...NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOR HARWOOD MD TORNADO EVENT TUESDAY JULY 5, 2022...
RATING: EFU
ESTIMATED PEAK WIND: UNKNOWN
PATH LENGTH: 0.1 MILES
PATH WIDTH: 50 YARDS
FATALITIES: 0
INJURIES: 0
START DATE: JUL 5 2022
START TIME: 555 PM EDT
START LOCATION: 1 N HARWOOD MD
START LAT/LON: 38.896/-76.599
END DATE: JUL 5 2022
END TIME: 556 PM EDT
END LOCATION: 1 N HARWOOD MD
END LAT/LON: 38.895/-76.597
A SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORM SPAWNED A BRIEF TORNADO JUST NORTH OF
HARWOOD, MD (4 SOUTHWEST OF LONDONTOWNE) IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON JULY 5, 2022, BETWEEN 5:55 AND 5:56 PM EDT.
THIS SUPERCELL ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED ALONG THE HOWARD/MONTGOMERY
COUNTY LINE AS A RESULT OF A REMNANT MESOSCALE CONVECTIVE VORTEX
(MCV) MOVING THROUGH THE REGION WHICH HAD EARLIER MOVED THROUGH
THE OHIO VALLEY EARLIER IN THE DAY. IT EVOLVED INTO A CLUSTER OF
CELLS INITIALLY BEFORE SPLITTING OFF INTO AN INDIVIDUAL SUPERCELL
THAT WOULD DEVELOP ROTATION AS IT MOVED OUT OF SOUTHEASTERN
MONTGOMERY COUNTY INTO NORTHWESTERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY. THE
CELL DROPPED A TORNADO EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON NEAR BOWIE, AND
WOULD THEN CYCLE TO PRODUCE THE SECOND TORNADO IN HARWOOD.
A BROADCAST MEDIA PARTNER PROVIDED VIDEO AND EYEWITNESS EVIDENCE
OF A BRIEF SPIN-UP TORNADO WHILE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF
BIRDSVILLE RD AND SOLOMONS ISLAND RD. THIS INDIVIDUAL NOTED THAT
THE TORNADO WAS LOCATED JUST TO THEIR NORTH IN AN OPEN FIELD AND
WAS ON THE GROUND FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE.
KLWX WSR-88D DOPPLER RADAR IN STERLING VA DEPICTED A BRIEF
VELOCITY COUPLET THAT CORRESPONDED TO THE LOCATION OF THE VIDEO
DESCRIBED ABOVE.
THE BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE IN STERLING,
THANKS OUR BROADCATST MEDIA PARTNERS WHO WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE
EVIDENCE OF A TORNADO ON THE GROUND.
EF SCALE: THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THE
FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
EFU.........UNKNOWN WIND SPEED
EF0.........65 TO 85 MPH
EF1.........86 TO 110 MPH
EF2.........111 TO 135 MPH
EF3.........136 TO 165 MPH
EF4.........166 TO 200 MPH
EF5.........>200 MPH
Blog
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NWS Confirms Tornado Near Harwood Maryland Yesterday
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EF-1 Tornado Confirmed In Bowie, MD On Tuesday
...NWS Damage Survey for Bowie MD Tornado Event Wednesday July 5 2022... Rating: EF1 Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph Path Length: 1.0 mile Path Width: 125 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: Jul 5 2022 Start Time: 531 PM EDT Start Location: 1 NW Bowie MD Start Lat/Lon: 38.9710/-76.7470 End Date: Jun 5 2022 End Time: 534 PM EDT End Location: 1 NE Bowie MD End Lat/Lon: 38.9697/-76.7281 A supercell thunderstorm spawned a brief EF0 tornado just north of Bowie, MD in Prince Georges County late on Wednesday afternoon July 5 2022 between 5:31 and 5:34 PM EDT. This supercell spawned along the Howard/Montgomery County line as a result of a remnant mesoscale convective vortex moving through the region which had moved through the Ohio Valley earlier in the day. It evolved into a cluster of cells initially before splitting off into an individual supercell that would develop rotation as it moved out of southeastern Montgomery County into northwestern Prince Georges County. The tornado caused extensive tree damage in the Somerset subdivision just north of Bowie, MD. There was also once incidence where a tree had fallen on top of residence on Stafford Ln. The most concentrated areas of damage occurred between Stafford Ln. and Saber Ln. However, there were several other trees down in the area outside of the more concentrated tornadic damage, particularly along Buckingham Drive perpendicular to White Marsh Branch. At this location along Buckingham Drive, trees fell upon power lines, snapping several supporting utility poles. The tornado initially touched down around Tarragon Ln. and tracked eastward over the Bowie High School Annex before tracking into the Somerset subdivision, where the majority of the damage was observed. The tornado would then lift just before reaching southern portions of Whitemarsh Park. KLWX WSR-88D Doppler Radar in Sterling VA depicted a tight velocity couplet that corresponded to the location of the damage described above. Residents in the area noted that they received the wireless emergency alert disseminating the Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office prior to the damage occurring, and took appropriate action to reduce their risk of injury from the tornado. The Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office in Sterling, thanks the City of Bowie and the Prince Georges County Department of Emergency Services for their assistance in this survey, along with the residents of Prince Georges County that were witness to this tornado event. EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0.........65 to 85 mph EF1.........86 to 110 mph EF2.........111 to 135 mph EF3.........136 to 165 mph EF4.........166 to 200 mph EF5.........>200 mph
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Long Neck murder suspect dies in custody
Klein (Photo: DSP) Officials are investigating the death of a Long Neck murder suspect who was in custody at SCI.
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57-year-old Michael Klein had been in prison in the suspected murder of 67-year-old Lewis Fetrow, whos body was found on the property of Baywood Golf Course on June 7. Investigators discovered Klein as a suspect, who was already in custody for another crime.
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Officials say Klein, who had a history of chronic health conditions, was found unresponsive in his cell around 8:15 Monday morning (July 4). He was pronounced dead by responding paramedics shortly after.
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Delaware State Police are investigating Klein’s death, and his body has been released to the Division of Forensic Science to determine the cause of death.
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DSP investigating cologne theft, robbery
Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in the Rehoboth Beach area on Monday afternoon.
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On July 4, 2022, at approximately 2:40 p.m., an unknown male subject entered the Fragrance Hut located at 35016 Midway Outlet Drive. The suspect gathered numerous bottles of cologne and began leaving the store without rendering payment for the items. When he was approached by a store employee, the suspect confronted the victim with a can of pepper spray. The suspect exited the store and fled the scene in a blue Kia Optima, and was last seen proceeding southbound on Coastal Highway. Troopers responded to the area and observed the vehicle on southbound Coastal Highway traveling towards Bethany Beach. Officers from the Bethany Beach Police Department attempted to stop the Kia, but the driver failed to stop on command. A brief pursuit ensued, which was discontinued due to traffic conditions. Officers established a perimeter in the Bethany Beach area in an attempt to locate the Kia Optima, but were unsuccessful in doing so. No one was injured in this incident, and the suspect remains at-large.
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The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’00” – 6’02” tall, with a thin build. There are no surveillance images available at this time.
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Delaware State Police Troop 7 is currently investigating the incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Trooper First Class T. Bennett by calling 302-703-3305. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
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Three juveniles arrested for stealing Hyundai, police chase in Dover
Yesterday, we told you about a string of thefts and the warning to Hyundai owners in Dover. Today, Dover Police say they have arrested three juvenile suspects after leading officers on a pursuit in a stolen 2017 Hyundai Sonata.
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Dover Police responded to a home in the 100 block of Thames Drive this morning on reports of a stolen vehicle. That vehicle was spotted a short time later on Route 8 and Dover High Drive just before 6:00 a.m. and attempted to stop the driver. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a parked car in the Cannon Mills neighborhood.
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The three juveniles attempted to flee on foot but where apprehended without further incident. The suspects are all 15-year-olds, and face several charged including:
A 15-year-old white male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting Arrest
-Reckless Driving
-Disregard Police Officer Signal
-Additional traffic violationsA 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting ArrestA 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting Arrest.
Bond information was unavailable at the time of release. Police are investigating whether or not this theft is related to the other string of Hyundai thefts around Dover.
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Three Juveniles Arrested In Dover For A Stolen Vehicle
The Dover Police Department has arrested three juveniles after a brief pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Wednesday morning. At approximately 5:41 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 100 Block of Thames Drive for a report of a stolen 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The investigating officer announced details of the stolen vehicle over the police radio while at the scene. An officer on patrol in the area of Route 8 and Dover High Drive observed the stolen vehicle traveling westbound. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the suspects fled, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed into a parked car in the Cannon Mills neighborhood. Three suspects (one white male and two black males) fled the vehicle on foot and were all apprehended without incident. All three suspects are juveniles.
The Dover Police Department issued an alert on July 3rd, 2022 to Hyundai Sonata and Elantra owners following a string of thefts in the area. At this time, it is unknown if the arrested suspects were involved in previous incidents. Those cases remain under investigation with additional charges pending if the suspects are linked to those prior incidents.
The suspects were charged as follows:
A 15-year-old white male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting Arrest
-Reckless Driving
-Disregard Police Officer Signal
-Additional traffic violationsA 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting ArrestA 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with:
-Receiving Stolen Property
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Resisting Arrest -
Governor Carney responds to calls for State Auditor’s impeachment
Governor John Carney is calling for State Auditor Kathy McGuiness to step down following her conviction of three misdemeanor charges in Dover on Friday.
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McGuiness, a Democrat, was convicted by a jury on conflict of interest, structuring, and official misconduct. She was acquitted on felony theft and intimidation. Several state legislatures are calling for her impeachment, to which the Governor has issued a statement.
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In that statement, Governor Carney says that he has no power to act until entry of a judgment of conviction by the Superior Court, which has not happened yet. But he believes she cannot do her job effectively under the circumstances.
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“It is the Governor’s responsibility under the law to await the final determination of the court and then to determine his constitutional obligations after the entry of judgment.” Carney says.
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Shark Week blimp spotted in Delaware, Maryland
Image: Hunter Outten If you’re at the beach this week, a good chance you will see a giant floating shark in the sky!
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The East Shark blimp is in our area to promote Shark Week on the Discover Channel, starting July 24. The 128-foot long blimp is scheduled to travel along the east coast until July 30, where it is competing against a West Coast blimp just like with with a hashtag social media battle.
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The blimp was in Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Ocean City, Maryland yesterday for the 4th of July. It is scheduled to be in Ocean City today and will make a return to the area on July 24, and Ocean City once again on July 25.
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Currently, East Coast Shark is beating West Coast Shark. You can share your shark blimp sightings with the hashtag #eastcoastshark.
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Citing constitutional compliance, Governor Hogan suspends “reasonable cause” in obtaining conceal carry permit in Maryland
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced today the suspension of the state’s “good and substantial” reason standard during the review of a Wear and Carry Permit application.
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The announcement comes after the Supreme Court struck down a New York law in June, which is very similar to Maryland’s law.
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In a statement, Governor Hogan says the move was to ensure compliance with the Constitution. He adds “It would be unconstitutional to continue enforcing this provision in state law. There is no impact on other permitting requirements and protocols. Today’s action is in line with actions taken in other states in response to the recent ruling.”
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On June 23, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against New York that its conceal carry law requiring “reasonable cause” for obtaining a permit. In that case, the high court ruled that the law violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bare arms.
Image: Flickr -
Fight leads to gun fire in Rehoboth Beach
Simms (Image: DSP) A suspect has been arrested following a shooting in Rehoboth Beach early Monday morning.
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Delaware State Police say 40-year-old Allan Simms of Rehoboth Beach got into an argument with a 40-year-old victim at the parking lot of the YMCA on Church Street just after midnight on July 4. The argument led to a physical fight that left minor injuries on the victim.
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Police say Simms left and returned a short time later, where he pulled out a gun and shot towards the victim once and fled. The victim was not hit.
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Officers were able to locate the vehicle Simms fled in at the nearby Burton Village apartment complex, where a Smith & Wesson rifle was located inside. A computer check revealed that Simms was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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Simms surrendered to Troop 7 and faces several charges, including:
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
Assault Third Degree.
He was lodged at SCI on $66,000 cash bond.
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Victim identified in fatal Camden-Wyoming crash
Delaware State Police have identified the victim in a fatal crash that occurred on June 29 in the Camden-Wyoming area.
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Investigators say 21-year-old Phylicia Galvin of Greensboro, Maryland was driving eastbound in a 2004 Pontiac Vibe on Willow Grove Road just east of Firetower Road when she crossed into the westbound lane and drove off the north edge of the roadway. She struck a utility pole and overturned.
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Galvin was properly restrained and taken to a nearby hospital for serious injuries, where she was later pronounced dead. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Roadways were closed for several hours for an investigation.
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Dover PD issues alert to Hyundai owners after string of thefts
Image: Dover Police Dover Police have issued a warning to Hyundai owners after a string of thefts over the past several days. According to Police, there have been five incidents of thefts in the city on Elantras and Sonatas with the use of hot wiring. While most of the vehicles were left unlock, investigators say two of the vehicles were locked by the owners. The thieves are also striking at all times of the day.
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Police have released images of one of the thefts and two of the suspects from a nearby surveillance camera. You can find those pictures and tips to help secure your vehicle at TVDELMARVA-dot-COM.
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Anyone with information on the cases should contact Dover Police at (302)736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Tips to Prevent Automobile Theft
• Park in a garage if possible.
• Park so that your vehicle is “blocked in” your driveway.
• Park in well-lit areas/Utilize motion activated lights/cameras outside your home if possible
• Lock and secure homes and garage doors. Doors left unlocked allow vehicle theft suspects an opportunity to search for keys and steal vehicles undetected.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Most vehicle thefts can be prevented by locking your car doors.
• Secure your valuables.
• DO NOT leave your keys in your vehicle. Keys and FOBs should NEVER be left in a vehicle, whether at home, work, or running errands. Take your keys with you!
• DO NOT leave your vehicle running unattended. Warming your car up on a cold winter morning or going inside a convenience store while your car is left running and unattended, make you vulnerable. A car thief is looking for these easy targets!
Image: Dover Police -
Three suspects arrested in Delmar auto shop burglary
Three people have been arrested for an alleged burglary of a Delmar auto shop over the weekend.
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Delaware State Police say troopers responded to West Auto on Sussex Highway in Delmar on reports of a burglary, to which the suspects made entry through an unsecured window and stole about $11,100 in tools, machinery and parts.
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An investigation led to three suspects: 41-year-old Stacy Dyson of Delmar, 38-year-old Timothy Dyson and 22-year-old Michael Lecates of Laurel. A traffic stop on July 2 led to their arrest, where stolen tools and drugs were discovered in the vehicle. An investigation also determined that the three were likely involved in another burglary at a residence on Whiteville Road.
