on ftc.gov.
The Newark Memorial Day Parade is this Sunday May 19. The parade route will close Delaware Ave between South Main Street and South Chapel Street. The entire length of East Main Street will be closed between Library Ave and South College Ave. South College…
Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan today appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Governmentto discuss the agency’s FY 2025 budget request and ongoing work to promote open, competitive markets and protect American consumers and businesses from fraud.
In her testimony, Chair Khan detailed how the agency is using its current funding and noted the value it provides to the American people. In FY 2023, every $1 of the FTC’s costs returned an estimated $14 in benefits to American consumers through its consumer protection and competition law enforcement efforts.
As the nation’s primary consumer protection agency, the FTC works to fight fraud, junk fees, and related harms affecting consumers; combat opioid recovery fraud and other health fraud; stand up for all consumers, including older adults, servicemembers, and historically underserved communities; protect privacy and data security; and ensure that domestic manufacturers, independent repairers, and other small businesses have a chance to compete fairly. On the competition side, the agency has prioritized its limited resources to target the root causes of anticompetitive conduct and tackle the most significant harms across markets, particularly by dominant firms whose business practices affect many Americans.
For FY 2025, the Commission has requested $535 million. This increase would help fund mandatory FY 2024 and anticipated FY 2025 pay increases and other inflationary non-pay expenses, as well as critical IT investments needed for the Commission to continue its enforcement work in an era of big data.
Following Public Service Recognition Week, the Federal Trade Commission released its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report outlining the agency’s work to protect consumers and promote competition.
“The FTC is focused on ensuring that American consumers, workers, and entrepreneurs can enjoy honest markets and the economic liberty that fair and free competition provides,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “As detailed in this report, the work of our talented and dedicated staff in FY 2023 made Americans’ lives better in meaningful and material ways—from safeguarding people’s access to affordable healthcare to protecting people’s sensitive data from unchecked surveillance.”
The report lays out the Commission’s work to vigorously enforce the nation’s antitrust and consumer protection laws in a constantly evolving modern economy. As artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making tools proliferated, the FTC’s enforcement and policy efforts have been forward-looking—enabling the agency to stay on the cutting edge as these technologies develop.
In FY 2023, the FTC made programmatic strides to protect Americans’—and especially children’s—privacy; hold companies that defraud the public accountable; stop companies from hiking prices with needless junk fees; shut down subscription tricks and traps; make clear there is no AI exemption for the laws on the books; and ensure that domestic manufacturers, independent repairers, and other small businesses can compete on a level playing field. As part of its work to protect consumers, the FTC in FY 2023:
Sued Amazon for engaging in a years-long effort to enroll consumers into its Prime program without their consent while knowingly making it difficult for consumers to cancel their Prime subscriptions;
Announced the largest telemarketing sweep in U.S. history, in partnership with more than 100 federal and state law enforcers, targeting operations responsible for billions of illegal robocalls to Americans;
Filed a lawsuit against owners of a money-making scheme that claimed to use artificial intelligence to boost earnings for consumers’ e-commerce storefronts; and
Took action to protect Americans’ privacy by bringing several cases. They included actions against Amazon and Microsoft for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, against BetterHelp for deceiving users about their health data sharing practices, against the maker of the Premom app for violating the Health Breach Notification Rule, and against Ring for failing to stop employees from viewing customer videos and hackers from taking control of consumers’ accounts, cameras, and videos.
The FTC also continued to deploy its full toolkit to block anticompetitive mergers, halt anticompetitive practices to monopolize markets, and prevent businesses from using unfair tactics to gain an advantage. In critical sectors across the economy, the agency brought important and justified, yet challenging, theories and cases and pursued bold remedies to fully restore and prevent competitive harms. In addition to the FTC’s enforcement work, the agency worked to update U.S. federal enforcers’ merger policy to reflect market realities and help courts develop and clarify the law through amicus briefs. This work included:
Taking action, in partnership with 17 state attorneys general, against Amazon by alleging the company illegally maintained its monopoly power and raised prices for sellers and shoppers;
Filing a lawsuit against U.S. Anesthesia Partners and private equity firm Welsh Carson for engaging in a multi-year scheme to monopolize anesthesiology practices in Texas, driving up the prices of anesthesia services for Texas patients to increase profits; and
Blocking anticompetitive mergers in sectors across the economy, including the world’s largest health care data provider, IQVIA’s, proposed acquisition of Propel Media, Inc.
Across the agency’s work, the FTC continued to prioritize opening its doors to hear from Americans across the country—including through Open Commission Meetings, comment dockets, public workshops, and listening forums.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred last night on Maryland Avenue in Wilmington.
On May 13, 2024, at approximately 10:15 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery that occurred on Maryland Avenue in the area of South Broom Street in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown black male suspect approached the victim as he was walking on Maryland Avenue. The suspect proceeded to steal the victim’s backpack while pointing an unknown object at him that the victim believed may have been a handgun. After the victim complied, the suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction with the victim’s property.
The suspect is described as a black male. Surveillance video and images of the suspect are not available.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective R. Strecker by calling (302) 365-8413. 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon in the parking lot of a New Castle area Bowlerama.
