29-year-old Jaread Mears and 39-year-old Chad Mitchell, both of Laurel, DE (Left to Right) – Delaware State Police Department
One suspect was arrested and police are searching for a second wanted in connection with the theft and sale of a stolen trailer in Laurel.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, on March 28, troopers responded to the Accurate Pest Control business on Sussex Highway in Laurel for reports that a vehicle trailer had been stolen.
The ensuing investigation revealed that two suspects had stolen a Sure Trac trailer on March 26, according to police. The stolen trailer was later located on March 28 in Seaford after the suspects sold it to a third party.
Through investigative measures, police say it was determined that the two suspects were 29-year-old Jaread Mears and 39-year-old Chad Mitchell, both of Laurel, Delaware.
Mears was apprehended by Georgetown Police on April 15 after police say he tried to flee from officers on foot. He was charged with Theft Over $1,500 (Felony), Selling Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony), Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony), and Criminal Trespass Third Degree. He was arraigned and released on $6,050 unsecured bond.
Mitchell has yet to be located and has an active warrant for the same charges. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact police.
Top Stories: A fire causes over 1 million in damage to multiple homes in Dewey Beach. A man was shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s in Dover. 17-year-old was killed in a serious crash near Lewes.
Weather: A coastal storm is beginning to develop this afternoon and evening bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and coastal flooding concerns.
43-year-old William Tatman, of Lincoln, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.
A Lincoln man is behind bars after police say he stole a car and led them on a chase through Rehoboth.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 5:10 p.m., Saturday as troopers responded to the 20,000 block of Coastal Highway in Rehoboth for a theft in progress.
A white male suspect was spotted going through vehicles on the property and was confronted by a witness, according to police. The suspect then fled towards the Loft apartments across the highway and located a 2006 Infiniti M35 running in the rear of the apartment complex.
Police say the suspect then entered the vehicle belonging to a 21-year-old male victim. As the first trooper arrived on scene, he reportedly witnessed the victim being dragged as he was attempting to open the driver side door to stop the suspect from driving away.
The trooper activated his emergency lights and sirens and tried to stop the suspect, but he fled in the stolen vehicle. A pursuit ensued onto westbound Lewes-Georgetown Highway where the suspect allegedly tried to strike a trooper who was in the process of deploying stop sticks.
The pursuit continued to the area of Route 30 and Reynolds Pond Road where a trooper successfully deployed stop sticks disabling the stolen car. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old William Tatman, was taken into custody without further incident.
Tatman has been charged with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)- 2 counts, Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)- 2 counts, Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony), Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Theft Under $1,500- 3 counts, Resisting Arrest, and Numerous Traffic Violations. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $146,353.00 cash bond.
A 29-year-old man has been hospitalized after he was shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s bar in Dover.
According to the Dover Police Department, shortly before 1 a.m., Saturday officers were called to the area of Irish Mike’s bar on Loockerman Street after receiving reported of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located a 29-year-old male victim in front of 8 Loockerman Street (Citizen’s Bank) with gunshot wounds to both upper legs.
Officers immediately rendered aid to the victim until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported him to Bayhealth Kent Campus where he remains hospitalized.
Officers located a trail of blood from the front sidewalk of Irish Mike’s to where the victim was located in front of Citizen’s Bank. Video surveillance showed a large disorderly crowd on South Bradford Street, just north of W. Loockerman Street. Police say the crowd dispersed quickly along with a small group of people in front of Irish Mikes, which may have been a result of shots being fired.
During the incident, the victim was spotted running away in the direction of Citizen’s Bank where he was found by officers.
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A 17-year-old Middletown teen has died and several more were injured in a serious crash near Lewes.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the crash occurred around 2:10 p.m., Friday as a 2012 Honda CR-V was traveling eastbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), approaching the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive.
At the same time, police say a 2009 Ram 1500 was traveling westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, crossing the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. A non-contact vehicle was stopped eastbound waiting to turn left onto Ebb Tide Drive. A second non-contact vehicle was also slowing to a stop behind that vehicle.