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Timothy Dyson
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)- 2 counts
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Numerous Traffic Violations
Timothy Dyson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on $9,750 unsecured bond.Stacy Dyson
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)- 2 counts
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500
Criminal Mischief
Stacy Dyson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on her own recognizance.Michael Lecates
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)- 2 counts
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Criminal Mischief.
Timothy Dyson was also driving without a license and faces traffic charges as well. He was released on $9,750 secured bond. The other two suspects were released on their own recognizance.
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Safe travel tips, where to see fireworks this 4th of July
If you’re planning to travel for the 4th of July holiday, expect company.
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Already the roads across Delaware and Delmarva are jammed packed with visitors, so extra caution when out and about this holiday weekend. Triple-A Mid-Atlantic reports that nearly 50 million people will be traveling this weekend, a new record despite gas prices sitting at an average of $4.84 nationwide, with average prices at $4.75 here in Delaware.
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Some tips for traveling this 4th of July includes:
Have a plan A, B and C. Flights, car rentals, accommodations, tours, cruises and other activities are in high demand and availability may be limited, which will impact pricing. Finding last-minute deals is unlikely so it’s recommended to look for discounts and rewards, usually available through a membership like AAA. This is also another time when travel advisors are a great resource since they may know of a deal that may not be readily available to the public.
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Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 14% more than last year coming in at $201/ticket.
Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 23%, with the average lowest nightly rates coming in at $244/night for AAA Approved Hotels..
Car Rentals— Since late last year, the average daily rate for car rentals has continued to increase. With more people traveling, these prices remain on the rise due to continued supply chain issues coupled with growing demand. However, because we saw record high rental car rates last year for the Independence Day holiday due to limited inventory, daily car rental rates have actually decreased 34% compared to last years holiday, with the average lowest rate coming in at $110/day on average compared to 2019..
B-E-T on a breakdown-free trip. AAA expects to respond to over 446,000 calls for roadside assistance over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Make sure to get a full vehicle inspection ahead of any long trip but especially for components like a vehicle’s battery, engine and tires. Even a vehicle in top shape can run into an issue so it’s a good idea to pack a well-stocked emergency kit and have roadside assistance just in case..
Beat the rush. Travel on off-peak times or days or pick a hidden gem closer to home. Based on AAA booking data, Friday, July 1 is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4) with Monday, July 4 being the lightest. For those hitting the road, the Thursday and Friday before the holiday are anticipated to be peak traffic days.
where you can see fireworks set off on this 4th of July:
Bethany Beach: Monday, July 4
Dover: Monday, July 4, at 9:15 p.m
Laurel: Monday, July 4
Lewes: Monday, July 4 (famous boat parade at 1:30 p.m.)
Rehoboth Beach: Sunday, July 3
Smyrna/Clayton: Monday, July 4 -
BREAKING: McGuiness guilty on misdemeanor charges, acquitted on felony charges
Kathy McGuiness The criminal trial of Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness is now in the hands of the jury, who heard closing argument on Thursday.
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Just into the newsroom and breaking, McGuiness has been found guilty of the three misdemeanor charges, but found not guilty on felony theft and intimidation.
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Janice Lorrah, McGuiness’ Republican opponent in the upcoming election, issued a statement shortly after the ruling:
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“Politics as usual hurts hard working Delaware taxpayers. Delaware needs a change and I’m offering voters an alternative as an outsider with a fresh perspective who will restore transparency and accountability and bring confidence back to our government.”
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She continues by saying “Confidence in our government is at an all-time low,” Ms. Lorrah said. “It is going to take someone with a track record of standing up when government goes off the rails to be a true
watchdog for the people..
The judgment came down just after noon today. We will have reaction as this is a developing story.
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Convicted felon arrested for having a gun, features two new charges just signed into law
Photo: Dover Police The Dover Police Department arrested 23-year-old Gregory Scott on firearms charges on Thursday night. It’s an arrest that features two new laws signed by Governor John Carney on Thursday.
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Officers contacted Scott in the 400 Block of North DuPont Highway as the result of a firearms investigation. When officers approached, Scott fled on foot but was apprehended quickly and without incident.
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Officers then located a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine (30 rounds) that Scott was in possession of. The gun had an obliterated serial number and was altered to make it fully automatic. Scott is a person prohibited as the result of two prior felony convictions.
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Gregory Scott was committed to SCI on a $34,400 cash bond on the following offenses:
-Possession of a Firearm/Ammo by Person Prohibited (2x)
-Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number
-Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Tampering with Physical Evidence
-Resisting Arrest
-Possession of a Destructive Weapon -
DSP investigating fatal crash in Camden-Wyoming
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Camden-Wyoming area on Wednesday morning.
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On June 29, 2022, at approximately 7:51 a.m., a gray 2004 Pontiac Vibe was traveling eastbound on Willow Grove Road east of Firetower Road. For unknown reasons the Pontiac crossed into the westbound lane of Willow Grove Road and drove off the north edge of the roadway. As the vehicle exited the roadway it began rotating in a clockwise direction. After leaving the roadway the Pontiac traveled a short distance until its driver’s side door struck a utility pole. The vehicle then spun, overturned onto its roof, and came to rest in a ditch north of the north edge of Willow Grove Road.
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The operator of the Pontiac, a 21-year-old female from Greensboro, Maryland, was properly restrained. She sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next-of-kin.
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No other vehicles were involved in this collision, and no other injuries were reported. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.
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The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling 302-698-8457. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
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Ocean City Police arrest suspect in triple stabbing
Ocean City, MD- (June 30, 2022): On June 29, 2022, detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division along with the members of the Maryland State Apprehension Team/U.S. Marshal’s Task Force made an arrest in the triple stabbing case that occurred on June 20, 2022. Paul Baynard, 23, of Ridgley, Maryland was located in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, and was taken into custody without incident.
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On June 20, 2022, at approximately 11:58 p.m., officers observed a fight between multiple individuals in the area of Wicomico Street and Atlantic Ave. Officers located three victims suffering from stab wounds. Ocean City Fire Department responded to the scene to provide emergency medical care. The first victim, an 18-year-old male from Wye Mills, MD was flown to Shock Trauma. The second victim, a 21-year-old male from Wye Mills, MD was flown to Christiana Hospital. The third victim, a 17-year-old male from Centreville, MD was transported by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. All three victims have since been released from each of the hospitals.
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As additional officers arrived on the scene, the suspects ran north on the Boardwalk. A 17-year-old juvenile that was involved in the altercation was arrested and charged with affray. Officers were able to determine that the fight on the Boardwalk involved two different groups of males. Detectives were able to utilize the City Watch cameras, social media platforms, and witnesses to assist in their investigation. Detectives conducted a thorough investigation and were ultimately able to identify Baynard.
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Through the coordinated efforts of our Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, the Maryland State Apprehension Team, and U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, Baynard was successfully located and taken into custody. Baynard was transported from Queen Anne’s County to the Ocean City Police Department. Baynard has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Baynard was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was held without bond.
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Delaware State Police warn public of cryptocurrency scams
Photo: Flickr The Delaware State Police are providing a scam advisory surrounding the fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.
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The Delaware State Police are warning the public of an increase in scams involving the use of cryptocurrency (or “crypto”) ATM machines and quick response (or “QR”) codes. The Delaware State Police have recently seen an increase in scams where the victim is directed to local crypto ATMs and/or stores that authorize QR crypto payments. Criminal perpetrators will leverage victims to send money in these forms during schemes that include government impersonation (DEA, ATF, Sheriff’s office, police agencies), computer spyware (computer takeovers, fraudulent security alerts), and romance scams (creating a false sense of intimacy). Scammers may maintain lengthy contact with the victim through online or telephone communication methods.
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Given the nature of cryptocurrency, the successful recovery of lost funds can be extremely challenging. Unlike traditional wire or bank transfers, crypto transfers are instantaneous, and once the suspect receives the funds they are typically moved immediately to other accounts that are often based outside of the country.
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Follow these tips to prevent yourself from falling victim to such scams:
Never send crypto payment to someone you have never met.
Remember that no legitimate business or agency will ever request a crypto payment.
Do not engage unknown callers who claim that you are in trouble or threaten you or a family member with arrest, exposure, or embarrassment if a crypto payment is not made immediately.
.DSP encourage victims to report these instances and any related fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
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Governor announces signing ceremony for several gun control measures
Governor John Carney announcing today he will sign gun control measures today at 1:15 p.m. during a ceremony at legislative hall.
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The gun safety legislation including bans the sale of assault weapons, raising the age from 18 to 21 to purchase most firearms, stronger background checks by reinstituting the Firearm Transaction Approval Program, limits on high-capacity magazines, legislation that holds gun manufacturers and dealers liable for reckless or negligent actions that lead to gun violence, and a ban on the use of devices that convert handguns into fully automatic weapons.
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Earlier this month Governor Carney and the Senate and House Democratic Leadership announced their commitment to advance multiple gun safety bills before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30.
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Judge rules against Seaford’s fetal ordinance
A fetal tissue ordinance enacted by Seaford City Council late last year has been overturned following a successful legal challenge by Attorney General Kathy Jennings and the Delaware Department of Justice.
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The ordinance, enacted on December 14 with an original effective date of January 22, would have forced anyone who had a surgical abortion at an “abortion facility” or a miscarriage at a “health care facility” to have the fetal tissue interred or cremated at their own expense, despite the hardship on patients and clear preemption by State law.
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In a ruling released Wednesday morning, Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster of the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that the City of Seaford, as a junior sovereign, cannot enact a law that conflicts directly with law established by the State as the senior sovereign.
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“The U.S. Supreme Court has unleashed a wave of extremist, draconian laws across our country. That wave stops here,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “This ruling firmly rejects a clearly illegal and harmful attempt to nullify State law and to use dark money to return us to the Dark Ages. It protects residents and visitors of Seaford from a cruel and frankly hateful policy. And it makes clear that Delaware remains a safe haven for choice and reproductive freedom exactly when those sanctuaries are needed most. I am grateful to the Court for its wisdom and to our team for their quick response and tireless work on this case.”
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Jennings filed suit on January 11 after twice warning Seaford City Council that State law preempted the ordinance. Council passed the ordinance despite those warnings, with a promise that an anonymous outside donor would fund the defense against the State’s incoming lawsuit. The Court’s ruling awards costs to the State.
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“Even after last week’s devastating Dobbs decision, abortion remains a codified right in Delaware,” said Mike Brickner, executive director of the ACLU of Delaware. “Yesterday, our General Assembly fortified that right by expanding access to abortion, and today, the Delaware Chancery Court also reinforced that right, making it clear that municipal attacks on our state-guaranteed right to abortion won’t stand. ACLU-DE applauds Attorney General Kathy Jennings, and her team, for their swift and effective legal action against Seaford’s city council to permanently block the city’s illegal fetal remains ordinance.”
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“Planned Parenthood of Delaware is pleased with this decision,” said Ruth Lytle-Barnaby, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware. “As we expected, Vice Chancellor Laster recognized state law forbids local regulations of the type the city attempted to pass. We are hopeful that we can now focus on providing care to the Seaford area rather than defending ourselves against unnecessary, harmful, and legally questionable ordinances. Our sincere thanks go to the Department of Justice for their hard work on this case and their commitment to defending reproductive rights. PPDE will continue to offer top-notch care to all and to fight for your ability to receive sexual and reproductive health services.”
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“This decision is a victory for women and for the rule of law in Delaware,” said Melissa Froemming, president of Delaware NOW. “We thank the Delaware Department of Justice for standing up for women in our state, and for fighting to ensure that women’s right to privacy and right to make decisions regarding their bodies remain protected. Our legislators have codified Roe — abortion is legal in Delaware — but legislators change. The Seaford ordinance and Friday’s Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court have reinforced the importance of protecting and expanding the right to abortion as health care in Delaware using every tool possible. We are grateful to have a champion in Attorney General Jennings.”
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Since the DOJ’s arguments were premised on State law, the State’s case, and the Court of Chancery’s ruling, are unaffected by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
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The lawsuit against Seaford was led by Director of Impact Litigation Christian Douglas Wright with support from the attorneys and staff of the Fraud and Consumer Protection Division and Civil Division: Deputy Attorney General Vanessa L. Kassab, Assistant Attorney General Deepinder K. Goraya, and Paralegals Zuri Ramsey and Michele Porter.
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DNREC sinks “Texas Star” to create artificial reef system
Image: DNREC The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continued to broaden the recreational appeal of Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system by sinking the Texas Star, originally outfitted as a floating casino, at a reef site 16.5 miles offshore of the Delaware coast, with readings of 38.40.494/74.43.868 at a depth of 86 feet. Built in 1977 on a multi-purpose supply ship hull, the Texas Star was last at sea as a commercial scallop catcher/processor vessel, finding its third life at approximately 4:20 p.m. EDT Wednesday, June 29 as ocean floor fish habitat planned by DNREC’s artificial reef program.
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The sinking of the 180-foot long Texas Star – as can be seen on the DNREC YouTube Channel – marked the reef program’s third deployment of a vessel in the last three years. The retired menhaden ship John S. Dempster Jr. was sunk on the Del-Jersey-Land Reef 26 miles off Indian River Inlet in early 2021, while a former Navy and later Army freighter and supply ship renamed Reedville when it too became a menhaden ship, was sunk onto Reef Site No. 11, known as Redbird Reef, in August 2020. All of them went down after the nationally-publicized 2018 sinking of the retired Lewes-Cape May, N.J. ferry Twin Capes onto the Del-Jersey-Land Reef, second only to Reef Site No. 11 as a popular recreational fishing destination.
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“With today’s sinking of the Texas Star on Redbird Reef, one of 14 separate reef sites in the Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast, we continue to enhance and expand the recreational fishing and diving experience in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “When we sank Twin Capes four years ago as a centerpiece of Delaware’s artificial reef system, it was unmatched, providing fish habitat and a spectacular dive with its five decks for underwater exploration. Now anglers, the fish they are pursuing, and divers all will have another new destination.”
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The Texas Star’s sinking was carried out by Norfolk, Va.-based marine contractor Coleen Marine, which has handled numerous reef deployments over the DNREC reef program’s existence at many of Delaware’s 14 permitted artificial reef sites. As with all the ships that DNREC sent down earlier, Texas Star was sunk only after receiving approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard for environmental cleanliness and safety. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, which oversees the reef program, invested $325,000 in federal Sport Fish Restoration funds to buy the Texas Star from Coleen Marine after the ship settled onto the Redbird Reef.