On May 13, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an attempted armed robbery in the parking lot of the Bowlerama located at 3031 New Castle Avenue in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown suspect approached a Bowlerama employee who was walking through the parking lot toward the entrance of the business with a bag containing business property. The suspect demanded the employee give him the bag while pointing a handgun at him. The employee complied, however, the suspect dropped the bag as he fled. The suspect then returned to the passenger seat of the unknown sedan he arrived in and fled toward New Castle Avenue.
The suspect is described as black male wearing dark-colored clothing. There is no 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 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old Joshua Witty of Lincoln, Delaware, following a traffic stop Sunday morning, resulting in multiple charges related to drugs and weapons possession.
On May 12, 2024, at approximately 11:09 a.m., a Delaware State Trooper observed a Dodge Charger speeding southbound on Coastal Highway near Eagles Crest Road. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from the Dodge. When the trooper approached the driver, later identified as Joshua Witty, smoke was observed emitting from the center armrest, and traces of marijuana were visible on Witty’s clothing. He exited the vehicle at the request of the trooper. However, upon the trooper’s engagement, Witty attempted to evade arrest by fleeing back to his vehicle. The trooper was able to apprehend Witty and place him under arrest successfully.
A subsequent search of Witty and his vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun, a loaded .45mm handgun, approximately $706 in suspected drug proceeds, and various drug paraphernalia. Additionally, the following suspected drugs were located: approximately 863 bags (6 grams) of heroin, approximately 3 Levorphanol Tartrates, approximately 25 grams of crack, approximately 54 grams of cocaine, and approximately 1.6 grams of methamphetamine.
Witty was transported to Troop 7, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Joshua Witty
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)- 2 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)- 3 counts
Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance Tier 3 (Felony)- 3 counts
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person who Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of a Controlled Substance- 2 counts
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia- 2 counts
Traffic Offenses
Witty was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $171,502 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 44-year-old Augustine Haymond ofSmyrna, Delaware for felony shoplifting and related charges last night.
On May 13, 2024, at approximately 7:21 p.m., troopers responded to Lowe’s, located at 20364 Plantations Road in Lewes, for a shoplifting. Before troopers arrived, they were told that a man was in the store stealing merchandise and left on foot. Store employees gave a description of the suspect and troopers found him at the bus stop near the store and arrested him. The suspect was identified as Augustine Haymond.
A search of Haymond and his property led to the discovery of stolen merchandise, a small amount of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Through further investigation, troopers learned that Haymond had stolen the merchandise on display by cutting the security cable. After a computer check, it was learned that Haymond was wanted for shoplifting, in a similar manner, from Lowe’s on Hessler Boulevard in New Castle.
Haymond was taken to Troop 7, charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on an $11,500 unsecured bond.
Possession of Shoplifters Tools (Felony) – 2 counts
Non-Compliance with Conditions of Bond (Felony) – 3 counts
Location: Unit Block of South New Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a home damaged, and a 24-year-old male of Dover injured Monday night. The investigation began at 10:43 p.m., when Dover Police was called for shots fired in the unit block of South New Street. Officers responded to the scene and found a home that was occupied by a 60-year-old male, and a 70-year-old male, both of Dover, damaged by gunfire. The men were not injured as a result of the shooting. While on scene, it was reported that a 24-year-old male of Dover had arrived at Bayhealth Kent Campus with a gun shot wound to his arm. The victim was uncooperative with Detectives and would not provide any additional information or suspect description.
The ensuing investigation revealed the the 24-year-old male was walking with someone on South New Street when a suspect dressed in dark clothing began shooting at them, striking the victim in the arm. The suspect then left the area and the victim went to Bayhealth Kent Campus.
There are no additional leads at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that left two vehicles and an occupied house damaged Sunday afternoon. The investigation began at 3:36 p.m., when Dover Police was called for shots fired on Barrister Place. Officers responded to the scene and located several spent shell casings in the area. The ensuing investigation revealed that a white Honda Accord drove onto Barrister Place and an unknown suspect(s) began firing several shots striking a residence that was occupied by a 68-year-old male of Dover, and two unoccupied vehicles. The vehicle then left the area. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
There are no additional leads to release at this time.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
**UPDATE** The Dover Police Department has identified Randy Bolden, 54, of Seaford, DE as the victim who died as a result of the shooting in Capital Green last week.
**ORIGINAL RELEASE**
Incident Number: 50-24-15984
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at 10:26 a.m.
Location: 400 Block of River Road, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old male, of Dover, on murder charges, following a shooting that occurred Wednesday morning. The investigation began at 10:26 a.m., when Dover Police Department was called for shots fired from within a residence located in the 400 block of River Road. Officers responded and located the victim, a 54-year-old male of Seaford, inside of the residence, who had sustained a gun shot wound to his upper body as a result of the shooting. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered aid to the victim on scene until he was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus. Tragically, the 54-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending family notifications.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the 54-year-old victim and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation inside of the residence. During this altercation, the 17-year-old obtained a firearm and shot the victim. The suspect left the residence prior to Police arrival.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., the 17-year-old came to Dover Police Department to turn himself in. He was taken into custody without incident.
The 17-year-old was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $535,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Murder in the First Degree -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
The 17-year-old is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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 are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit by email at: [email protected]
The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery at a Bear area AT&T retailer that occurred on Sunday afternoon.