The driver of the Honda failed to see the stopped traffic ahead, according to police, and in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved left into the westbound lane.
The Ram also swerved towards the shoulder, to avoid the Honda, but the front of both vehicles struck in a near-head-on collision. After impact the Honda overturned and struck a utility pole before coming to rest off the roadway. The Ram came to rest in the same area as the impact.
There were five occupants inside of the Honda: An 18-year-old male of Bear, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; A 17-year-old female of Bear, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; An 18-year-old female of Wilmington, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition; A 16-year-old female of Middletown, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition; A 17-year-old male of Middletown, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The driver of the Honda has not been confirmed. This remains an active and on-going investigation.
The 77-year-old male operator of the Ram was treated and released at an area hospital for minor injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.
Fire crews are currently battling a large-scale blaze that tore through several homes early Saturday morning in Dewey Beach.
Photos from the scene of the fire – (Photos shared via Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Dept courtesy of Lewes Past Chief Buckaloo)
Crews responded around 3 a.m. for reports of a residential structure fire involving multiple houses in the 1900 block of Bayard Avenue in Dewey Beach.
Crews from Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Indian River, Milton, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Slaughter Beach, and Ellendale are currently operating on the scene.
This is a developing story and details are limited at this time. There’s no word yet on what caused the fire, or if anyone was injured.
Top Stories: $300 rebate payment for Delaware taxpayers signed into law. 51 arrested, 4 wanted in a large-scale drug investigation. Dover man arrested following a police chase, crashes in Wyoming.
Weather: Warm, sunny, and mild conditions will continue this evening before more clouds arrive tonight. Saturday will be filled with clouds, mild temperatures, and some isolated rain chances in the evening hours. And a dry Easter Sunday is ahead!
38-year-old Tara Madden, of Selbyville, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.
A Selbyville woman was arrested on several warrants following a traffic stop in Greenwood.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:56 p.m., Thursday as an officer with the Greenwood Police Department witnessed a tan Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the area of Market Street.
The driver of the Cruze failed to stop at the red light and a traffic stop was initiated. The officer made contact with the driver and owner of the vehicle, 38-year-old Tara Madden. A computer check revealed she had four active criminal warrants for her arrest, stemming from numerous incidents that occurred throughout March and April in the Frankford, Millville, and Millsboro areas.
Madden was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5 where she was charged with Theft of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony), Theft From a Senior (Felony) – 2 counts, Criminal Mischief, and Offensive Touching. She was arraigned and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.
Dozens were arrested and Delaware State Police are searching for others wanted in connection with a large-scale drug investigation on Delmarva.
In November 2020, Delaware State Police began a large-scale drug investigation named “Operation Dawg House.”
Operation Dawg House targeted the George Johnson Drug Trafficking Organization, where George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville, was identified as the organization head. Johnson’s organization was targeted due to the increase of heroin overdoses and Clenbuterol profile possession of heroin cases occurring in Sussex County and Worcester County, Maryland.
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In Delaware, 16 overdose cases were reported, four being fatal. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred in Worcester and Wicomico County, Maryland.
The year-long investigation involved local and state agencies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania working together to combat the heroin and opioid drug distribution.
During the investigation, numerous members of Johnson’s organization were identified, and a hierarchy of distribution was established. In total, 55 individuals were indicted or arrested on street warrants.
Currently, 51 individuals have been arrested and four individuals are still wanted, including George Johnson.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Governor John Carney on Thursday signed House Bill 360 that will send $300 in direct payments to Delaware taxpayers and adults. The bipartisan tax rebate legislation, which will provide a total of $600 for married couples, is intended to help counter the impact of inflation on Delaware families.
Checks will be issued by the end of May to Delawareans who already filed their 2020 personal income tax returns.
“Delaware families are dealing with higher costs at the grocery store and the gas pump,” said Governor Carney. “Every taxpayer I’ve ever talked to expects us to manage their money in a way that’s responsible and sustainable over the long term. These direct payments to Delaware families are part of a broader, responsible budget proposal that will invest in education, our economy, and Delaware communities, and increase our reserves to prepare our state for the future.”