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As the newest addition to Delaware’s artificial reef program, the Texas Star joins the Dempster, the Reedville, Shearwater, Gregory S. Poole and Atlantic Mist as former commercial fishing ships now residing on Delaware artificial reef sites. Shearwater, Poole and Atlantic Mist, which also saw service as military vessels, are all part of the Del-Jersey-Land Reef, so called because it is roughly equidistant from ports of departure in each of the three states the reef’s name entails.
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The Reedville was the first fishing vessel to be placed on Redbird Reef, so known because much of its structure consists of 714 retired New York City “Redbird” subway cars. Covering 1.3 square miles of ocean floor, other Redbird Reef structures include a 215-foot-long Chesapeake Bay cruise ship, 86 tanks and armored vehicles, eight tugboats, a fishing trawler and two barges.
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Also residing on Delaware’s artificial reefs is the longest ship ever reefed on the East Coast, the 585-foot destroyer ex-USS Arthur W. Radford, which was sunk in 2011 on Del-Jersey-Land Reef. The reefs are also home to more than 1,350 retired New York City subway cars that have helped comprise the reef system over the last two decades, including the site where Texas Star was sunk.
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More information about Delaware’s artificial reef program can be found at de.gov/artificialreefs.
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BREAKING: Mail-in ballot bill headed to Governor’s desk
A bill that would allow for mail-in ballots in Delaware has advanced to Governor John Carney’s desk for signature.
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Once signed, Delaware voters would be allowed to request a mail-in ballot to vote in the upcoming election – going into effect immediately.
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The House passed the bill on Wednesday night after hearing testimony from an attorney who argued that the legislature had the power to enact legislation despite Republicans calling the bill unconstitutional because it circumvents the majority votes needed for a constitutional amendment.
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State Representative Bryan Shupe (R-Milford), who attempted to add a last-minute amendment that would set a start date of January 1, 2023 for mail-in ballots, cited the primary elections being 77 days away.
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“Without this amendment this assembly is saying that they favor short-term, potentially self-benefitting political wins,” Shupe says. “We need reasonable, logical centered dialogue on election integrity and the right to vote.”
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The amendment was shot down and just over two hours later, the bill was voted along party lines with four no vote/absent.
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It now heads to the governor for signature, which he has signaled support for. State GOP officials tell TV Delmarva News they plan to sue the law once it is enacted.
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Troopers Arrest Subject for Burglary and Multiple Thefts In The Hartly Area
34-year-old Misty Gleason of Camden, DE Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Misty Gleason of Camden, DE for burglary and other related charges following an investigation that began in the Hartly area on Tuesday morning.
On June 28, 2022, at approximately 6:21 a.m., troopers responded to the 1800 block of Slaughter Station Road regarding a theft complaint. The ensuing investigation revealed that a female subject had trespassed onto the property and stolen items from a vehicle parked in the driveway. Troopers also discovered that the same female had trespassed onto additional nearby properties, stolen other articles from parked vehicles, and burglarized a residential garage. Troopers canvassed the surrounding area and located Misty Gleason outside of a residence on Slaughter Station Road. Through investigative measures, it was determined that Gleason was the suspect involved in the thefts, and she was taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of Gleason led to the discovery of approximately 274 prescription-only pills that did not belong to her.
Gleason was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:
- Burglary Second Degree (Felony)
- Possession of a Non-Controlled Prescription Drug – 2 counts
- Theft Under $1,500 – 4 counts
- Criminal Mischief
- Criminal Trespass Second Degree – 3 counts
- Criminal Trespass Third Degree
Gleason was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $5,110 secured bond.
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Stray Cat in Symrna Tests Positive For Rabies, Two Residents Exposed
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Kent County residents who live or spend time near the area of Smyrna Landing Road in Smyrna that a positive case of rabies in a stray cat has been reported. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the stray cat in the residential neighborhood. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The exposed individuals have been contacted and advised to begin post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP).
Since Jan. 1, 2022, DPH has performed rabies tests on 118 animals, eight of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes two raccoons, three foxes, and three cats including this positive case. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contact with additional humans or pets. In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 188 animals, nineteen of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, four raccoons, and six bats.
Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched, or have encountered a cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a cat may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
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Frederica woman wanted in Maryland, Delaware
Image: Queen Anne’s County Sheriffs Office Police are on the look-out for a Frederica woman who is wanted in several counties in Maryland and Delaware.
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The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s office is looking for 27-year-old Brittany Stokes, who has various warrants for thefts and drug charges in Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Wicomico Counties. She also has a warrant for shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia, engage in misdemeanor criminal activity and driving without a license warrants in Delaware.
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An alleged victim telling TV Delmarva News today that she may be the suspect in a string of baby formula scams, selling formula she didn’t have for upwards of $200 and scamming desperate mothers as far as Utah. We reached out to Sheriff’s Office about that situation but have not heard back.
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If you do know where Stokes is located, you are asked to contact local authorities, or reach out to Queen Anne’s County authorities anonymously at 410-758-6666.
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VIDEO: Area fire crews respond to Pearsons Corner barn fire
Photo: Jacob Patterson (Facebook) Several Kent County area fire crews responded to a barn fire in Pearsons Corner, just west of Dover last night (June 28).
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Here is video of the fire, which broke out around 10:00 p.m. last night. Crews from Cheswold, Dover, Hartly, Smyrna, Camden, Bowers, Clayton, Felton, Townsend and Magnolia responded the fire. When crews arrived, the large barn and nearby structures were engulfed in flames.
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No word on animals were loss or if anyone was hurt in that fire, but we’re told that the structure is a total loss. The state’s fire Marshall’s office is investigating.
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Governor signs $5 billion operating budget
DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $5.0 billion Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for the State of Delaware, a sustainable financial plan that makes investments in Delaware public schools and education programming.
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The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, includes pay increases for state employees, including 2% to 9% increases for all merit employees and increases for public school transportation drivers. All state employees will also be receiving a $500 one-time bonus.
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The operating budget also includes increases in education programs including K-12 mid-year unit count and programming at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College.
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Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney signed a $378.6 million one-time supplemental appropriation which includes funding for the implementation of paid family leave, funding for the Library Connection program – which will connect school libraries with the Delaware library catalog – and various contingency mechanisms.
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“This is a sustainable budget that makes investments where they’re needed most, including public education and our higher education institutions,” said Governor Carney. “We’re also making historic movement of the merit pay scales in state government to make our workforce stronger and to further recognize the great work that state employees do every day. We also will be funding the statewide paid family leave program. All of these steps will help ensure Delaware is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I want to thank the chairs and members of the Joint Finance and Bond Bill committees for their thoughtful work on this budget.”
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Delaware Legislature sends gun bill to Governor’s desk
The Delaware Legislature has sent a controversial gun bill to Governor John Carney’s desk that would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing or owning a firearm.
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House Bill 451, introduced by House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf on June 2, will be headed to the Governor for signature along with other gun control measures that come in the wake of several mass shootings across the country. However, opponents and gun rights advocates say the bills are unconstitutional and vow a legal fight if signed into law.
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The bill was brought back to the State Senate with two amendments, one that would permit children under 18 years old to possess a firearm under direct supervision of a person 21 years or older with a 3-year sunset. The amendment would also permit a person under 21 to transport a gun for the sole purpose of hunting or recreation.
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The bill passed the Senate and was quickly passed in the House shortly after by a 24-15 vote (2 absent). It now joins other bills that would ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.
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Once signed into law, the first-time penalty for an offender would receive a minimum sentence of six months incarceration, with minimum one year for second and subsequent offense.
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Dover traffic stop leads to drugs, untraceable gun charges
Bauer (Photo: Delaware State Police) A traffic stop leads to an untraceable firearm charge in Dover.
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Delaware State Police say a trooper stopped 36-year-old Michael Bauer of Dover just before 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, who was traveling at a high rate of speed on a motorcycle on northbound South Dupont Boulevard south of Carter Road.
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Bauer was detained after it was revealed he had a loaded untraceable handgun on him. Police say he also had over 10 grams of marijuana, and a compute check revealed he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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Bauer faces several charges, including:
Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana
Numerous traffic offenses
He was arraigned and lodged at SCI on $40,007 secured bond.
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After 26-years of service, Ellendale’s Engine 2 is headed to Kentucky
Photo: Ellendale Fire Company (Facebook) The Ellendale Fire Company announced it has donated one of its engines to a Kentucky fire station that was destroyed by flooding last year.
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The 1996 Monarch is headed to the Blackberry Volunteer Fire Department in Ransom, Kentucky, where the station was completely destroyed by flooding in August of 2021. The engine served the Ellendale company for 26 years.
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Ellendale Fire says the Kentucky company has been working to rebuild the station, but hampered by funding – only receiving $11,000 in state assistance for the year.
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In a Facebook statement, Ellendale Fire says donating the engine to a company in need was the best path forward in showing the generosity of the community they serve and the brotherhood of the fire service as a whole.
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The company now looking to replace the donated engine.
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Delaware announced expansion of health insurance marketplace
After years of work to increase competition on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that three health carriers intend to offer plans for the 2023 plan year – the most in the state’s history. AmeriHealth Caritas and Aetna CVS Health will join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware in offering coverage.
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“Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace is more stable than ever before, with rates steadying and enrollment at an all-time high. The hard work we have put into this program is paying off, with multiple new carriers planning to offer 2023 coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “I look forward to the benefits that increased competition will bring to our residents, and to continuing to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability across the state.”
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From rising rates to insurer departure, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Delaware hasn’t always been smooth sailing. But with the state’s successful creation of a 1332 reinsurance program and federal threats of ending the critical program subsiding, rates have decreased more than 15% and remained stable, while enrollment has grown significantly.
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“Today’s announcement is a testament to both the needs of Delawareans who have increasingly signed up for coverage, and to the strong regulatory environment we have built, which has helped insurers go from taking losses to being able to cover their expenses and consumers’ coverage needs.”
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The announcement comes as carriers submit initial rate filings proposals pursuant to federal deadlines. These will undergo in-depth reviews by independent actuaries before the Insurance Commissioner approves and announces them later this year.
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Supreme Court rules in favor of praying coach
the Supreme Court has made another landmark ruling today. This time, free speech and prayer during football games.
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The case involved a Washington high school football coach who prayed before and after games in the locker room and on the field, giving the option for players to join. In 2015, the Bremerton School District placed Coach Joseph Kennedy on leave after he was told to stop, but he kept on praying by himself at the middle of the field. The case went all the way to The Supreme Court, where the court sided with Kennedy by a 6-3 vote.
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Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority that “The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike,” Dissenting Justices wrote that the decision would “set us further down a perilous path in forcing states to entangle themselves with religion.”
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Two people arrested on drugs, theft charges in Lewes
Keller and Fisher. (Photo: Delaware State Police) A trespass investigation leads to two people arrested on drugs and theft charges in Lewes.
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Delaware State Police say 31-year-old Amber Kellner of Lewes, 30-year-old James Fisher of Georgetown were arrested after troopers were called to reports of someone living in a home without permission in the 33000 block of Lotus Lane. When officers arrived, the two suspects were at the home with three juveniles; ages 11, 10 and 7. Troopers spotted several narcotics and drug paraphernalia, along with suspected stolen goods inside the home. A search of the home uncovered nearly 46 grams of meth, 79 prescription pills, 1.8 grams of marijuana, nearly 4 grams of psychedelic mushrooms and .6 grams of suspected heroin.
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A stolen Wolf scooter and other items were also recovered at the home.
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Kellner and Fisher face several charges, including:
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 2 counts
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 3 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
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They were both arraigned and lodged at SCI on $89,600 cash bond. The three juveniles were turned over to their legal guardians.
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Felton Police arrest man accused of holding a gun to victim’s head during dispute
Rubley (Photo: Felton Police Department) A Felton man faces several threatening charges after allegedly threatening to kill a person with a handgun.
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Felton Police say a female victim fled to their police department and reportedly told officers that 39-year-old Russell Rubley allegedly held a handgun to her head and threatened to shoot. Officers then arrived to the home in the 100 block of East Sewell Street and arrested Rubley without incident.
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Rubley faces several charges, including:
Aggravated Menacing (Class E Felony)
Terroristic Threatening (class A misdemeanor), Offensive Touching (class A misdemeanor)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (class B Felony).
He was arraigned and lodged at SCI on $56,000 cash bond. He was also issued a no contact order with the victim.
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Trooper injured in alleged drug arrest in Lewes
Photo: Delaware State Police A Delaware State Police trooper is recovering from injury after attempting to arrest a suspect over the weekend in Lewes.
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Police say the officer responded to a potential drug transaction call along the roadway of Pinetown Road and Cone Lane just before noon on Saturday (June 25). When troopers approached the suspect, 18-year-old Jaliel Perry of Lincoln, he allegedly fled. When officers caught up to Perry and attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly resisted and injured one of the officers. The officer was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and released.
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Perry was charged with:
- Assault Second Degree of a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)
- Tampering With Evidence (Felony)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Criminal Mischief
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Perry was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000 cash bond.
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Loitering complaint leads to drug, weapons charges in Dewey Beach
Photo: Dewey Beach Police Dewey Beach Police arrest two men for drugs and weapon charges following a loitering complaint.
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Officers were called to the 100 block of Read Avenue just before 10:00 p.m. on Saturday night (June 25). When they arrived and made contact with 21-year-old Shkai Sanders and 24-year-old Kaje Tiggs-Reynolds, officers spotted a handgun in the driver door pocket and noticed a smell of marijuana from the vehicle.
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Both men were detained and a search of the vehicle uncovered two handguns, magazines, 47 grams of marijuana, three scales, zip lock bags and other paraphernalia.
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Chandler faces several gun and drug charges, including:
– Poss Purch Own or Control a Deadly Weapon Semi Auto or Auto By Person Prohibit Who Also Possesses Controlled Substance (Felony)
– Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm (Felony)
– Possession of Marijuana-(Civil Violation)
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Tiggs-Reynolds faces the following charges:
– Manufacture/Deliver/PWID Controlled Substance (Felony)
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Not Related to Personal Use Quantity Marijuana or Person Under 18 (Misdemeanor)
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Chandler was lodged at SCI on $15,125.00 secured bail. Tiggs-Reynolds was also lodged at SCI on $7,500 secure bail.
Photo: Dewey Beach Police -
UPDATE: Seaford Police investigating series of overnight vandalisms
One of several vehicles vandalized in Seaford Friday night. (Photo: Facebook) Seaford Police are investigating several vandalisms involving pink spray paint that occurred overnight on Friday. In each of the cases, pink spray paint with vulgar language was used.
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Seaford Police tells TV Delmarva News today that there were 11 complaints of pink spray paint across areas of areas of 3rd Street, Dover Electric, Peninsula Dry Cleaners, Magnolia Drive and Nylon Blvd. There were also complaints in the Blades area as well.