On May 12, 2024, at approximately 5:57 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the AT&T/Prime Communications located at 1839 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed two unknown male suspects entered the business and confronted an employee with a knife while demanding access to the safe. The employee complied, and the suspects stole a large quantity of electronic merchandise. The suspects then fled westbound on Pulaski Highway in a black sedan.
The suspects are described as black males wearing dark-colored clothing and masks covering their faces. There is no further description available for the black sedan. Surveillance video and images of the suspects 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 Detective D. Patterson by calling (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 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to 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 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 [email protected].
The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $180,000 in refunds to consumers who were harmed by false Made in USA claims by the motocross and ATV parts maker Cycra.
On its website, social media and in product packaging, , from 2019 until at least May 2022, deceptively claimed that its products were made in the United States, according to the FTC’s June 2023 complaint against the company.. The claims included a web banner that said, “Proudly designed, developed and manufactured in Lexington, North Carolina,” and product labels featuring the words “Made in USA” with an image of the American flag. Despite these claims, the FTC alleged Cycra regularly imported parts from Asia and Europe for its products, with some arriving in the U.S. already labeled “Made in USA”.
The FTC is sending payments to 889 consumers. Most consumers will get a check in the mail. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Eligible consumers who did not have an address on file will receive a PayPal payment, which should be redeemed within 30 days.
Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Epiq Systems, at 855-787-8694 or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023, FTC actions led to $324 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old Thomas Milligan of Frankford, for 4th offense DUI and related charges following a crash that injured two men last night in Frankford.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 8:47 p.m., a Subaru Outback was driving northbound on Dupont Boulevard in the left lane south of Frankford Avenue. At the same time, a Mazda Protégé was backing out of a private driveway on the 34000 block of Dupont Boulevard. As a result, the front of the Subaru hit the back of the Mazda. After the crash, the Subaru left the scene but was located a short time later, unoccupied. Troopers searched the area and found the driver, identified a Thomas Milligan. When troopers spoke Milligan, he showed sign of impairment and was arrested. Milligan was not injured in the crash.
The occupants of the Mazda, a 19-year-old man from Frankford, was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries and released. A 30-year-old man from Frankford was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Milligan was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $4,850 cash bond.
4th Offense DUI (Felony)
Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
Failure to Report a Collision Resulting in Injury
Failure to Provide Information at a Collision Scene
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
Failure to Have Registration Card in Possession
Dupont Boulevard northbound was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Delaware State Police Troop 4 continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Corporal/1 K. Taylor by calling (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 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police arrested 60-year-old Victor Tusso of Clayton, Delaware, for 6th offense felony DUI Saturday afternoon.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 3:03 p.m., a trooper responded to a Ford Taurus that had crashed into a mailbox and a fence on the 700 block of Wheatley’s Pond Road near Clayton. When the trooper arrived, he spoke to the driver, identified as Victor Tusso, He showed signs of impairment and the trooper administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. After the tests, Tusso was arrested for driving under the influence and a computer check showed that he had five prior DUI-related convictions. During a search of Tusso and his car, the trooper found a small amount of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Tusso was not hurt in the crash.
Tusso was taken to Troop 9, where he was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $6,450 secured bond.
Delaware State Police Detectives have arrested 18-year-old Lewis M. Cameron of Hyattsville, Maryland, for attempted murder on Friday.
On October 8, 2023, at approximately 6:01 p.m., troopers responded to a residence located on the 31000 block of Maple Court in Lewes for a report of a shooting. When troopers arrived on scene, they located a 29-year-old man from Millsboro in front of the residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Through investigative means, detectives identified Lewis M. Cameron as the suspect in the shooting.
On May 10, 2024, Cameron was extradited to Delaware from Maryland. He was taken to Troop 5, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Attempted 1st Degree Murder (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Cameron was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,209,100 cash bond.
The Homicide Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide that occurred at Concord Mall parking lot on Saturday night that left one teenager dead and another hospitalized.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., troopers responded to a shooting at Concord Mall parking lot, located at 4737 Concord Pike in Wilmington. When troopers arrived, they found that two teenagers had been shot and began life-saving efforts. The victims were transported to an area hospital where a 16-year-old male was pronounced dead, and a 17-year-old male remains in serious condition.
A preliminary investigation shows that a fight broke out between several people near the entrance of a carnival that was in the parking lot. It was learned that during the fight, an unknown suspect pulled a gun and fired several shots, hitting the two teenagers. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction.
The Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2729. 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 [email protected].
The Dover Police Department is cancelling the Gold Alert for Michael Jennings. Jennings has been located and is safe.
**ORIGINAL RELEASE**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-24-16507
Date: Sunday, May 12th, 2024 at 2:09 a .m.
Location: Unit Block of McKee Road, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Michael Jennings, 33, of Dover, DE. Jennings suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Jennings is described as a black male, 6’5″, 225 pounds, with long dread locks, and brown eyes. Jennings was last seen in the unit block of McKee Road at approximately 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 11th, 2024. At the time, he was wearing black pants and a blue button down shirt.. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful.
If you have any information on Jennings’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Michael Jennings, 33, of Dover, DE. Jennings suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Jennings is described as a black male, 6’5″, 225 pounds, with long dread locks, and brown eyes. Jennings was last seen in the unit block of McKee Road at approximately 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 11th, 2024. At the time, he was wearing black pants and a blue button down shirt.. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful.