“The Delaware General Assembly and Governor John Carney have stepped up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to help our communities weather the economic impact of the worst public health crisis in generations,” said Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend. “We voted to raise the minimum wage, exempted Delawareans and local businesses from state unemployment taxes, increased access to primary care and, today, passed legislation to create a paid family and medical leave insurance program in the First State. Now, we are putting money back in the hands of taxpayers at a time when they are facing higher costs for groceries, fuel and other household bills. I am particularly grateful to my colleagues for working to ensure we are extending the same relief to retirees and people who may have been unemployed in 2020 and most likely need this assistance the most.”
“While our economic recovery has been strong in many ways, it has also slammed residents with new challenges of increasing costs in almost every facet of their life. Residents have seen increased costs at grocery stores and at the gas pump, but fortunately, we as a state are in a position to provide some assistance,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. “Our record surplus has allowed us to provide direct relief to every taxpayer and adult resident in the state. These rebates are one way we can help offset residents’ recent hardships and ease the burden many are facing. I’m looking forward to seeing the first checks go out to residents in the coming weeks.”
“With prices of gasoline, food, and other necessities continuing to rise, the General Assembly needed to act quickly. I’m proud of the work each of the caucuses in the legislature accomplished to provide much needed relief to Delawareans,” said Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker.
“This rebate will return approximately $230 million to Delaware citizens,” said State House Minority Leader Danny Short. “My members believe this initiative should be the first significant step in a process to better balance the cost of providing state services and easing the tax burden on all Delawareans.”
Top Stories: DelDOT continues to ignore our inquiries as hundreds receive false toll violations. Webinar held to discuss broadband expansion in Kent & Sussex counties. DPH asks parents to test children for COVID before returning to school.
Weather: As we head into the afternoon and evening hours. we are watching for the chance of some isolated thunderstorms with a cool down on the way this weekend.
Harrington and Farmington Fire crews responded to a fire just after midnight on Wednesday morning.
The fire occurred in the 23000 block of South DuPont Highway. When crews arrived, the home was engulfed in flames with dark smoke billowing from the roof of the home.
It took crews several minutes to aggressively put out the fire. No injuries were reported. A cause to the fire has not been released at this time.
Photos are courtesy of Harrington and Farmington Fire Companies.
Georgetown State Senator Brian Pettyjohn, along with members of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information, held a webinar update on broadband internet access in Sussex and Kent Counties.
According to Jason Clarke with DTI, more than 11,000 homes and businesses lack high speed internet. So on March 17, Comcast, Mediacom and Verizon were awarded a combined $56 million to build infrastructure Methenolone Enanthate for sale to reach every home and business within those rural and underserved areas.
Funding comes from the $110 million ARPA act and CARES relief funding. The build-out timeline is 24 to 48 months out and will also provide broadband services to over 25,000 low-income families, with the goal to create digital equity for all students and schools.
Now Mediacom has come under fire recently, and during the webinar, for its outages in parts of Sussex County recently. Clarke says the company, which is getting $11 million in funding, plans to address the issue.
Delaware State Police Sergeant Gary Fournier of Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol was recently recognized by Special Olympics Delaware as the recipient of the 2022 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.
The Torch Runner of the Year award is the most prestigious honor presented to a law enforcement officer who supports the ideals, values, and principles of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics movement.
Sergeant Fournier received this award at a ceremony held on April 12, 2022, for his extensive involvement with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE). Over 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier began volunteering with Special Olympics Delaware as a recruit trooper. However, his passion for this program started as a young child growing up in New York.
Sergeant Fournier has fond memories of attending Special Olympic competitions to watch his cousin participate in various events. As a result, when he had the chance to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run as a Recruit Trooper in the Delaware State Police Training Academy, he did so without hesitation.
Since his initial Torch Run approximately 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier’s involvement has expanded in positions held and time spent volunteering with Special Olympics. In 2012, he became a member of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Executive Committee and served in Kent County as a fundraiser and leg coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. In addition, Sergeant Fournier used his experience as a Delaware State Police Public Information Officer to ensure messaging related to the Torch Run events, activities, and purpose was effectively communicated to the community and media.