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As for whether the vandalism were related to planned protests over the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, to which Seaford Police issued an alert on Friday, we are told that it’s unlikely due to the nature of the vandalism and that the protests were peaceful and officers assisted with providing a secure event.
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Seaford Police say the vandalisms are under investigation. They are asking anyone with surveillance video that could help the investigation by contact them at 302-629-6645.
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Laurel Police investigating bank robbery
Image: Laurel Police Laurel Police have released surveillance photos of a suspect wanted in a bank robbery.
The incident happened at the Bank of Delmarva on June 24.
Information is limited at this time, but anyone who may know the suspect is asked to contact Laurel Police at 302-875-2244 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Family, friends come together to help Lewes Mom battling progressive melanoma
Katie Arietta and Family (Photo: Facebook) Family and friends of Katie Arietta are raising awareness of skin cancer and the concerns for their friend who is battling progressive melanoma.
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In 2021, the 37-year-old mother of two children was diagnosed with state 3B melanoma, spreading to her lymph nodes and bones. This month, she had extensive surgery and started an aggressive treatment plan – and it’s been a battle.
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Childhood friends Michelle Phillips and ErinAnn Beebe, who were cheerleaders together at Cape Henlopen High School, tells TV Delmarva about the kind of person Katie is.
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Michelle owns a saloon, where people have been stopping in to donate and help the family. ErinAnn and Katie’s family also set up a GoFundMe and a Meal Train, while helping raise awareness for the disease.
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If you would like to help The Arietta family, here are some links for support:
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Air Quality Alert For Saturday
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR SATURDAY JUNE 25... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has issued a code orange air quality alert Saturday for Delaware. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children...people suffering from asthma... heart disease or other lung diseases...and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles...visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov
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BREAKING: Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade
The U.S. Supreme Court struck an end to Roe v. Wade on Friday, ending constitutional protections for abortion and allowing for individual states to make that decision.
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The landmark decision was reversed by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito. Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan were in dissent.
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“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision,” Justice Alito writes in his opinion.
The dissenting side of the court wrote “With sorrow—for this Court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection—we dissent”.
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Former President Barack Obama wrote on Twitter that the decision was “tantamount to an attack on freedoms for millions of Americans”.
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As for what the decision means in Delaware, laws were passed in 2017 that would give women the right to an abortion and set standards for who could perform the procedure. Maryland also has a similar law that would allow for abortions to remain legal.
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However, several states have laws that effectively ban abortions with Roe v. Wade overturned. Those states include South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Kentucky. States that would soon be illegal include Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi.
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Delaware Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long has issued a statement to TV Delmarva:
“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade is an attack on the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, and an attack on basic human rights. As a nurse for over three decades, I am angered and appalled that millions of women will no longer have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Today’s decision is crushing for our nation, but make no mistake — this fight isn’t over. We must not and will not back down. The future of our health depends on it.”
Bethany Hall-Long, Lt. Governor of DelawareDelaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings (Facebook)
ACLU of Delaware (Facebook)
Planned Parenthood Delaware (Facebook)
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This is a working story. We will continue to update as reaction continues.
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18-year-old arrested, another wanted in Lincoln shooting
Samuel Modestin (Delaware State Police) Delaware State Police arrest one suspect and looking for another following a shooting in the Lincoln area on Wednesday.
Just after 3:00 p.m., officers were called to the 10000 block of Greentop Road on reports of shots fired. An investigation determined that two suspects in a Toyota Corolla had fired the shots at a residence with three occupants inside and fled. No one was injured or struck by gunfire.
A short time later, troopers located the Corolla on Haflinger Road and arrested the driver, 18-year-old Samuel Modestin of Seaford. He faces three counts of felony reckless endangering and felony second-degree conspiracy.
He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
The second suspect is still at large. Anyone with information is asked to contact Delaware State Police at 302-752-3856 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Wallops Flight Facility student launch scheduled for Friday morning
Image: NASA A NASA sounding rocket is scheduled to launch Friday morning, between 5:30 and 8:30 from The Wallops Flight facility.
The launch was initially scheduled for today, but technical issues and weather forced a delay.
The 36-foot long Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket is set to launch student projects from students across the country, including the University of Delaware. Those projects include the effects of high radiation exposure levels on high frequency components, while simultaneously developing an open-source project platform for future use within the RockSat community. They also plan to collect miscellaneous flight data and test the physical durability of a gallium nitride transistor. The third experiment is to accurately measure the temperature and density of electrons as a function of changing altitude.
Weather permitting and if you’re up early, people on the Delmarva Peninsula should be able to see the launch. The Wallops Visitor Center and viewing area will not be open for this launch.
PROJECTS:
Cubes in Space
Cubes in Space is an educational program for students ages 11-18 to design experiments in a 40 mm cube and launch on a sounding rocket. The program builds awareness in the pre-college age group about easily accessible, short-duration, and relatively low-cost spaceflight missions and opportunities in support of scientific exploration objectives.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
The Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, New York) team will record spectra in different wavelength regions (visible light, UV, and thermal radiation) of the spectrum and measure highly charged particles called muon flux at various altitudes within the atmosphere.
Old Dominion University
The Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia) team will explore the practicality and accuracy of additive manufacturing while experiencing aggressive changes in gravitational forces explored in a sounding rocket platform.
Temple University
The Temple University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) team will implement a single-bubble sonoluminescence (producing light from sound) experiment aboard payload to compare the change in illumination with respect to the change in gravity over time.
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware (Newark) team will conduct several experiments. The first is to quantify the effects that high radiation exposure levels have on high frequency components, while simultaneously developing an open-source project platform for future use within the RockSat community. They also plan to collect miscellaneous flight data and test the physical durability of a gallium nitride transistor. The third experiment is to accurately measure the temperature and density of electrons as a function of changing altitude in the D and E layers of the ionosphere.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond) team will conduct a geophysical experiment to study the ionosphere and a mechanical experiment to study re-entry dynamics of the rocket.
West Virginia Collaboration
The West Virginia Collaboration (comprised of students from West Virginia University, Morgantown; Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg; West Virginia State University, Institute; and West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon) will characterize flight dynamics and observe solar activity in the infra-red, visible, and ultra-violet light, muon detection, and create and design an autonomous navigation assistant.
University of Puerto Rico
The University of Puerto Rico (San Juan) team will test the Oxford Nanopore VolTRAX Sample Preparator to set new precedents for in-flight DNA and RNA sampling processes. Internal and external sensors will provide context of flight conditions and profile to better understand the device’s limits.
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Rehoboth Beach pursuit ends in crash, drug bust
Photo: Rehoboth Beach Police A Millsboro man is in jail after allegedly leading police on a chase that ended crashing into another police vehicle.
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The incident happened at around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night.
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Rehoboth Beach Police say officers attempted to stop 34-year-old Terence Savage, who was driving a Mercedes Benz with fictitious Delaware registration. When the officer attempted the traffic stop in the second block of Baltimore Avenue, a passenger fled the vehicle and Savage sped off with the vehicle.
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The pursuit lasted less than a mile and ended at the intersection of Christiana Street and Rehoboth Avenue when Savage struck another vehicle waiting at the intersection and a police cruiser. No injuries were reported in the crash.
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Savage was taken into custody. A search of his vehicle turned up several drugs and paraphernalia; including cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and marijuana.
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Savage faces a sleuth of charges, including felony possession of a controlled substance and disregarding a police officer’s signal. He was lodged on $7150.00 secured bail.
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CHARGES:
Savage was arrested and charged with two felony charges; disregarding a police officer’s signal and possession of a controlled substance in a tier 1 quantity. Savage was charged with five misdemeanor charges; resisting arrest, possession of marijuana other than personal use, possession a prescription drug without a prescription, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance without a prescription, and possession of paraphernalia not related to personal use marijuana. Finally, Savage was charged with ten traffic charges; driving a vehicle at an unreasonable speed, failing to stop at red light, failing to stop at a stop sign (x2), disregarding the right of way of pedestrians in a crosswalk, expired tags, fictitious registration, failing to have a registration card in possession, and failing to have learner’s permit in possession.
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Milford business signage goes viral
Signage posted on E.K.A Jeweler’s door in Milford (Facebook) A Milford jewelry shop has gone viral after signage was shared on a local Facebook group yesterday.
The picture was taken by a resident and posted to the Milford DE Locals Group with the caption “Fascism, courtesy of the brown shirts, is growing right here in little old Milford…” The pictures show signage at E.K.A Jewelers on North DuPont Blvd which reads “Read before entering: If you support President Biden, Governor Carney, or are a Woke Liberal Democrat (Communist), We Do Not Want Your business!! Go Away!! Shop Elsewhere!!”. It ends with a hashtag.
TV Delmarva spoke to Robert Addonizio, who is the owner of E.K.A Jewelers for 32 years. He did not want to be recorded, but told us that the sign was his first amendment right and it went up in response to several gun bills in the Delaware legislature that are “trampling the constitution”. Addonizio says he’s mainly received support for the signage, but he’s also received threats since the sign has gone viral, which has forced “his girls” to not come in. He also tells us that he received calls from people claiming to be Black Lives Matter who called him racist and questioned him on the signs.
“That is not what my father or uncle fought for in World War II”, Addonizio tells us. “The signs have nothing to do with that”.
TV Delmarva shared the Milford Locals post to Mr. Addonizio, to which he says “brown shirts take your right away, so that don’t make sense. I don’t get it”.
We reached out to the person who posted the now viral photos, but we have not received a response. While reaction to the post was mixed, admins of the page were forced to turn comments off.
“It’s a shame that folks can’t just disagree respectfully but such is life these days”, an admin says.
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UPDATE: Sussex County purchases Hopkins Family Farm, other land for preservation
Sussex County has purchased former farmland of Hopkins Farm near Lewes for preservation. (Photo: Sussex County Government) Sussex County Council announced the purchase of several parcels of land for preservation, including the former Hopkins Family Farm.
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County officials announced yesterday the purchase of several parcels of land, which includes 51-acres of the Lewes-area Hopkins Farm. The purpose of the purchase: farmland and natural resource preservation. It’s part of 151 acres of land purchased across Sussex County this year, totaling more than $5 million dollars.
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County Administrator Todd Lawson spoke about the acquisition during Tuesday’s County Council meeting.
"Mr. Hopkins, as a 4th-generation farmer and known for grain and dairy production, at the farm", Lawson says. "[The Hopkins Family] currently farm this property but had the idea that they would like to preserve the property and entered discussions with the Sussex County Land Trust who was able to really foster that relationship to the point we could start talking about acquisition."The Hopkins Family sold the land at 50-percent below its appraisal value with the promise of preservation. There is discussions to include a walking path and a possible fishing pond for visitors to enjoy.
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The additional land purchases include 13-acres and 40-acres of land along Route 24 from The Dorman and Dawson tracts, and 47-acres of the Jones Family tract on Conaway Road in Millsboro.
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The acquisitions are part of the County’s plan to preserve farmland and natural resources across Sussex County, which has spent over 13-million dollars on over 5,000 acres of land since 2003.
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NEWS RELEASE:
Georgetown, Del., June 21, 2022: Sussex County will keep a little more land in its landscape, thanks to the permanent protection of more than 150 acres in southern Delaware.
County officials on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, announced a series of open space purchases that will protect four parcels in eastern and central Sussex, where the landscape is under increased pressure from residential development. In total, the purchases will cost more than $5 million and preserve in perpetuity 151 acres of agricultural and wooded lands, including a portion of the prominent Lewes-area Hopkins Farm. Funding comes from County reserves, specifically savings realized through the County’s portion of Delaware’s realty transfer tax.
It is the latest effort by the County government in recent years to build the area’s open space inventory, often through partnerships, either through the purchase of development rights or by buying land outright. In the purchases announced, the County will own the acres acquired, but task the non-profit Sussex County Land Trust to assist in managing some of the future assets.
“This latest round shows the County Council’s commitment to land preservation, in terms of the significance of the dollars spent to the number of acres preserved,” County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. “The public has called on us to do more to protect what makes Sussex County special, and these acquisitions that we announce today answer that call in a very big way.”
The properties the County has settled on include:
Fifty-one acres known as the Hopkins Preserve, along Sweetbriar Road, just north of U.S. 9, outside Lewes, for a price of $1.5 million. The property owner, fourth-generation farmer Walter Hopkins and his family, discounted the sale price by 50 percent in exchange for the parcel being used at a later time as open space and a recreational amenity, specifically as part of a trailhead that will be developed and managed by the Sussex County Land Trust for the still-under-construction Georgetown to Lewes Trail;
Forty-seven acres known as the Jones Family tract, at a cost of $650,000, located off Conaway Road adjacent to the State-owned Midlands Wildlife Area, west of Millsboro;
Forty acres, named the Dawson Bros. tract, for a price of $2.5 million, located along the southside of Del. Route 24, near the Nanticoke Indian Center, east of Millsboro;
Thirteen acres, for a sale price of $400,000, adjoining a larger parcel acquired by the County in 2020 and collectively known as the Dorman Family Farm Preserve, located along Herring Creek and Sarah Run, near Angola.
County officials highlighted the purchases as important pieces in the overall preservation puzzle, noting that it takes a cooperative effort among landowners, government officials, non-profit groups and others – especially in an era of soaring land prices – to make such important gains.“It takes all of us working together to achieve that,” Council President Michael H. Vincent said. “In the end, it means a more preserved natural landscape, better protected habitat, improved water quality, and an enhanced way of life for Sussex County. That’s what the public wants.”
Hopkins said working with the County and the Land Trust to preserve his family farm was as much about giving something back to the community as it was to ensure agriculture’s legacy.
“Preserving this land and opening it to the public is the right thing to do,” Mr. Hopkins said. “Extending the adjacent bike trail around the property; forging extensive walking trails through the meadows and woodland; enhancing the wildlife habitat; encouraging the planting and growth of local flora – this is what I see for the property, and I look forward to the County and the Land Trust working together to bring that dream to fruition. This is truly a wonderful opportunity for the residents and visitors of Sussex County to enjoy for generations to come.”
SCLT officials said the public is looking to the stakeholders involved to produce tangible results, and initiatives like this go a long way to satisfying the community’s expectations.
“It’s one thing to buy the land. It’s something else to have a plan that guarantees the public’s access and ability to enjoy that land,” said Mark Chura, executive director of the Land Trust. “We look forward to carrying out our mission – and to realizing the vision of benefactors like the Hopkins family – so that our posterity can reap the rewards of the investments made today.”
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Triple stabbing under investigation in Ocean City
Ocean City (Maryland) Police are investigating a triple stabbing that occurred last night (June 20).