If you have any information on Jennings’ whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred this morning in Newark that left one man dead.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 11:25 a.m., a Chevrolet Cruze was driving eastbound East Chestnut Hill Road turning left onto Chestnut Crossing Drive. At the same time, a Ford Mustang was driving westbound on East Chestnut Hill Road in the left lane. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford was driving at an apparent high rate of speed and the front of the Ford hit the passenger side of the Chevrolet.
The driver of the Chevrolet, a 47-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The unrestrained back-seat passenger, a 27-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was ejected from the car. He was transported to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The driver of the Ford, a 19-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was 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 crash to 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 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Seaford on Friday night.
On May 10, 2024, at approximately 10:39 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery that occurred on the 24000 block of German Road in Seaford. During the preliminary investigation, detectives learned that three unknown male suspects approached the victim while he was making a delivery at a house. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim, took the pizza, and stole his Toyota Camry. The victim was not hurt.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers saw the stolen Camry and pulled it over. When they pulled it over, the occupants ran, but the driver, identified as 18-year-old Asjmeir Fiorentino of Seaford, was caught a short time later. Troopers searched for the other occupants but did not find them.
Fiorentino was taken to Troop 5, charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on his own recognizance.
Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Driving Without a License
Failure to Signal
Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective W. Saylor by calling 302-752-3897. 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 [email protected].
On May 7, 2024, at about 2303 hours, Newark Police were dispatched to the 100-block of West Main Street for a report of a male pointing a firearm at a female. The suspect fled in a vehicle before Newark Police arrival. An investigation determined…
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 notwanted. 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 are investigating a robbery that occurred earlier today at a kiosk inside the Christiana Mall in Newark.
On May 10, 2024, at approximately 11:15 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the WikiWoo kiosk located inside the Christiana Mall at 132 Christiana Mall Road in Newark. During the preliminary investigation, detectives learned that an unknown male suspect approached a WikiWoo employee at the kiosk and demanded money from the cash register. The employee did not comply, and the suspect reached into his pocket for an unknown object, while threatening to harm the employee. The employee still did not comply, and the suspect ran out of the mall.
The suspect is described as a black male. Surveillance video and images of the suspect 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 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 [email protected].
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dover Middle School, 1 Patrick Lynn Drive, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Angel Lake, 50, of Dover, on firearm charges, following a complaint Wednesday afternoon. The investigation began at approximately 3:00 p.m., when the School Resource Officer assigned to the school was notified that Lake was inside the school with a firearm. The officer contacted Lake and located an unloaded 9mm handgun inside of a holster on her hip along with a magazine. The ensuing investigation revealed that Lake was at the school attending a prescheduled meeting with staff. It was determined that Lake was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Dover Police Department is still evaluating the facts of this case to determine how Lake was able to attend the meeting while in possession of the unloaded 9mm firearm.
Lake was taken into custody without incident and transported to Dover Police Department to be processed and arraigned.
Lake was released on $11,000 unsecured bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Deadly Weapon in a School Zone -Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x)
Delaware State Police arrested 33-year-old Devon Hargraves, 35-year-old Larry Wilmer, and 28-year-old Taylor Anthony, all of Wilmington, Delaware, for several felony charges stemming from a series of burglaries that occurred throughout New Castle County over the last two months. Detectives are seeking assistance in locating two additional coconspirators (pictured above), 33-year-old Perignon Brooks and 31-year-old Andre Gershad, who remain at-large.
Beginning in March 2024, troopers investigated several burglaries and an attempted burglary of a similar nature to commercial businesses within New Castle County. In most of the burglaries, 2-4 suspects pried open the rear doors of the business while 1 suspect remained as a lookout. The suspects then stole cash and/or electronic equipment and fled in either a dark-colored Dodge Ram or a silver Ford Taurus. Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives identified the suspects were responsible for 13 burglaries and 1 attempted burglary in New Castle County between March 24, 2024, and April 29, 2024, at the following businesses: Feby’s Fishery, Best Buy – Wilmington, Best Buy – Newark, Excell Building LLC, Five Guys – Hockessin, Domino’s Pizza – Wilmington, Express Wings and Pizzeria, Tienda Mexican Grocery, Trattoria Di Napoli, Paisano’s Pizza, Pivot Physical Therapy – Newark, Wingstop – Bear, and El Maya Restaurant.
Through investigative means, detectives developed Devon Hargraves, Larry Wilmer, Taylor Anthony, Perignon Brooks, and Andre Gershad as the suspects involved in the burglaries. In collaboration with out-of-state law enforcement agencies, detectives further discovered the suspects are linked to similar incidents in Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, as well as, in other jurisdictions in Delaware.
On May 7, 2024, detectives executed multiple search warrants in Wilmington, during which Hargraves, Wilmer, and Anthony were taken into custody. Brooks and Gershad have not been located at this time. Both have multiple felony warrants for burglary and associated charges for their arrest. Hargraves, Wilmer, and Anthony were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.
Hargraves was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $81,101 cash bond.
Devon Hargraves
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 13 counts
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 6 counts
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony) – 11 counts
Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 11 counts
Wilmer was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $76,000 cash bond.
Larry Wilmer
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 13 counts
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 6 counts
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony) – 11 counts
Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 11 counts
Anthony was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $49,100 cash bond.