In addition, as the Delaware State Police Motorcycle Supervisor, Sergeant Fournier has coordinated motorcycle escorts for several SODE events, including the Torch Run, Ride to the Tide, and Truck Convoy events. He is also involved as a volunteer and participant in events such as Dodgeball Madness, Over the Edge, 5k Run to the Plunge, and the Polar Bear Plunge. In 2019, through his work with the Special Olympics of Delaware was awarded the honor of representing Delaware in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
At the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Sergeant Fournier will be presenting the “Flame of Hope” to the Athlete of the Year, Steve Dagg. It will be one more opportunity for Sergeant Fournier to present an athlete with a symbol of accomplishment, as he has done numerous times. Special Olympics Delaware credits Sergeant Fournier’s efforts over the past 25 years for what contributed to him winning the title of 2022 “Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.”
Congratulations, Sergeant Fournier, for your accomplishment, and thank you for proudly representing the Delaware State Police.
Top Stories: Delaware State Police investigate shots fired at a Lincoln home. Delaware saw an increase in suicide while the national average decreased. DMV on the GO launches with selected locations statewide.
Weather: Extremely mild temperatures will remain until Thursday as we have the chance of some scattered thunderstorms by the afternoon hours.
Delaware State Police are investigating after a home was shot up in Lincoln.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, on Tuesday troopers responded to a residence in the 10000 block of Dupont Boulevard for a report of shots fired. The investigation revealed that on April 11th, around 10 p.m., a 38-year-old female was inside of the home when she heard gunshots outside.
After further investigation the following morning, police say the resident discovered multiple bullet holes in the exterior of the home and in a vehicle parked outside. In addition, there was an 18-year-old male and two juveniles inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.
At this time there is no suspect information or surveillance images available.
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective D. Yencer by calling 302-752-3791 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: Laurel Police investigating a bowling alley bar shooting. Gas prices dip a little bit in Delaware. Update on the subway attack in NYC.
Weather: Mild conditions this afternoon will give way to some increasing clouds by Wednesday morning. Exceptionally warm temperatures are expected for Wednesday well into the 80s.
Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Arthur Darden of Dover, DE for weapons and drug offenses following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.
On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 12:41 p.m., a trooper on patrol in Laurel, DE observed a black Kia Sportage speeding and changing lanes without signaling on Sussex Highway south of Gordy Road. A traffic stop was initiated on Sussex Highway at Dorothy Road and contact was made with the operator, identified as Arthur Darden. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Darden and opened alcohol containers inside the vehicle. A subsequent DUI investigation ensued and Darden was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 13.79 grams of marijuana, a pair of brass knuckles, and a 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed Darden is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Darden was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana
Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
Speeding
Improper Lane Change
Darden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,300 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 50-year-old Richard Cook of Lincoln, DE for 8th-offense DUI and other charges following a crash investigation on Monday afternoon.
On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 2:57 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of southbound Dupont Boulevard and Redden Road, Georgetown, DE regarding a motor vehicle collision. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted Richard Cook, the operator of a black Nissan Quest. The Quest had overturned onto its side in the wooded area west of Dupont Boulevard, and the two passengers, a 49-year-old female victim, and a 45-year-old male victim had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victims were transported to Bayhealth Sussex Hospital for medical treatment. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Cook and a DUI investigation ensued. Cook was subsequently taken into custody without incident at the scene. A search of Cook’s vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.04 grams of marijuana, suspected liquid heroin, drug paraphernalia, two fixed-blade knives, and a Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. revolver. Cook is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or deadly weapons.
A computer inquiry revealed that Cook’s driver’s license was suspended and he had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses. Cook was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) – 2 counts
Vehicular Assault Second Degree – 2 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Possession of Marijuana
Cook was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $39,501 cash bond.
April is Earth Month, and Governor John Carney joined volunteers, representatives of DNREC and the Department of Agriculture to kick off the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, or TEDI, in Felton on Monday.
The initiative was announced in 2021 to plant one million trees, one for every Delaware resident, across the state.