Officers were called to the 10-block of Wicomico Street on the boardwalk for a reported fight just before midnight. When officers arrived, three victims suffered stab wounds. Ocean City Fire and emergency crews also responded to the scene.
One of the victims was flown to Shock Trauma, while another was flown to Christiana Hospital. Another victim was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
Ocean City Police continue to investigating the incident.
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Funeral services for Deputy Glenn Hilliard held today
Funeral services for slain Wicomico County Deputy Glenn Hilliard are now underway in Salisbury.
Deputy Hilliard will lie in repose on June 21 from 9 AM to 12 PM at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church on Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury. The funeral service will begin at Noon.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 has established a fund for the family. Checks can be made payable to the “Memorial Fund for Glenn Hilliard” and mailed or dropped off to the Bank of Delmarva, 921 Eastern Shore Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Operation We Care has also set up a Paypal account to directly benefit the family as well. For full details on funeral arrangements, sign the guestbook or help the family, visit https://www.lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/deputy-first-class-glenn-hilliard
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Victim identified in deadly crash near Milford
Delaware State Police have released the identity of a man killed in a Friday morning crash near Milford.
Investigators say the crash happen just after 5:30 in the westbound lane of Wilkins Road east of Elks Lodge Road. That is when 28-year-old Latre Bonville of Magnolia left his lane and went off the south edge of the roadway and struck a signpost, then hitting a large tree. Police say Bonville was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash closed the road for three hours while officers investigated the scene. A 12-year-old passenger was also transported to the hospital for serious injuries. Officers say she was also not wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation.
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Dover Police: 71-year-old bicyclist killed in hit and run
Photo of the alleged hit and run driver, accused of hitting a cyclist. (Photo: Dover Police) Dover Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver accused of fatally striking a bicyclist on Saturday night (June 18).
Investigators say the incident happened in the area of South Governors Avenue and West North Street around 10:00 p.m. where a 71-year-old victim suffered fatal injuries from the hit and run. Witnesses reported an SUV involved in the crash and fled northbound on South Governors. Officers were able to obtain a surveillance photo of the alleged vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Milford Police investigating homicide at Brightway Apartments
Milford Police are investigating a homicide, the town’s first since 2020.
On June 17, officers were called to the 100 block of Bright Way at the Brightway Commons Apartments just after 10:00 p.m., where a 34-year-old victim was found with several gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel attempted to save the victim, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the victim allegedly got into an argument with a group of people. Investigators say that is when the victim was shot.
Milford Police say the incident is currently an active investigation. Anyone with information should contact Milford Police at 302-422-8081, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Update to gun control measures, mail-in ballots in the Delaware Legislature
Three gun control measures are heading to the Governor’s desk after getting pushed through the legislative process this week. One measure would set a cap to magazine size and ban anything over 17 rounds while creating a buy-back program. Penalties were also increased for possession of illegal magazine sizes. House Bill 450 would ban the sale of assault rifles in the state, while House Bill 423 would strengthen background checks.
The measures are drawing criticism from Republicans for how the bills circumvent the State’s Constitution. We spoke to the President of Delaware Sports Shooters Association, Jeff Hague, who says they plan to sue the state once it’s signed.
The Governor is signaling support for these measures and could likely sign into law this weekend.
Meanwhile, a bill that would allow for mail-in ballots has passed the Delaware Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 320 would allow for Delawareans to vote with a mail-in ballot but would have to request a ballot. If signed into law, which also could happen over the weekend, would go into effect July 1st.
In a last-ditch effort, Republican State Senator Colin Bonini made several attempts to change the effect date to 2024, but was voted down. However, the Senate voted on an amendment by Bonini to require electors to provide a State-issued driver’s license number or State-issued nondriver identification card number or the last 4 digits of their social security number on the application to vote by mail ballot and on the ballot envelope.
The bill passed by a 13-8 margin.
This is a working story. TV Delmarva will provide updates and these bills progress.
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UPDATE: Suspect faces charges in Millsboro homicide
Michael Klein (Delaware State Police) Delaware State Police arrest a suspect in connection to a Millsboro homicide earlier this month.
57-year-old Michael Klein of Millsboro is accused of murdering 64-year-old Lewis Fetrow of Millsboro, whose body was discovered at Baywood Gold Course on June 7.
Police say the victim was stabbed multiple times several days prior. An investigation led police to Klein as a suspect, who was incarcerated at SCI for unrelated charges.
Klein now faces charges of:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Klein was arraigned and remained committed at Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,060,000 cash bond.
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Child in critical condition after boating incident in Millsboro
DNREC and Delaware State Police are investigating the cause to a boating accident in Millsboro last night (June 16).
The Indian River Volunteer Fire Department, along with units from Dagsboro, Millsboro, Delaware Marine Police, Sussex County Paramedics and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the area of Warwick Road between Gull Point and the NRG Power Plant of a boat that crashed into a dock.
Ground units and additional EMS units from Millsboro and Dagsboro.
Officials say multiple adults and a child were involved in the incidents, with one adult taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. One child was reported in critical condition and flown to A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children via the Delaware State Police Aviation unit via the NRG Power Plant helipad.
At this time, there is no additional information. Images posted are from the Indian River Vol. Fire Department’s Facebook page.
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One suspect arrested, another wanted in Dover overnight carjacking
Borntreger (Dover Police Dept.) Dover Police arrest a suspect and seeking a second in connection to an early Thursday morning carjacking. Officers say the incident happened at the Royal Farms on Saulsbury Road, where a female victim went inside and left her vehicle running. Two suspects, including 20-year-old Dakota Borntreger, allegedly attempted to steal her vehicle but the female victim spotted them and ran back out to confront them. Police say that is when one of the suspects pointed a handgun at her and took off with the vehicle.
Smyrna Police later spotted the vehicle just after 3:00 a.m. and pursued the suspects to the area of South Governors Avenue and Bank Lane. Borntreger was apprehended, but the second suspect eluded law enforcement.
Police uncovered two handguns from Borntreger. He faces numerous charges, including:
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Possession of Untraceable Firearm (2x)
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Wearing a Disguise
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
He was lodged at SCI on a $46,000 cash bond.
Anyone with information on the second suspect is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Tinted windows stop leads to drug, weapon charges
Colin Shockley (Delaware State Police) A 21-year-old Viola man is facing drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop in the Camden area on Wednesday night.
Delaware State Police say Colin Shockley was stopped in the area of South DuPont Highway and POW-MIA Parkway by a trooper for having tinted windows without a waiver.
The trooper noticed a strong odor of marijuana and spotted a rifle inside the vehicle in plain sight. Shockley was detained without incident, and a search of the vehicle uncovered 17 grams of marijuana, an American Tactical assault rifle, and a handgun.
Shockley was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following offenses:
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
Possession of Marijuana
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
Operating a Vehicle With Improper Window Tinting
He was was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and released on his own recognizance.
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Funeral arrangements set for Wicomico County Deputy Hilliard
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Wicomico County Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, who was gunned down after attempting to arrest a wanted suspect in Pittsville on Sunday.
Deputy Hilliard will lie in repose on June 21 from 9 AM to 12 PM at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church on Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury. The funeral service will begin at Noon.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #111 has established a fund for the family. Checks can be made payable to the “Memorial Fund for Glenn Hilliard” and mailed or dropped off to the Bank of Delmarva, 921 Eastern Shore Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Operation We Care has also set up a Paypal account to directly benefit the family as well. For full details on funeral arrangements, sign the guestbook or help the family, visit https://www.lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/deputy-first-class-glenn-hilliard
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Laurel father, son convicted for role in Capital riot
A Laurel, Delaware father and son have been convicted for their role in the January 6th riot at the Capital in 2021.
The duo were infamous for carrying a Confederate flag through the U.S. Capitol during the riot.
After just two days, a U.S. District Judge found 53-year-old Kevin Seefried and 24-year-old Hunter Seefried guilty of felony obstruction of an official proceeding and four other misdemeanors. Hunter Seefried was found not guilty for three other charges related to accusations of breaking a window to gain entry into the Capital.
Both men are scheduled to be sentenced in September.
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Scam warning from Delaware State Police
The Delaware State Police is providing a Scam Alert Advisory. This is a general alert that applies to the entire State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police has been investigating multiple incidents in which victims receive phone calls from subjects posing as troopers and are advised they are wanted and/or owe bail money. These subjects are utilizing spoofed, Delaware State Police-issued phone numbers. Many of the victims of these scams have been individuals listed on the Delaware sex offender registry.
As a reminder, the Delaware State Police will never request payment for fines, traffic tickets, or bail. All these transactions are conducted by the respective court systems and never over the phone. Electronic payments are also never requested via phone for court matters.
“Spoofing” is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.
The following tips can help you avoid becoming victim to a spoofing scam:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do so by accident, hang up.
- If a caller (live or recorded) suggests hitting a button to stop receiving calls from them, hang up. This can be a trick to engage you in conversation.
- Never give out any sensitive data – for example, account numbers, Social Security Number, passwords or PINs, or your mother’s maiden name.
- If a caller claims to be with a legitimate company, call back using the phone number on a statement you have from them, or on their verified, secure website. This is particularly important if the caller asks you to verify personal information or make a payment.
- If you are immediately pressured for information – be cautious. You are not obligated to answer any question asked of you.
- Set your own password for your voicemail. Some voicemail services are set up to automatically allow access to your mailbox if you call in from your own phone. If a scammer spoofs your number, they can access your voicemail if you have not set a password or PIN requirement in place.
- Use a call blocking tool (talk to your phone company) or reputable app on your mobile device. There are different options for different platforms. Do some research and choose the one that makes the most sense for you.
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Lewes man arrested for DUI after striking Milford Police vehicle
Photo: Milford Police Department A Lewes man faces DUI charges after crashing into a police vehicle.
Milford Police say on June 14 just after 9:00 p.m., one of their officers was assisting with traffic at a road construction site on North Rehoboth Blvd. and Northeast Front Street when the driver of a 2010 Ford Expedition entered the construction site and struck the officer’s vehicle.
The suspect, 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald of Lewes, was checked for a leg injury but declined further treatment. He was charged with DUI, Operating a Motor Vehicle in Violation of Restrictions, and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.
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Police investigating home invasion burglary in Dover
Dover Police are investigation a home invasion that occurred Wednesday morning.
Officers were called around 12:30 to an incident in the Unit Block of McKee Road, where a 53-year-old victim reported hearing glass breaking but was unable to get up quickly due to a medical condition. The victim’s wife checked on the noise and was confronted by two black male suspects with handguns. The victims gave an undisclosed amount of cash and the suspects fled the scene.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Grand Jury indicts Seaford man in January fatal crash
A 53-year-old Seaford man has been charged with Manslaughter after a crash that killed two children back in January.
Delaware State Police say Arthur Perdue has been charged with two counts of felony Manslaughter, Vehicular Assault, 3rd offense Driving Under the Influence and other traffic violations in the crash that killed 14-year-old Hope Glasgow and 6-year-old Nathan Glasgow of Seaford.
Perdue was indicted by a Grand Jury on Tuesday for the charges after an investigation of the crash. Following the indictment, Perdue was contacted by troopers in Delaware City and taken into custody and arraigned. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $65,203 cash bond.
Perdue faces the following charges.
- Manslaughter (Felony) – 2 counts
- Vehicular Assault First Degree (Felony)
- 3rd Offense Driving Under the Influence (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
- Passing in a No-Passing Zone
- Failure to Have Required Insurance
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Police investigating shooting in Dover
Dover Police are investigating a shooting that happened during the early morning hours on Tuesday night (June 14).
Just after midnight, officers were called to the 500 block of North DuPont Highway after a 19-year-old female and 18-year-old male reported being shot at. The pair was traveling near the One Stop Shop on White Oak Road in a white Kia Optima when shots were fired from an unknown location by and unknown suspect. One round struck the occupied vehicle in the rear passenger side window and exited through the front windshield. The victims then fled to the parking lot where they called and met police. No injuries were reported by either victim.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Police investigating shooting at New Castle hotel
The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred outside of a New Castle County motel Monday night.
On June 13, 2022, at approximately 7:30 p.m., troopers responded to a shooting at the Best Night Inn located at 1200 West Avenue, New Castle, DE. Investigation revealed a dark colored sedan drove through the parking lot and multiple gunshots were fired from the front passenger side of the vehicle. A 14-year-old juvenile male was struck one time in the lower extremities. The sedan then fled southbound on West Avenue. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
There were no other reported injuries.
There is currently no description of the suspect and no surveillance images are available.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Carroll by calling 302-365-8467. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
(DSP News Release)
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Parking violations may go up under new bill introduced in Delaware
A new bill was introduced to the Delaware Legislature that would significantly increase the fines of parking violations in the state.
House Bill 479, introduced by State Representative Valerie Longhurst, would increase the civil penalty of parking violations from the current $10 but no more than $25 to $100 but no more than $500. Subsequent offenses would also increase to $400 and no more than $2,000.
A committee hearing on the bill will be held within 12 legislative days.
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Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty
Officer Glenn Hilliard (Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office) The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their deputies this morning after attempting to apprehend a fugitive in nearby Pittsville, Maryland on Sunday.
Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, a 16-year veteran on the force, was gunned down while while attempting to apprehend a suspect who was wanted for several felony warrants. The suspect, identified as Austin Davidson, fled the scene. After an extensive manhunt, the suspect was apprehended.
“The days ahead will be challenging, but for now, we are mourning the loss of an incredible human being. Deputy Glenn Hilliard was a son, a husband and a father to three beautiful children, a brother to those he worked with, and an exemplary public servant to the citizens of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland” The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Glenn’s family during this difficult time.”
Officer Hilliard would have celebrated his 42nd birthday on June 22. The sheriff’s office say they are heartbroken over his “senseless and tragic murder”.
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Alleged “fashionista” thief caught on camera stealing alcohol in Ocean City
An Ocean City, Maryland video is trending after video was shared by the owners of a Facebook page of a woman stealing a bottle of alcohol from his store.
The alleged theft occurred on June 7 at the West-O Bottle Shop and Bar in West Ocean City. The video shows a woman putting a bottle of Limon Rumchata into her purse. She then turns around and the video cuts.
“What a peach”, the owner posts on the viral Facebook post. “If anyone knows this fashionista, could you please ask her to return to our shop and pay for that Limon Rumchata?”
The video has been viewed over 60,000 times.
Owner Sara Hambury spoke to TV Delmarva News about the now viral video. She tells us that the individual in the video may be tied to other liquor store thefts around Ocean City, and that multiple police agencies are involved in the investigation. She says that they shared the video so “other family owned businesses won’t suffer”.
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Bill to ban single-use plastics in Delaware pass the Senate
A Senate bill that would ban restaurants from using single-use plastics, polystyrene and other non-biodegradable products in Delaware.