Taylor Anthony
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony) – 13 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 6 counts
Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony) – 11 counts
Theft Under $1,500 – 7 counts
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief under $1,000 – 11 counts
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating these incidents. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Perignon Brooks and/or Andre Gershad to contact Detective M. Kerrigan by calling (302) 365-8487. 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police Troop 9 is issuing a Gold Alert for 27-year-old Zakhary Damron of Smyrna, Delaware. Zakhary was last seen on May 10, 2024, in the Dover area. Attempts to contact or locate him have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for his safety and well-being.
Zakhary is described as a white male, approximately 5’04″ tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with long brown hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing all black. Zakhary may be operating a silver Nissan Altima bearing Pennsylvania registration MJE7848.
Anyone with information regarding Zakhary Damron’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 9 by calling 302-378-5749, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Delaware State Police Troop 1 is issuing a Gold Alert for 32-year-old Jaimee Crampton of Wilmington, Delaware. Jaimee was last seen on Marsh Road in the North Wilmington area on May 9, 2024. Attempts to contact or locate her have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for her safety and well-being.
Jaimee is described as a white female, approximately 5’09″ tall, weighing approximately 245 pounds. She was last seen wearing jeans and sandals. Jaimee may be operating a silver Honda CRV bearing Delaware registration PC56651.
Anyone with information regarding Jaimee Crampton’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 1 by calling 302-761-6677, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Delaware State Police detectives have arrested 20-year-old Isaiah Yunas of Ellendale, Delaware, and two teenagers for multiple charges following a shooting in Ellendale early yesterday morning.
On May 8, 2024, at approximately 12:31 a.m., troopers responded to a home on South Old State Road in Ellendale for a disorderly incident. While responding, troopers were told that shots had been fired at the same location. When troopers arrived, they found a 20-year-old woman had been shot in the leg. During the investigation, they learned a gray SUV stopped in the road, the occupants argued with people in the backyard of the house and fired shots at them, hitting the woman and the house. There were several people in the house, including a child. Troopers located the SUV and the suspects a short time later. The suspects, identified as Isaiah Yunas, and two 17-year-olds were arrested. The victim was treated and released from a local hospital for her injuries.
Detectives are working to locate a fourth suspect, identified as 21-year-old Marcus Yunas of Ellendale, Delaware
Marcus Yunas
Isaiah Yunas was arrested and taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $46,000 secured bond.
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
A 17-year-old was taken to Troop 7, charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Family Court, and committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on a $50,500 secured bond.
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations continues to investigate this incident. If anyone has information of the whereabouts of the suspect to call 9-1-1. Detectives are also asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective K. Haley by calling (302) 752-3810. 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 [email protected].
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old male, of Dover, on murder charges, following a shooting that occurred Wednesday morning. The investigation began at 10:26 a.m., when Dover Police Department was called for shots fired from within a residence located in the 400 block of River Road. Officers responded and located the victim, a 54-year-old male of Seaford, inside of the residence, who had sustained a gun shot wound to his upper body as a result of the shooting. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered aid to the victim on scene until he was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus. Tragically, the 54-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending family notifications.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the 54-year-old victim and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physicaly altercation inside of the residence. During this altercation, the 17-year-old obtained a firearm and shot the victim. The suspect left the residence prior to Police arrival.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., the 17-year-old came to Dover Police Department to turn himself in. He was taken into custody without incident.
The 17-year-old was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $535,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Murder in the First Degree -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
The 17-year-old is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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 are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit by email at: [email protected]
Delaware State Police Troop 3 is issuing a Gold Alert for 54-year-old John Farrow of Dover, Delaware. John was last seen on East Lebanon Road in Dover or the Frederica area. Attempts to contact or locate him have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for his safety and well-being.
John is described as a white male, approximately 5’01″ tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds. His clothing description is unknown. He is driving a maroon Dodge Caravan with Delaware temporary registration XQ504534.
Anyone with information regarding John Farrow’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 3 by calling 302-697-4454, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Delaware State Police have identified 38-year-old Vicky Williams and 43-year-old Evan Cablayan, both of Magnolia, Delaware, as the victims that were killed in a suspected murder-suicide on April 29, 2024, in Magnolia. The suspect, Charles Williams 3rd, also of Magnolia, committed suicide during this incident.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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 [email protected].
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: [email protected]
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Javon Johnson, 19, of Dover, on firearm and related charges following a shooting Monday morning. The investigation began at 10:30 a.m., when Dover Police was called to Harmony Lane for the report of shots fired. Officers responded an began the investigation. The ensuing investigation revealed Johnson was responsible for the shooting, and during the incident, a vehicle that was occupied by a 20-year-old female of Smyrna, DE was struck by gunfire. She was not injured during this shooting. Johnson was taken into custody without incident inside an apartment in the 200 block of Harmony Lane. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence. As a result of the search warrant, Officers located a loaded Glock 9mm handgun.
Johnson was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.
Johnson was committed to SCI on $26,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2x) -Reckless Endangering First Degree
Delaware State Police arrested 30-year-old Kaitlyn Maynard, of Frederica, Delaware for felony theft and forgery charges.