Governor Carney says the initiative will not only benefit generations to come, but trees are a valuable tool to help reduce our carbon footprint and accomplish a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26% by 2025. Trees also provide a buffer zone for low-lying coastal areas and waterways.
Delawareans who plant a tree can contribute to the data on the state’s TEDI online tracker, which is at de.gov/tedi. The site not only tracks the number of trees planted in the state, but helps with volunteering events and opportunities.
A massive manhunt is underway after a suspect opens fire in an underground subway station this morning in Brooklyn.
Footage of the attack was posted to Instagram, some of it too gruesome to show. As of this report, the NYPD and Fire Department says 13 people have been injured in the attack at the 36th Street Station in Sunset Park.
Several witnesses on Instagram and other social media sites reported that a suspect wearing what appeared to be an MTA uniform and gas mask threw smoke bombs on the train and opened fire.
All trains were halted as law enforcement sweep them for possible explosives and search for the suspect.
UPDATE: In a press conference, law enforcement officials say 16 people were injured. 10 people were treated for gunshot wounds, 5 of those are in critical but stable condition.
This is a very fluid and developing story. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva and NewsNet for additional updates as they come.
Screenshot of the aftermath of a Brooklyn subway attack, posted on Instagram by user @angry_yeti.
What seemed like a never-ending spike in gas prices to start spring seems to be trending downwards now.
According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, today’s average across Delaware is at $3.95 a gallon, down 12-cents from a week ago. Some of the area is seeing prices well below that in Sussex County.
Triple-A says the reason for the decrease is due to the price of oil remaining below $100 per barrel and the International Energy Agency’s decision to release 120 million barrels from its emergency stockpiles. This also includes 60 million barrels from the United States. It’s the second coordinated release of reserves in just over a month due to the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
Top Stories: Delawareans continue to speak out on DelDOT toll scandal. $300 rebate bill passes House, now heads to the Senate in Delaware.
Weather: Sunny skies will lead to mostly cloudy skies tonight. More rain showers are possible tomorrow morning before temperatures soar into the 70’s this week.
Clayton Sample; Curtis Collick (Left to Right) – Delaware State Police Dept.
A dispute between two neighbors led to the arrest of both after they opened fire on each other outside their homes in Millsboro.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 6:42 p.m., Saturday when troopers responded to reports of a shooting in the 28000 block of Mount Joy Road.
The investigation determined 36-year-old Curtis Collick, and 47-year-old Clayton Sample, both of Millsboro, who are neighbors, were involved in a verbal dispute outside their homes on Mount Joy Road.
The argument escalated and both men fired multiple gunshots at each other, according to police. Curtis was struck one time in the lower torso area and fled in a vehicle prior to the arrival of police.
Troopers responding to the scene spotted Curtis’ vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted.
EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released. Clayton was uninjured and taken into custody without incident at the scene and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4.
Curtis was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), and Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $152,000.00 cash bond.
Clayton was charged with Assault First Degree (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $130,000.00 cash bond.
Pittsburg Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins was killed in a roadside accident in Florida this morning, he was 24.
According to ESPN, who was first to report the story, Haskins was struck by a vehicle while training with other quarterbacks and running backs in South Florida. There are no other details on what happened at this time.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin released a statement, saying he was devastated by the news.
“He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken,” Tomlin says.
Haskins was a quarterback for Ohio State, famously fulfilling a viral video when he was a kid visiting Ohio State and saying he would play for the Buckeyes. He did in 2016 through 2019 and was a Rose Bowl MVP and first-team All Big Ten. He was drafted by the Washington Commanders and later landed a backup roll in Pittsburgh.
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has also released a statement.
This is a working story and we will update as new info is released.
Two men have been arrested for the shooting death of a 49-year-old Laurel man on Thursday.
Delaware State Police say they responded to the 18000 block of Laurel Road just after midnight on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
An investigation determined that the victim had gotten into an altercation with 18-year-old Josiah Garrison of Denton, MD and 21-year-old Ramon Duker of Millsboro. Police say after the victim was shot in the altercation, the men allegedly held an acquaintance of the victim at gunpoint to drive away from the scene.