Senate Bill 134 would ban single-use products such as coffee stirrers, straws, and sandwich picks. It was passed on Thursday by a a narrow margin (1 to 8 with one absent).
“Over the past several decades, the low-cost of these products has made them very popular in our society, but, today, many low-cost alternatives exist that are less harmful,” State Senator Trey Paradee says in a Facebook statement. “As a coastal state with a vibrant tourism industry that is critical to our economy and our quality of life, we need to join other states that have already banned these products and set an example for our children to follow.”
Single-use plastics have been a target of problematic pollution across the country and the world. Earthday.org reports that 380 million metric tons of plastics are produced every year, with many of those products containing carcinogens and other toxic materials. In addition, another 14 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean. A recent study done in Delaware found that an average of 498 pieces of polystyrene per mile littered Delaware highways.
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
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Man hospitalized in critical condition after shooting in Dover
Dover Police are investigation a shooting that left a 20-year-old male in critical condition.
The incident happened in the 100 block of South News Street just before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night.
Dover Police say when officers arrived on the scene, the victim was lying on the roadway and began first aid until medics arrived. He was transported to Bayhealth Kent with eight gunshot wounds to his upper body. He remains in critical condition.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-746-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
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Laurel man charged with 8th DUI following crash in Seaford
Brian Thomas, 54, of Laurel, DE – Delaware State Police Dept. A Laurel man was arrested and charged with his 8th DUI offense following a crash in Seaford.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, around 3:57 p.m., Wednesday troopers responded to the intersection of northbound Sussex Highway and Concord Road in Seaford regarding a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision.
The investigation revealed that a black Mazda Tribute had struck a black GMC Acadia that was stopped at a red light at this intersection. The Tribute fled from the scene of the accident and was seen traveling northbound on Sussex Highway.
Troopers located the vehicle on Sussex Highway north of West Stein Highway a short time later, and a traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the driver, identified as 54-year-old Brian Thomas, and signs of impairment were observed, according to police.
A DUI investigation ensued and Thomas was taken into custody at the scene without incident. No parties involved in the accident were injured.
A computer inquiry revealed that Thomas had been convicted of seven prior DUI offenses. Thomas was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony) and numerous traffic offenses. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,004 secured bond.
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Dover woman arrested on felony drug charges
Amber Howard, 40, of Dover, DE – Dover Police Dept. A Dover woman was arrested on felony drug charges after police say a search warrant executed at a local motel turned up heroin, cocaine, and a slew of other drugs.
According to the Dover Police Department, officers obtained a warrant to search a room at the Kent Budget Inn on North DuPont Highway following a drug investigation.
During the search, police say 40-year-old Amber Howard, who was staying the room, was found to be in possession of 142 bags of heroin, 10.2 grams of cocaine, 5.6 grams of MDMA, 12.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 36.7 grams of marijuana.
Howard was arrested without incident and released on a $7,300 unsecured bond on the following offenses: Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver MDMA, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Alprazolam, Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of MDMA, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
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California man arrested for threatening to kill Supreme Court Justice
Law enforcement officials have arrested a 26-year-old California man for threatening to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh outside of his home yesterday.
According to a complaint obtained by TV Delmarva News, the man identified as Nicholas John Roske allegedly called 911 to report himself for the crime he was about to commit. When officers from the Montgomery County Police Department arrived, they found a gun on him, ammunition, pepper spray, a knife, zip ties, duct tape, and other hostage-related items.
He allegedly also told police he was upset with the May 2 leak of a draft opinion leaning towards an overturn to Roe v. Wade.
A federal judge in Maryland charged Roske with attempted murder. The FBI also raided the man’s home after obtaining an arrest warrant.
Protesters have been at the home of the conservative judge since his address was leaked out, prompting added security and condemnation from President Joe Biden. Republicans have also pointed to a speech made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer in 2020 that Justice Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch “released the whirlwind” and would “pay the price” when the Supreme Court heard a case related to Louisiana’s abortion law.
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Overdose deaths in Delaware reached new monthly high in May
Delaware public health officials announced a new monthly high total of deaths from suspected overdoses during May and said they fear the vast majority of the deaths will be connected to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, or to the increasing use of cocaine, a powerfully addictive stimulant.
In 2021, when a record 515 people died in Delaware from overdoses, more than 80% of the deaths involved fentanyl and more than 45% involved cocaine.
In May 2022, 42 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, according to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. That surpassed the previous monthly high total set in August 2018 and tied in May 2020, of 39 deaths. In May 2022, preliminary totals show that 25 of the 42 deaths involved people in New Castle County, 12 in Sussex County and five in Kent County.
Through May 31, 159 people have died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, which is about the same rate as 2021.
“We know that more families and friends have Narcan at home or with them to try to reverse opioid overdoses, but, sadly, that cannot prevent every heartbreaking overdose death,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “We urge families to convince their loved ones to get connected to treatment resources and services. Medical providers can make that referral or family members can drop by one of our Bridge Clinics to talk with trained counselors.”
Delawareans struggling with substance use disorder also can call DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s 24/7 Delaware Hope Line – a single point of contact where callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance. For support, Delawareans can:
- Drop by DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for in-person support, including access to naloxone (see locations and hours at the bottom of this release).
- Reach the free Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333.
- Get behavioral health tips and reminders by texting DEHOPE to 55753.
- Search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states at DHSS’ one-stop website, HelpIsHereDE.com.
Joanna Champney, director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), emphasized that there is no wrong door for accessing treatment. She encourages individuals who need help to call or stop by one of the Bridge Clinics, located in each county. “Our Bridge Clinics greet walk-ins with dignity and no judgment,” Champney said. “Whether someone just needs to talk about their options or they’re ready for treatment, we can help you.”
Champney also pointed to DSAMH’s expansion of clinical services to people who are justice-involved, building on the Division’s “no wrong door” approach to offering substance use disorder treatment. “Through our partnership with the Delaware State Police, we’ve put clinicians in multiple police troop locations statewide so we can help people pre-arrest who have had a brush with the law,” she said. “We know that substance use disorders often are the driver for illegal behavior, so the idea is to treat the problem. We’re seeing very high success rates of connecting people to treatment through this program.”
The increase in deaths from suspected overdoses during May 2022 follows another increase in overdose deaths for all of 2021. In its annual report for 2021, the Division of Forensic Science (DFS) reported 515 overdose deaths, an increase of more than 15% over 2020. The 515 deaths by county:
- New Castle County: 334
- Sussex County: 94
- Kent County: 87
Of the 515 total deaths, DFS reported that 425 (82.5%) involved fentanyl, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point from 2020, and 221 involved cocaine, an increase of almost 9 percentage points from 2020.
Division of Public Health Director Dr. Kary Rattay urged those in active use of any illicit substances to get Narcan through DHSS’ mail-order Next Distro program, one of DSAMH’s Bridge Clinics, at a participating pharmacy – where no prescription is required – or at a Narcan training.
“This increased loss of life is heartbreaking,” Dr. Rattay said. “It is important for the public to know that fentanyl is being added to multiple types of illicit substances and is seen more commonly with amphetamines like cocaine. We know that Narcan can and does save lives, so we urge anyone who is actively using any illicit substances, as well as family and friends, to have Narcan on hand and be trained on how to use the medication. Additionally, we encourage Delawareans to download OpiRescue Delaware, a smartphone app that provides life-saving step-by-step instructions on how to respond to an overdose, including how to administer Narcan.”
In addition, under Delaware’s 911/Good Samaritan Law, people who call 9-1-1 to report an overdose and the person in medical distress cannot be arrested for low-level drug crimes.
To find Narcan training or distribution events, or a participating pharmacy, go to HelpIsHereDE.com, and click on the overdose prevention tab. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Bridge Clinic locations and hours:
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DSAMH Central Office
14 Central Ave.
New Castle, DE 19720
24/7
302-255-1650New Castle County Hope Center
365 Airport Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
302-544-6815KENT COUNTY
James W. Williams State Service Center
805 River Road, Third Floor
Dover, DE 19901
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-857-5060SUSSEX COUNTY
Thurman Adams State Service Center
546 S. Bedford St.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-515-3310 -
Dover man arrested on burglary charges in Harrington
A Dover man was arrested on burglary charges after police say he allegedly broke into a home in Harrington.
According to Harrington Police, on Tuesday officers arrested 22-year-old Jamier V. Darling following a domestic related burglary on E. Milby Street in Harrington.
Arriving officers came into contact with Darling trying to leave the home and he was taken into custody without incident. After speaking to people inside the residence, officers say Darling allegedly entered the house through a window and then engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim.
Upon hearing the argument, other occupants who were inside at the time intervened and tried to remove Darling from the home.
A struggle ensued and Darling kicked a sink in the upstairs bathroom causing a pipe to burst and begin to flood the residence, according to police.
Darling was charged with Burglary First Degree (C Felony) and Criminal Mischief $5000 or more (G Felony). He was presented via video phone at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $12,500 unsecured bond.
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Greenwood man arrested on strangulation, offensive touching charges
Ronald L. McBroom, 31, of Greenwood, DE – Harrington Police Dept. A Greenwood man was arrested after police say he tried to choke a woman while she held their infant child.
According to the Harrington Police Department, on Tuesday officers arrested 31-year-old Ronald L. McBroom, of Greenwood, following a domestic incident on Cozy Woods Circle.
Officers responded to the residence and spoke with the victim, who told police that they were engaged in an argument with McBroom which escalated when McBroom allegedly walked up to the victim and choked her with his hand.
The victim was holding their infant child when the altercation became physical, according to police. McBroom then began causing damage inside the home before fleeing the scene.
Warrants were issued for McBrooms arrest. He was contacted by telephone and notified. A short time later he surrendered himself to police without incident.
He was presented via video phone at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and charged with Strangulation (E Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor), Offensive Touching (Misdemeanor), and Criminal Mischief Under $1000 (Misdemeanor). He was released from custody after posting $2,700 secured bond.
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DNREC Announces Youth Fishing Tournament Winners
Statewide Youth Fishing Tournament winner Onna Crowley, center, with OFC Callie Crouse, left, and Sr. Cpl. Adam Rourk, right, caught 18.8 pounds of fish from Lums Pond. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has announced the winners of the Delaware Natural Resources Police’s 36th annual Youth Fishing Tournament.
Following a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament returned Saturday with on-site weighmasters at three locations across the state attended by more than 200 youth anglers: Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County.
Tournament participants ages 4 through 15 weighed their catches as they competed for the title of overall state winner along with trying to land each county’s top catch and age group titles.
\The overall winner and champion this year was Onna Crowley, age 13, of Clayton, who caught 18.80 pounds of fish at Lums Pond, including the biggest fish caught of the day, a 12.1-pound carp.
This year’s county winners and the overall statewide winner will be invited to a special trophy presentation on Governor’s Day at the 2022 Delaware State Fair in Harrington.
New Castle County Winners
Other New Castle County winners at Lums Pond, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Myracle White, 2.29 pounds
Second place – Claire Baron, 2.23 pounds
Third place – Michael Hopkins, 0.93 poundsAges 8 through 11:
First place – Gabriel Alfaro, 12.14 pounds
Second place – Ace Ginevan, 3.32 pounds
Third place – Ava Ginevan, 1.36 poundsAges 12 through 15:
First place – Russell Reed, 7.92 pounds
Second place – Tyler Harvell, 2.82 pounds
Third place – Cody Wiseman, 2.55 poundsKent County Winners
At Akridge Scout Reservation, Dominic Webb was the day’s overall winner with a total of 5.25 pounds of fish. Other Kent County winners were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Kohen Marvel, 2.60 pounds
Second place – Hunter Hickman, 2.09 pounds
Third place – Virginia Wallace, 2.00 poundsAges 8 through 11:
First place – Collin Meisinger, 4.45 pounds
Second place – Cole Smith, 2.56 pounds
Third place – Matthew DeCarlo, 2.02 poundsAges 12 through 15:
First place – Kirra Noble, 4.37 pounds
Second place – Evan Knutsen, 3.69 pounds
Third place – Gianna Velazquez, 3.11 poundsSussex County Winners
At Ingram’s Pond in Sussex County, Brody Spencer was the day’s overall winner with a total of 7.19 pounds of fish. Other Sussex County winners were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Tristen Wertz, 3.17 pounds
Second place – Caden Timmons, 1.76 pounds
Third place – Lexi Briggs, 0.76 poundsAges 8 through 11:
First place – John Timmons, 2.29 pounds
Second place – Owen Laux, 1.91 pounds
Third place – Zachary Thompson, 1.59 poundsAges 12 through 15:
First place – Landon Elliot, 0.26 poundsThe Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation. More information on the Youth Fishing Tournament can be found at de.gov/yft.
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Body of 65-year-old man found on Baywood golf course in Millsboro
Delaware State Police are investigating after the body of a 65-year-old man was found on Baywood golf course in Millsboro.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, around 5:41 p.m., Tuesday troopers responded to the area of Long Neck Road and Banks Road for reports that a body had been found on the property of the Baywood golf course.
The victim, a 65-year-old Millsboro man, was located on the property of the golf course and pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is still ongoing at this time and identification of the victim is pending notification to the next-of-kin.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859.
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Marijuana legalization in Delaware stalls with failed veto override
It was a disappointing end for marijuana legalization advocates in The First State, as lawmakers voted not to override Governor John Carney’s veto of House Bill 371.
The bill would have decriminalized possession of an ounce or less for anyone 21 or older. Governor Carney vetoed the bill on May 24. House members voted yesterday to override the veto but was short of the 3/5 majority vote needed (20 to 20 vote with one abstaining).
The Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition called the vote “devastating” and issued a statement saying “It’s looking like the First State might not listen to voters and end the racist war on marijuana until it has a new governor. However, this is an election year, and it’ll be important to get as many solid supporters of legalization in the House as possible.”
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New York man arrested on burglary charges, lewdness in Camden
Darryl Naser, 29, of Far Rockaway, NY – Delaware State Police Dept. A New York man was arrested on felony burglary charges after police say he tried to break into the home of a Camden couple who called 911 after they caught him urinating on their front lawn.
According to Delaware State Police, around 7:25 p.m., Monday troopers responded to the 400 block of Wheatleys Pond Road in Clayton for an attempted burglary complaint.
Police arrived and learned that the suspect had tried to make their way inside the home through the garage but was unsuccessful. A 51-year-old female victim who was home at the time was alerted to the motion in the garage and saw the suspect urinating on her front lawn, according to police.
The victim’s husband, who was also home at the time, confronted the suspect and he fled the property on a bicycle.
With the assistance of Camden Police Department, the suspect’s bicycle was located in the driveway of a home in the 1200 block of Wheatleys Pond Road. Officers confronted the suspect as he was leaving the house, which police say caused him to drop the stolen items and run.