On May 6, 2024, troopers were called to a home on Cooper Road in Dover for a theft. When troopers arrived, they spoke with a 79-year-old victim who said that money and checks had been stolen from the house. The investigation led troopers to a cleaning company employee, identified as Kaitlyn Maynard, as the suspect. Through further investigation, it was learned that Maynard tried to cash a check, that she forged with the victim’s signature, at a local bank but was unsuccessful.
Maynard turned herself in at Troop 3, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on a $6,000 unsecured bond.
Theft under $1,500 Where a Victim is Over 62 (Felony)
Attempted Theft under $1,500 Where a Victim is Over 62 (Felony)
UPDATE – The Dover Police Department is cancelling the gold alert for Danielle Bailey. She has been located and is safe.
**Original Release**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-24-15729
Date: Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 2:15 p.m.
Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Danielle Bailey, 45, of Smyrna, DE. Bailey suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to her health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Bailey is described as a white female, 5’7″, 180 pounds, blonde hair and blue eyes. Bailey was last seen in the area of Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street Dover, DE. At the time, she was wearing blue hospital scrubs and yellow socks. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful.
If you have any information on Bailey’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Danielle Bailey, 45, of Smyrna, DE. Bailey suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to her health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Bailey is described as a white female, 5’7″, 180 pounds, blonde hair and blue eyes. Bailey was last seen in the area of Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street Dover, DE. At the time, she was wearing blue hospital scrubs and yellow socks. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful.
If you have any information on Bailey’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Delaware State Police has identified 65-year-old Arnold Hockensmith of Felton, Delaware, as the man who died in a single-vehicle fatal crash yesterday morning in Greenwood.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. 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 [email protected].
The Dover Police Department held a press conference on Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., to announce the arrest of two suspects in the Delaware State University Homicide that occurred on April 21st. Details of the arrest and Chief Johnson’s statement are below.
A link to view the news conference will be posted shortly.
“Good morning everyone. First, I would like to say thank you to all the participants involved in this briefing and to the members of the media for your attendance.
Most importantly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Camay De Silva. Camay’s family has been in our thoughts from the moment this senseless act of violence occurred and our hope is that these apprehensions can help begin the process of healing.
The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrest of Destry Jones, age 20, and Damien Hinson, age 18, both of Dover, for the murder of Camay Mitchell De Silva.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Hinson are also charged with the attempted murder of a 20-year-old male and a 21-year-old male, also from Dover. For the record, Mr. Jones and Mr. Hinson are not enrolled as students at Delaware State University, they have no affiliation with the School.
As a matter of additional background, the Dover Police Department has been collaborating with the Delaware State University PD with added safety patrols at nighttime on weekends.
On Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 1:40 a.m., the assigned Dover PD team heard what they believed to be shots fired in the area of Gate 3 along College Road and responded to investigate.
At nearly the same time, Delaware State University Police Department received a report of shots fired on the grounds of the Main Campus. This phoned-in report stated the shots were associated with a physical fight in the area of the Tubman-Laws dormitory with the participants fleeing across College Road toward parking lot 16. Neither agency located a fight, nor a crime scene, based on first available information.
After a separate call was made to report a female on the ground near the Warren-Franklin dormitory, Officers responded and located Camay suffering from a gunshot wound to her head. Her body was situated to the north of the breezeway that connects the east and west sections of that dorm. Warren-Franklin dormitory is located in the immediate vicinity of Tubman-Laws dormitory.
Paramedics were immediately called and Camay was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment. Tragically, she died from the injuries sustained during this incident.
As we have previously released, Miss De Silva was not involved in this altercation and we do not believe she was the intended target of the gunfire which originated from the breezeway area.
In continued collaboration, it was determined that Dover PD would take the lead in this investigation with DSUPD and many of our other law enforcement partners in support. Our investigation involved several witness interviews, extensive reviews of surveillance video, and forensic crime scene examinations.
Investigators ultimately learned that Mr. Jones and Mr. Hinson were part of a group that participated in the previously described physical altercation outside the Tubman Laws building with the previously noted 20 and 21-year-old males before any shots were fired.
It was also established that Jones and Hinson disengaged from the physical fight and took part in firing the shots that claimed the life of Miss De Silva. Detectives obtained warrants for Mr. Jones and Mr. Hinson and began looking for them.
On May 2nd, 2024, Jones was arrested at an apartment in the 1400 block of Prospect Place, in Brooklyn, New York. The apprehension was conducted by the U.S. Marshalls New York New Jersey Regional Task Force Brooklyn Division, the New York City Police Department, and Detectives from Dover Police.
Later that same day, Hinson was also taken into custody in the parking lot of Gateway West Shopping Center, located at 1030 Forrest Avenue here in Dover, by the US Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force, Dover Police Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit, Dover Police S.O.R.T and Delaware Probation and Parole.
Mr. Jones is being held in New York awaiting extradition on the following charges:
1 count of Murder in the First Degree
2 Counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree
1 Count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
1 Count of Conspiracy in the First Degree
Mr. Hinson was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on cash bail exceeding 3 million dollars on the following charges:
1 count of Murder in the First Degree
2 Counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree
1 Count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
1 Count of Conspiracy in the First Degree”
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Delaware State Police arrested 59-year-old David Gillespie of Milford, Delaware, for 6th offense felony DUI Sunday afternoon.