Officers gave chase and successfully took the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Darryl Naser, of Far Rockaway, New York into custody.
Naser was found to be in possession of approximately 1.88 grams of marijuana, police said. Further investigation revealed he had made entrance through an unlocked door and removed jewelry and electronics from within the home. All of the stolen items were recovered.
Naser was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree (Felony), Attempted Burglary 1st Degree (Felony), Theft Under $1,500, Lewdness, and Possession of Marijuana. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $35,000 cash bond.
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Funding Available for Tree-Planting Projects in Delaware
Delaware agencies and non-profits have until July 1 to submit funding request proposals for reforestation projects through the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI).
TEDI, administered through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service launched last November.
The initiative works with partners to enhance and support tree plantings throughout the state, with a goal of planting at least one tree for every Delawarean.
Planting trees is a nature-based solution to reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, playing a critical role in helping fight climate change. TEDI is part of the state’s comprehensive plan to respond to climate change and supports Delaware’s Climate Action Plan.
Funding requests can include multiple projects and may range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Applications must be submitted to DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Visit the TEDI website for more information about the program and the requirements of the call for proposals, or email questions to [email protected].
Delawareans can join in the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative by tracking trees they plant on their own property and inputting the information in the TEDI Tracker, which can be found at de.gov/tedi.
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Seaford man leads police on early morning chase
Batson (Delaware State Police) A Seaford man has been arrested after leading police on a pursuit early Sunday morning.
Delaware State Police say a trooper attempted to stop 37-year-old Dontra Batson after he was observed traveling at a high rate of speed in his blue Ford Escape on southbound Sussex Highway near Concord Road. Batson allegedly led the pursuit down Concord Road, where he struck a home on Haven Drive and fled on foot. Officers chased him down and apprehended him without further incident.
A further investigation determined that Batson was impaired. Officers also found 2.89 grams of marijuana and 15 grams of cocaine. A Ruger 9mm handgun was also found, and computer check showed Batson was a convicted felon prohibited from having a firearm.
Batson was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Driving Under the Influence
Possession of Marijuana
Numerous traffic offenses
Batson was lodged at Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,850 cash bond.
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Two people injured in Middle School ceremony brawl in Seaford
Seaford Police are investigating what caused a fight to break out at a middle school celebration on Monday night.
Officials say just after 7:00 p.m. last night (June 6), the fight broke out between adults at the Seaford Hight School Football Stadium during a Middle School Bridge ceremony. The altercation resulted in two people being transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
It took officers about 20 minutes to control the fight.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Seaford Police at 302-629-6645.
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BREAKING: State Auditor Kathy McGuiness indicted in Kent County
Kathy McGuiness Democrat State Auditor Kathy McGuiness has been re-indicted by a Grand Jury in Kent County on Monday.
The move comes after McGuiness’ attorney, Steve Wood, motioned that the case should be tried in Kent County because that is where the alleged crimes took place. Judge William C. Carpenter dismissed the case prior to her trial starting, and the case was brought to the Kent County grand jury on June 6.
McGuiness is accused of official misconduct (a misdemeanor), felony theft, structuring (non compliance with procurement law – a misdemeanor), and act of intimidation (felony).
McGuiness has long maintained her innocence and continues to work as State Auditor via a statement from her attorney after the initial indictment was handed down in October 2021.
“Delaware law does not prohibit family members from hiring family members, and there have been many instances of such employment all throughout state government – including in the Attorney General’s Office,” McGuiness said via her attorney, Steven Wood. “It is also true that, like millions of Americans, Ms. McGuiness’s daughter worked remotely during the COVID pandemic. However, the Indictment’s assumption that the only way for a state worker to work remotely is by using the State’s email network is false.”
Her trial date is to be determined.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness was indicted by a grand jury Monday afternoon as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into multiple claims of misconduct while in office.
A press conference was held outside the New Castle County Courthouse where Attorney General Kathy Jennings said their investigation confirmed a “clear and disturbing pattern.”
“The investigation has confirmed a clear and disturbing pattern of behavior that was not only unethical, but it was against the law,” Jennings said. “We uncovered corruption, nepotism, fraud, and misconduct that implicated thousands of taxpayer dollars.”
The investigation, which Attorney General Jennings stressed remains ongoing, comes after several whistleblowers came forward to inform the state Department of Justice (DOJ) of the alleged misconduct.
The Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust was able to obtain an indictment following a full-scale investigation involving witness interviews and document reviews that officials say prove the allegations.
McGuiness was indicted on charges of conflict of interest in violation of the state’s code of conduct, felony theft, non-compliance with procurement law by structuring state payments, official misconduct, and felony witness intimidation.
Attorney General Jennings said the investigation uncovered a “sweetheart deal” to avoid oversight of State Auditor McGuiness’ state contract with campaign vendor ‘MyCampaignGroup.’
“She informed them of a loophole that would allow them to avoid a competitive bidding process by keeping the initial contract amount below $50,000,” Jennings stressed. “The bidding process exists to protect taxpayers. It’s there to prevent this exact behavior. A month later, the defendant entered into a contract with MyCampaignGroup, which was never submitted for public bidding whatsoever. In total, the State Auditor’s Office paid MyCampaignGroup $49,900, just $100 shy of the public bidding threshold thus avoiding public oversight.”
McGuiness illegally structured a series of payments, according to the DOJ, to MyCampaignGroup in order to remain under the state approval threshold. She later approached the company a second time, according to Jennings.
“It’s important to keep this in mind, this was done by the State Auditor, whose job is literally to protect your tax dollars from this very kind of spending.”
The investigation also uncovered what Attorney General Jennings said was “clear nepotism.”
McGuiness’ daughter and a friend were employed by the office, neither of whom were interviewed, according to the investigation.
As the pandemic triggered record unemployment across the country, Jennings said McGuiness fired an employee citing lack of work hours and two others left under the same premise, but despite that she still hired her daughter and her friend.
“The defendant’s daughter enrolled in a college in South Carolina. For months, despite not coming into work, never logging in remotely, barely ever sending so much as an email, her daughter continued to receive taxpayer checks. Those paychecks were deposited into an account co-owned by her mother, the defendant,” Jennings said. “As of August, 2021 the defendant still employs her daughter on the state payroll.”
McGuiness’ daughter has been paid over $19,000 in taxpayer dollars, according to the investigation, in addition to $8,000 paid to her daughter’s friend.
“She used her power to hire her daughter no questions asked,” Jennings said. “She paid her daughter thousands of tax dollars even when her daughter wasn’t showing up to work. And when her staff discovered her misconduct, and did the right thing by speaking up, the Auditor, whose job is to be a government watchdog, engaged in an extensive pattern of surveillance and intimidation against those whistleblowers.”
During the course of the investigation, officials discovered that McGuiness allegedly monitored and intimidated real or perceived whistleblowers.
Over three dozen requests were submitted to monitor employees emails, including at least one former employee at a completely separate agency, according to the DOJ.
Jennings stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and requested anyone with any pertinent information related to the investigation to come forward by calling (302) 577-5400.
Multiple requests to reach McGuiness for comment have went unanswered.
“If anyone should know better, it is the State Auditor,” Jennings said. “Instead, as our investigation has shown, Kathleen McGuiness carried out the very misbehavior that she was elected to stop.”
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Police investigating weekend shooting in Dewey Beach
It was a hectic scene in Dewey Beach on Saturday night, as officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Saulsbury Street just before midnight.
A Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement agent reported hearing and seeing a gunshot and apprehended male suspects, all in their 20s and from the Pennsylvania area. When Dewey Beach Police arrived, it was determined through an investigation that they were involved in a large fight with other suspects who fled the scene. The suspects were taken into custody for questioning and later released. No charges have been filed at this time and police say those arrested were cooperating with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach is being praised for its response to the shooting, which cause a chaotic scene, as people scrambled to shelter and safety. Initial social media posts stated that the shooting took place at the restaurant, which Dewey Beach Police and the restaurant quickly said was not the case. Instead, the restaurant initiated safety protocols to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.
In a Facebook post, Starboard says “As soon as we were alerted of the incident, our security staff immediately initiated the safety protocols they’ve been trained to follow. They asked all patrons remain inside and “shelter in place” until we confirmed what was actually happening. We took action based on everyone’s best interest and safety, and as soon as we confirmed all was OK, we let everyone know it was safe to proceed with their evening.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dewey Beach Police at 302-227-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333. No injuries were reported and no firearms were recovered on the scene.
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Dover Police identify victim in weekend fatal crash
Dover Police have identified the victim of a fatal crash on Kings Highway and Park Drive on Saturday night (June 3).
Police say 21-year-old Briyana Berry was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle when the 20-year-old driver reportedly crossed the center line, hitting a traffic island and then a traffic signal pole. Police say Berry was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver was not injured, but officials say he is being evaluated for a possible medical condition. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
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Milford student representing Delaware in nationwide “Google Doodle” competition
A Milford 5th grader is being recognized for her drawing, representing Delaware in a nationwide annual contest held by Google.
Anamirel Campos is a student at Mispillion Elementary School with her Doodle titled “Family Will Always Care for You”. The Doodle for Google is a nationwide competition among K-12 students, representing a drawing from a student in each state and territory.
The Milford School District says the competition receives thousands of submissions every year, so its quite an achievement to become a state representative. First-round voting recently ended over the weekend, the final five finalists will be announced this month. The winner will be featured on Google for a day, receive a $30,000 scholarship and their school will receive a $50,000 tech package to benefit its computer lab or technology program.
You can find out more on the nationwide competition at
https://doodles.google.com/d4g/ -
Tick season is here: Tips to prevent those pesky crawlers from biting you
With spring heading into summer – it’s prime time for ticks – and as a result DNREC has partnered with the Division of Public Health to educate the public about the parasitic insects, including where they are found, how to identify different types, and what precautions to take if you’ve been bit.
Some precautions to avoid or reduce tick exposure include:
- wearing long sleeves and pants with the legs tucked into your socks
- wearing light colored clothing to make ticks more visible
- keep your grass short and remove brush from your yard
- And always check for ticks after you’ve been outside for an extended period of time, removing them quickly decreasing the chance of disease transmission.
For more tips on ticks – visit de.gov/ticks
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Greenwood man accused of pointing gun at kids
A Greenwood man was arrested after police say he pointed a rifle at a group of kids in Harrington.
According to the Harrington Police Department, on Wednesday officers arrested 20-year-old Justin Williams on numerous weapons and aggravated menacing charges.
Around 6:30 p.m., officers were notified of an incident where a male suspect reportedly drove near where four juvenile victims were riding bicycles on West Mispillion Street.
As the vehicle approached the children, police say a male, later identified Williams, pointed a black rifle at the them.
The juveniles fled the scene and reported the incident to a parent who in turn called 911.
While officers were gathering information from two of the victims and a parent, they were notified of a witness who had attained a tag number from the suspect’s vehicle.
Officers were able to identify Williams as the suspect through the information provided by the witness.
Police made contact with Williams at his home in Greenwood where he was taken into custody without incident.
While on the scene, officers secured a black .22 caliber rifle.
Williams was transported to the Harrington Police Department on a slew of charges and was later committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $50,000 cash bond.
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BREAKING | Governor Carney vetoes marijuana legalization bill
Governor John Carney on Tuesday vetoed House Bill 371, legislation that would have legalized the possession of marijuana in Delaware.
The bill, which Governor Carney vetoed Tuesday morning, would have removed all penalties for possession by a person 21 years of age or older of one ounce or less of marijuana and ensure that there are no criminal or civil penalties for transfers without remuneration of one ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are 21 years of age or older.
The following is Governor Carney’s statement to the Delaware House of Representatives:
“Pursuant to Article III, Section 18 of the Delaware Constitution, I am vetoing House Bill No. 371 by returning it with my objections to the Delaware House of Representatives without my signature.
House Bill No. 371 would, among other things, remove all penalties for possession by a person 21 years of age or older of one ounce or less of marijuana and ensure that there are no criminal or civil penalties for transfers without remuneration of one ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are 21 years of age or older.
I recognize the positive effect marijuana can have for people with certain health conditions, and for that reason, I continue to support the medical marijuana industry in Delaware. I supported decriminalization of marijuana because I agree that individuals should not be imprisoned solely for the possession and private use of a small amount of marijuana — and today, thanks to Delaware’s decriminalization law, they are not.
That said, I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people. Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.
I respect the Legislative Branch’s role in this process, and I understand that some hold a different view on this issue. However, I have been clear about my position since before I took office, and I have articulated my concerns many times.
For the reasons stated above, I am hereby vetoing HB 371 by returning it to the House of Representatives without my signature.”
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University of Delaware reinstates mask mandate for all indoor spaces
In light of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations around the country, including in Delaware over the past week, the University of Delaware is reinstating its masking requirement for all indoor spaces, effective at 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 24.
Face masks must be worn indoors except when actively eating or drinking. This requirement applies to all UD-sponsored events, no matter the location on or off campus, as well as all indoor facilities, including residence halls, libraries, classrooms and other public/common spaces. Classroom and/or presentation speakers may remove their masks while presenting as long as they are more than six feet from others in attendance. Masks also continue to be required on all campus shuttles and University transportation services, as well as health care clinics.
KN95 masks, which are recommended, are available to all UD students, faculty and staff at designated campus locations. This includes campus residence halls, the Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building. Those picking up a mask at these locations will need to show valid UD Identification. Faculty and staff can get masks from their individual departments or units. Detailed information about mask protocols is available on the UD coronavirus site.
Members of the University community also can pick up home antigen test kits at various campus locations. Positive results should be uploaded to the UD Health Portal.
As a reminder, COVID PCR testing is available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through this Thursday at Harker ISE Lab. Any members of the UD community who would like to get tested may register here.
This is a special time of year with many celebratory events as we mark the end of the academic year at UD, including Commencement and convocations, so it’s important that we all take every step possible to safeguard the health of ourselves and those around us. This means wearing a face mask indoors, getting tested and staying home when you are sick. The masking requirement applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status or past testing results.
UD officials will continue to monitor the spread of the disease. In the meantime, the face mask requirements will remain in effect until further notice.
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Coast Guard and local fire agencies respond to barge fire in Delaware Bay
U.S. Coast Guard officials along with local fire agencies battled a barge fire early Monday morning in the Delaware Bay.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call around 1 a.m., Monday reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River.
The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.
Memorial Fire Company Sta 89 The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There are six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire.
“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.”
There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.
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Three arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover
Three men were arrested on drug and weapons charges in Dover.
According to Dover Police, on Tuesday officers were conducting surveillance for a firearms investigation in the area of New Hope Apartments when they spotted 19-year-old Shaquan Shields leave the area as a passenger in a vehicle.