On May 5, 2024, at approximately 2:04 p.m., a trooper responded to a Jeep Liberty that had crashed into a mailbox and a utility pole on Cedar Creek Road near Heritage Road in Lincoln. Before the trooper arrived, he was told that the driver of the Jeep walked away from the crash. When the trooper arrived, he located the driver, identified as David Gillespie, walking on Cedar Creek Road. When he spoke to Gillespie, he showed signs of impairment and administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. After the tests, Gillespie was arrested for driving under the influence and a computer check showed that he had five prior DUI-related convictions. Gillespie was not hurt in the crash.
Gillespie was taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,402 cash bond.
The Delaware State Police has identified 27-year-old Sofonias Escalante-Perez of Bloxom, Virginia, as the man who died in a single-vehicle fatal crash near Laurel Saturday evening.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. 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 [email protected].
About 800,000 people will begin receiving notices today that they are eligible for refunds stemming from the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 settlement with BetterHelp related to allegations that the online therapy firm used and shared consumers’ health data, including sensitive information about their mental health, with third parties for advertising.
BetterHelp agreed to pay $7.8 million to settle the FTC’s charges, first announced in March 2023, that it used and revealed sensitive consumer data—specifically email addresses, IP addresses, and answers to personal health questions—for advertising purposes. The FTC alleged that BetterHelp shared this information with Facebook, Snapchat, and others for advertising, despite promising consumers that it would only disclose personal health data for limited purposes, such as to provide counseling services. The FTC charged that BetterHelp failed to obtain consumers’ consent before disclosing their health data and failed to limit how third parties use that data.
Eligible consumers will begin receiving emails about their payment from an independent redress administrator, Ankura Consulting Group. This email provides several payment options. Consumers who do nothing will get a payment via PayPal at the email address where they received their notice. Consumers who wish to choose a different payment method, such as a check or Zelle payment, will have until June 10, 2024 to select a different method. The administrator plans to send all payments this summer.
Payments will go to people who signed up and paid for services from a BetterHelp website between August 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. BetterHelp has offered online counseling through several websites, including BetterHelp, MyTherapist, Teen Counseling, Faithful Counseling, Pride Counseling, iCounseling, Regain, and Terappeuta, which are all included in the refund program.
Consumers who have questions about the refund process should contact the independent refund administrator, at 1-833-637-4774 or via email at [email protected]. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide sensitive financial information to get a refund.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023, FTC actions led to $324 million in refunds to consumers across the country.
Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred this morning in Greenwood.
On May 5, 2024, at approximately 5:49 a.m., a Mercury Mountaineer was traveling northbound on Greenwood Road, north of Tomahawk Branch Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the east side of the road and crashed into several trees before overturning on its roof.
The driver, a 65-year-old man from Felton, Delaware, was not properly seat belted and pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. 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 [email protected].
The Delaware State Police have identified 22-year-old Fernando Fernandez of Frankford, Delaware, as the man who died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle fatal crash yesterday morning in Millsboro.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling (302) 703-3264. 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred yesterday evening just west of Laurel.
On May 4, 2024, at approximately 6:48 p.m., a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Sharptown Road, west of Mt. Pleasant Road, at an apparent high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the north side of the road. It then struck a drainage ditch, causing it to overturn and crash into a utility pole.
The passenger, whose identity is unknown at this time, was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The driver, a 27-year-old man from Bloxom, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at (302) 703-3264. 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 [email protected].
Delaware State Police Troop 3 is issuing a Gold Alert for 41-year-old Joseph Skowronski of Dover, Delaware. Joseph was last seen on May 4, 2024, in the area of the Rodney Village Shopping Center in Dover. Attempts to contact or locate him have been unsuccessful. There is a concern for his safety and well-being.
Joseph is described as a white male, approximately 6’00″ tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and black pants.
Anyone with information regarding Joseph Skowronski’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 3 by calling 302-697-4454, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Delaware State Police arrested 37-year-old Lamir Harris of Wilmington, Delaware, for a felony shoplifting and drug offenses yesterday afternoon at a Newark area Kohl’s.
On May 3, 2024, at approximately 4:33 p.m., a trooper responded to Kohl’s, located at 2800 Pulaski Highway in Newark, for a report of a shoplifting. Prior to arriving, the trooper learned the black female suspect was last seen carrying the clothing that she had just shoplifted from Kohl’s while walking eastbound on Pulaski Highway towards a nearby Wawa. The responding trooper searched the area and located the suspect with the unpaid merchandise behind a bush in the parking lot of the Wawa. As the trooper approached the suspect to make contact, the suspect fled and disregarded verbal commands to stop. After a brief foot chase, the suspect, identified as Lamir Harris, was taken into custody without incident. A search of her person led to the discovery of 5 glassine bags containing approximately 0.035 grams of heroin, and one Xanax pill. The trooper returned to the Wawa parking lot and recovered over $2,100 worth of clothing from behind the bush.
Harris was taken to Troop 2, where she was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on an $800 unsecured bond.
Lamir Harris
Shoplifting over $1,500 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possess a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance – 2 counts
Delaware State Police arrested 22-year-old Lewis Flowers of Newark, Delaware, for a shoplifting turned robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon at a Shoprite in Newark.
On May 3, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., troopers responded to a shoplifting turned robbery at the Shoprite located at 19 Chestnut Hill Plaza in Newark. The investigation revealed a Shoprite employee confronted the suspect, later identified as Lewis Flowers, after he observed Flowers conceal food in a bag and exit the grocery store without paying for the items. During the confrontation, the employee grabbed the bag from Flowers, and began walking back into the grocery store. Flowers attempted to take the bag back from the employee, which led to a physical altercation between the two. Flowers was ultimately taken into custody by troopers without incident. The Shoprite employee was treated at a local urgent care facility for minor injuries sustained during the altercation.
Flowers was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $20,000 cash bond.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred this morning in Millsboro that left one man dead.
On May 4, 2024, at approximately 7:08 a.m., a 2002 Toyota Celica GTS was traveling southbound on Parker Road, approaching a sharp curve north of Firemans Road. The preliminary investigation revealed the Toyota was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the sharp curve, which caused it to exit the east edge of the roadway. After it exited the roadway, the Toyota overturned multiple times through an open field, during which, the unrestrained driver was ejected from the car.
The driver, a 22-year-old man from Frankford, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigators examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling (302) 703-3264. 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 [email protected].
The following individuals are notwanted. 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 (DSP) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) continue to urge heightened awareness following a surge in suspected drug overdoses in Sussex County over the past week. DHSS today reports they are now seeing cases in Kent County that require intubation and a level of care seen in Sussex during its recent overdose spike, as well as a suspected fatality related to overdose.
There have been 42 suspected overdoses in Kent County since April 26. Kent County suspected overdoses were not included in previous safety updates. However, data is now included due to recent activity in Kent County showing similarities to the activity in Sussex County.
Between April 26 and May 3, 2024, troopers recorded a significant increase in the number of suspected overdoses and the severity of the emergencies in Sussex. To date, there have been 83 suspected overdoses in Sussex County. Toxicology tests are pending to confirm two additional suspected overdose fatalities, bringing the total of suspected overdose fatalities to five over the same time period for Kent and Sussex counties.
“We are seeing a greater number of patients being treated for suspected overdose but, more notably, a significant increase in the severity of the effects of overdoses,” said Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Director Joanna Champney. “This severity is reflected in a greater percentage of patients needing admission with many of them requiring intubation, ICU level care, and multiple days in the hospital.”
While the majority of suspected overdoses have been in the greater area of Georgetown, Millsboro, and Milford, incidents are occurring throughout Sussex County. The locations are listed in no particular order and do not encompass all suspected overdoses.
DSP enlisted the Delaware National Guard to conduct testing on Wednesday, May 1, on a sampling of the drugs found in those who had overdosed to determine the composition of the substance. The Delaware National Guard’s 31st Civil Support Team has the capability to test for a broad spectrum of chemicals. Initial samples showed packages containing Xylazine, Bromazolam, Fentanyl, Quinine, and Caffeine.
DHSS and DSP urge the public to exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether. Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services. To assist those in need, DHSS offers several avenues for support:
911: In cases of overdose or medical emergencies, dial or text 911.
Delaware 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit delaware211.orgfor free, confidential assistance in multiple languages.
Delaware Hope Line: Call 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support, and crisis assistance.
Bridge Clinics: Explore treatment services and resources in Delaware and neighboring states. In-person assessments are available at locations in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.
Narcan Training and OpiRescueDE App: Information on Narcan training and accessing medication is available online.
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) has ensured that hospitals and community providers have access to Narcan kits. DSAMH has provided 2,000 Narcan kits to Beebe Healthcare to distribute throughout its healthcare system, and an additional 200 doses of Naloxone have been distributed to Beebe Healthcare for use in its Emergency Department. DSAMH is also providing personal protective equipment to community providers in the areas impacted.
DSAMH’s Opioid Response Center is mapping areas in Sussex County where overdoses are occurring and is coordinating street outreach, community events, and Narcan distribution in those areas with various programs, providers, and Beebe Healthcare. Providers or advocates wishing to get involved in street outreach or hosting Narcan training/distribution events should contact DSAMH’s Overdose Response Center (ORC) at [email protected]. The ORC’s Post Overdose Response Teams visited Dover today for community outreach and will continue to conduct outreach responses as indicated by the presence of suspected overdoses.
While many of the affected individuals exhibited symptoms resistant to Naloxone, DSAMH still encourages the use of Naloxone in the case of a potential overdose. Repeat doses of Naloxone may be necessary in these incidents to restore normal breathing. Individuals and organizations seeking to obtain Naloxone kits should visit Help is Here Delaware for training events, community training opportunities, distribution events, community overdose prevention events, and a list of organizations who provide community training opportunities.
When caring for someone who may have overdosed, be extra cautious with powdered substances as they may increase the risk of substance ingestion or transmission. When using Narcan, call 9-1-1 and remain with the person until first responders arrive.
The Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) offers the following recommendations to help prevent emergency responders’ exposure to illicit drugs, including synthetic opiates:
Gloves are all that is necessary in suspected overdose and no visible product.
Wear a face mask with eye shield if powdered illicit drugs are visible.
Do not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth after touching any surface that may be contaminated, even if wearing gloves.
Wash hands with soap and water after working in an area that may be contaminated, even if gloves were worn. Do not use hand sanitizer or bleach.
The safety and well-being of all Delawareans are paramount, and collaborative efforts are underway to address this critical public safety issue. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.