Shields was wanted on Family Court capiases and officers contacted him when the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of a convenience store around 2 p.m. on DuPont Highway.
During the stop, police say they located 50 grams of marijuana in plain view, next to Shields.
Shields was taken into custody without incident and found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and 21 bags of heroin, according to police.
Randall 
Shields 
Payne Later that day, around 3:50 p.m., officers tried to make contact with 19-year-old Devon Randall on New Street after police say he was spotted with a handgun.
When officers approached, Randall reportedly fled into the building and into an apartment.
Officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in the path where Randall fled from officers.
Officers then applied for a search warrant for the apartment and were able to take Randall and 18-year-old Zyaier Payne into custody.
During the search, officers located a loaded .40 caliber handgun and 87 grams of marijuana.
All three were committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on cash bonds.
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Georgetown man charged with felony manslaughter following fatal shooting
26-year-old Jordan Walls, of Georgetown, DE – Delaware State Police Dept. A Georgetown man was arrested on felony manslaughter charges following a shooting that killed a 54-year-old woman.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 6 p.m., Tuesday as troopers responded to the 22000 block of Deep Branch Road in Georgetown for reports that a woman had been shot.
When police arrived they located a 54-year-old female victim inside of the home suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identification is pending notification to next of kin.
Police say 26-year-old Jordan Walls was showing the victim his weapon at the home and a gunshot was fired. Troopers recovered a 20-gauge shotgun at scene.
Walls was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes: Manslaughter (Felony) and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $120,000 cash bond.
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Police identify bus aide who allegedly assaulted girl with Down Syndrome in Cape Henlopen
Delaware State Police have released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged after allegedly punching an eight-year-old girl with Down Syndrome in the Cape Henlopen School District.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has issued a statement and is assisting the family of the eight-year-old girl who was assaulted by a bus aide in the Cape Henlopen School District.
“Recently the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSA of DE) became notified of an incident regarding alleged abuse of an 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome in Cape Henlopen School District. Our organization has been in direct communication with the child’s family and is currently providing support through this extremely difficult situation,” Lauren Camp Gates, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware stated. “The DSA of DE holds a formal partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children since 2018. As stated in our Child Protection Policy, we are devoted to the safety of individuals with Down syndrome. We understand that this incident poses great concern to many of our families, particularly those who have individuals in this school district.”
The organization also linked to our full report in their statement.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
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Down Syndrome Association of Delaware issues statement in response to Cape Henlopen assault
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has issued a statement and is assisting the family of the eight-year-old girl who was assaulted by a bus aide in the Cape Henlopen School District.
“Recently the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSA of DE) became notified of an incident regarding alleged abuse of an 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome in Cape Henlopen School District. Our organization has been in direct communication with the child’s family and is currently providing support through this extremely difficult situation,” Lauren Camp Gates, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware stated. “The DSA of DE holds a formal partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children since 2018. As stated in our Child Protection Policy, we are devoted to the safety of individuals with Down syndrome. We understand that this incident poses great concern to many of our families, particularly those who have individuals in this school district.”
The organization also linked to our full report in their statement where earlier this week we got a chance to sit down with the father of the little girl who was assaulted.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
Delaware State Police released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
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Case Story | Dorchester/Sussex County Hailstorm
I will start off to say we for sure had a unicorn of hail storm here across areas of Delmarva. I’ve been studying a lot of storms over the years across Delmarva and this one was in the top tier of hail storms for the sure because of the damage it caused just from the hail alone.
Cloud Phase Distinction Satellite Of The Supercell Let’s start off with the elephant in the room that this was a long tracked supercell thunderstorm as discrete as you could possibility get. Didn’t have to share resources with other storms in the environment. And I’m going to be real with you, the environment this storm was in for what it produced is actually astonishing. Storms of this magnitude producing widespread 2in diameter hail or greater for this long duration is something you would normally see out in the central plains. With the very cold air aloft and the very unstable atmosphere. Our supercell yesterday was only under 1500 j/kg of MLCAPE where storms I’ve normally seen with this kind of hail has at least twice that if not more. This one lone supercell took advantage of a disturbed free environment all to itself and used the maximum instability the region had. Not to mention tapping in the the 50kt bulk shear in the region to keep supercellular characteristics
Hail Streak Across Western Shore Of Maryland & Central Delmarva This storm first developed just the west of Washington D.C as a single cluster before taking off as a HP Supercell throughout Prince Georges and Calvert County. Confirmed multiple locations with > 2in diameter hail with a single report of 3in in Diameter in Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County. Before moving across the Chesapeake keeping the same intensity across Delmarva.
Cross Section & SFC Radar In Dorchester County Here’s what took me by surprise. Normally getting large hail of this size, you need a storm that is very tall in the atmosphere. On radar estimates, we had on average 40-45 kft (40-45,000 feet) cloud tops with one singular overshooting top to 45 kft. Normally seeing 2in hail you need very cold cloud tops closer to 50-55kft and cold temperatures aloft which is something we do not get here in the warmer seasons. Looking at radar from KDOX and GOES-16 Satellite we had one persistent updraft on the southern side of the storm. The hail core was astonishing. We had the updraft all the way to the very top of the storm at 40kft which is amazing for how small of an area it covered.
Keep in mind I want to share with you the logistics of how strong of a updraft is needed to suspend >2in hail in a storm. For the reported 2 to 3 in Diameter hail you need a updraft speed of 70-85 MPH upward velocity. Looking at some the hail sizes and shapes we have a mixture of round and spikey hail meaning there has been some warmer air with some melting on the way up. Even more evidence that there was some strong upward forcing of water molecules in this small but potent updraft.
James Phillips Jr / East New Market 
Cory Polidore / Linkwood, MD 
Megan Elzey / Linkwood, MD 
Lianne Hosmer / Laurel, DE Impressive damage across areas of Dorchester and Western Sussex County from this one storm yesterday. Severe damage to vehicles, windows blown out, siding a complete loss. Not to mention reports of a hail accumulations for areas around Cambridge. Very common for hail sizes around baseballs causing significant damage to property.
Average of >2in Hail Events In The US. Delmarva Is At The Bottom Of The Scale Goes to show you, Delmarva can defy the odds of getting Central Plains type of storms. Whether it’s a tornado outbreak, a derecho or in our case this time around, a severe hail event. Always remember, it can only take one storm to make a disaster. We had a very rare event happen yesterday that unfortunately had some devastating consequences. Luckily nobody was hurt and property can be rebuilt.
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Four Delaware farm families honored with Century Farm Award for 100 years of farming
Governor Carney, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nikko Brady, and state legislators honored four Delaware farm families for their commitment to keeping farmland within the family for 100 years.
“There is no better way to kick off Delaware Grown Week than to highlight the history of Delaware agriculture with the presentation of this year’s Century Farm Awards,” said Governor John C. Carney. “We are fortunate to have generations of farm families still engaged in agriculture here in Delaware.”
The Delaware Century Farm Program was established in 1987 to honor farm families who have owned and farmed their land for at least 100 years. The farms must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales.
With the announcement of these four new families, Delaware will have recognized 152 Century Farms over the past 35 years. Delaware Century Farm families receive a sign for their farms, an engraved plate, a certificate, and legislative tributes.
“While the Century Farm Program has been in existence for 35 years, we know there are many Century Farms we have recognized that have been in the family for 150 years…200 years or even longer,” said Deputy Secretary Nikko Brady. “Secretary Scuse and I have charged the Aglands team to research these farms so we can recognize those families that continue to pass their farms down to the next generation. Keeping land in agriculture is essential to the success of our industry.”
2022 Delaware Century Farm Awardees
Lana Rae Eashum and Family (Dagsboro, Sussex County): The Eashum family is recognized for their 36-acre family farm located in Dagsboro Hundred.Mr. John H. Baker purchased a 36-acre and 15-square-perch farm from Isaac W. Timmons Etux on September 28, 1899, for $11,000. After John died in 1961, the farm was left to his daughter Louise Marie Baker by operation of law. On August 29, 1994, the farm was sold to Meredith Kay Emory for $1.00 and bought back the same day by Louise Marie Baker. When Louise Marie died in 1995, she left the farm to her son, J. Caleb Eashum. In 2014, J. Caleb added his wife, Lana Rae Eashum, to the deed. In 2016, J. Caleb passed away.
Since then, his wife, Lana Rae Eashum has owned the Eashum Family Farm. Mrs. Eashum’s daughter Denise Shortridge and her husband C.J., who now lives on the farm, received the award on her behalf.
Charles L. Everett, Teresa L. (Everett) Timmons, and Chad L. Everett and Families (Clayton, Kent County): The Everett family is recognized for their 274-acre farm located in Kenton Hundred.
The original 417-acre farm was purchased by Levi L. Everett and Katherine F. Everett for $12,750 from James M. Downs on April 23, 1920. When Levi died, the farm was left to his wife Katherine and their four children, Levi, Andrew, Roy, and James. In 1936, Andrew purchased the entire farm from his mother for $6,500. After he passed in 1981, his will split the farm between his two sons, George Lee Everett and Robert L. Everett. George and his wife, Louise, purchased the 274-acre farm parcel in 1988. In 2014, with the passing of Louise, the farm was willed to her three children, Charles L. Everett, Teresa L. (Everett) Timmons, and Chad L. Everett.
This farm produces corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and hay. The family has raised dairy and beef cows, along with hogs. In 2004, the farm had an easement established for Aglands Preservation, permanently preserving this farmland. The Everett Family has also been involved in wildlife conservation. They have four ponds on the farm and have raised and released quail, Canadian Geese, and Mallard Ducks, along with establishing dove plots.
Stanley L. Johnson and Family (Millsboro, Sussex County): Stanley Johnson and his family are recognized for their 25-acre farm in Indian River Hundred.
Mr. George T. Johnson purchased the 25-acre farm from Annie J. Hudson, John B., and Martha J. Mitchell on November 21, 1918, for $2,000. In 1976, George passed away, leaving the farm to his wife, Ella Moore Johnson, with their four children, Elizabeth Smith, Ruth Hudson, Granville L. Johnson, and Richard C. Johnson. Ella died in February 1989, leaving Granville as the Executor of her Estate. In July 1989, Richard and his wife, Patricia, purchased the farm from Granville. In 2011, the farm was put into the Richard C. Johnson 2011 Asset Preservation Trust by Co-Trustees, Stanley and Thomas C., children of Stanley and Patricia. In 2018, Stanley and his wife Linda purchased the farm from the trust.
Looking back, Stanley’s grandfather, George T. Johnson, raised chickens on the farm for Townsends. The main crops grown on this Delaware farm include corn and soybeans, but they are looking to transition into more specialty crops as the younger generation gets more involved.
Alvin and Normal Warner (Milford, Kent County): Mr. Alvin Warner, and his wife, Norma, were honored at the program for their 29.3374-acre farm in Milford Hundred.
Mr. James W. Warner purchased a 121-acre farm from Willie and Jennie Russell on January 2, 1921, for $4,500. When he died, the farm was left to his wife Addie V. Warner, and their 11 children, Blanche Eisenbrey, Gordon Warner, Maude Hall, Harvey Warner, Floyd Warner, Hazel Waldron, Stella Willis, Ethel Burns, Wilbur Warner, Howard Warner, and Doris Raughley. In January 1945, son Howard purchased the 121-acre farm from his mother for $1.00. In 1976, Howard’s son Alvin and his wife Norma purchased the 29.3374 acres from the original farm. By 1979, it was determined through a survey that under Howard and his wife, Jeannette, the farm was portioned into various percentages of land owned between Joan M. and Earl H. McMullen, Robert L. and Kathleen A. Warner, and Alvin H. and Norma V. Warner. Alvin and Norma’s portion included the farm they had purchased and an additional 3.7249 acres. In 1981, Alvin and Norma transferred the 29.3374 acres farm to Warner Enterprises, Inc.
Previously a dairy farm, as evidenced by the milk house and cowshed that still stand on the farm, the family transitioned to raising poultry in 1977. They raise small grains, corn, soybeans, and Delaware Grown vegetables and produce to sell at their on-farm market.
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EXCLUSIVE: Father speaks out after daughter with Down Syndrome was assaulted in the Cape Henlopen School District
The father of the young girl with Down Syndrome who was assaulted in the Cape Henlopen School District is speaking out in an exclusive interview where he tells us his story of what happened and calls out district officials and the school board.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
Delaware State Police released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
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Sussex County parent speaks out after daughter with down syndrome was assaulted by staff in the Cape Henlopen School District
The father of a child with down syndrome who attends Milton Elementary School is speaking out after his daughter was allegedly assaulted by a bus aide.
Ryan Pickett addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome. He was granted three minutes to speak where he told board members how his daughter was reportedly punched by a bus aide and that district officials did not notify him or investigate the matter in a timely manner.
Pickett was dismayed to learn of the incident, not from district personnel, but rather from the police who called to notify him of what happened two weeks after the incident occurred.
“I came here today to share that my eight year old was physically assaulted by a district employee while riding the bus to school in January of this year, and to convey our concern over the lack of action taken by the leadership in the Cape Henlopen School District as a result,” Pickett told the board. “Two weeks after the incident in question my wife received a phone call from the State Police to inform us that our daughter was hit by a bus aide.”
After Pickett and his wife learned of what transpired, they immediately contacted the Cape Henlopen School District Offices and requested a meeting with leadership to discuss what happened and to find out why they were not notified.
“Shocked and devastated, we contacted district office and asked to meet with Superintendent Fulton. We were eager to meet and offered to do so at a time of their choosing,” Pickett said. “Despite being made aware of abuse of a child on his watch, Mr. Fulton refused to meet with my wife and I. I remain curious to know what was more important to Mr. Fulton than reported child abuse in the Cape Henlopen School District on that day.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett says he was contacted by other officials in the district who set up a meeting where he was able to view footage from the bus that reportedly showed the employee physically punching his daughter.
“At the meeting, my wife and I watched the bus video in which the aide punched our child in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “We could also hear the verbal abuse the aide gave towards our daughter, despite the severity of the situation, the only assurance we were given was that the aide would never be on our child’s bus again. At the time of the meeting, the aide was still employed with the district. Let me be clear, there is a video of a Cape employee punching and verbally abusing our daughter with special needs.”
Around that time, Pickett was cut off by Cape Henlopen School Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
According to Pickett, the bus aide who assaulted his daughter was arrested and charged by Delaware State Police; however, it remains unclear at this time whether or not the employee in question is still employed with the district.
We still have not received a response from Dr. Myers or officials with the Cape Henlopen School District requesting additional information. TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree is set to meet with Ryan Pickett this weekend to hear the full story and further investigate the matter.