Police apprehended the suspects after they went to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes to treat an injury.
Duker and Garrison face several charges, including:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Kidnapping Second Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy First Degree (Felony)
Both suspects have been arraigned and lodged at SCI on $1,146,000 cash bond. Delaware State Police are asking any potential witnesses to contact them at 302-741-2821 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: DelDOT remains silent as more and more Delawareans come forward over toll issues. Lt. Governor’s Challenge in search of nominees.
Weather: Sunshine this afternoon may give way to a few more isolated showers and maybe even a stray storm. Some of which may methandienone dose contain some small hail.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) remains silent, refusing to acknowledge the issue with their toll system as hundreds of Delawareans come forward who received false violations.
TV Delmarva News has been inundated with interview requests from dozens of residents across the state who received toll violations after traveling through the Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza in New Castle County when they had a working E-ZPass with active funds in their account.
Following the publishing of our report on Thursday, our social media pages were flooded with hundreds of comments from Delawareans who received false toll violations, including Megan Brown, of Newark, who has been dealing with this issue for at least the past year. She’s now speaking out, demanding DelDOT do something to resolve the issue once and for all.
“It’s been going on at least a year now,” Brown said. “I was randomly getting these violations in the mail and I know that I had my E-ZPass, I know it was funded, I know it was in my car, and the one thing that stuck out to me is that I would go one-way down to the beach and then come back, and they would only send me a violation for one direction.”
Most recently, Brown said she received eight more of the false violations, totaling close to a thousand dollars. She was told by DelDOT that she must appeal all of them while having issues online dealing with the process.
“It was time consuming to fill out the form and then waste the stamp to put it in the mail, everything, but most recently I just got eight of them at one time in the mail from last summer too, so number one, I don’t even remember the times going, and when you add them up they’re asking for almost eight hundred to a thousand dollars.”
While initially the issue appeared to span over the course of at least the past six months, we are now receiving additional reports of false violations dating back over the course of the past two years for some residents.
TV Delmarva News Director & Reporter Rob Petree raised these concerns directly to DelDOT’s Community Relations Director, Charles McLeod, who refused to acknowledge the issue and repeatedly requested that everyone who raises theses concerns contact customer service. Our interview request was then denied.
“We encourage them to contact customer service,” McLeod stated in an email response. “We will be glad to investigate the issue with the individuals but won’t be providing any interviews at this time.”
Everyone we have interviewed and spoke to who has been impacted by this issue has already reached out to DelDOT customer service to no avail, some of whom have already had their false toll violations sent to collections, including Adam Pritchett, of Camden, who said DelDOT did nothing to resolve the issue, all the while knowing that it wasn’t his fault but rather an error on their end, and still nothing was done.
“It’s been a long stream of this,” Pritchett said. “They told me it was my transponder, so I invested in four new transponders for my vehicles, and then I’d go through there and it would say ‘good to go’ every time, and then I would get notices in the mail that I had ran through the violation and it would show a picture of my tag. And I’m like ‘why are they sending me notices’ I’m an E-ZPass account holder, it should be real simple. It’s happen multiple times and I’ve even been taken to collections because I can’t even resolve the issue when I call customer service.”
Kent County resident Matt Burge works in New Castle County and has to take the toll through Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza daily. He says, like so many others, he’s received multiple violations when he had a working E-ZPass with active funds in his vehicle.
“That shouldn’t be an issue because my transponder is linked to a tag, and we get the money withdrawn into the E-ZPass monthly, it constantly refills,” Burge stated. “My thing is, the notice I just got was from 2/21/22 and I just got it two, three weeks ago. Why did it take a week and a half to get to me, and then it was supposed to be in by April 4th.”
Burge was very frustrated and said something needs to be done, calling out officials at DelDOT, saying they need to acknowledge the issue publicly and take steps to resolve it.
“Just do your job,” Burge stressed. “It’s not that hard, get the facts straight. From what I’ve been told they have people that cross-reference the tags with transponders, so if that’s the case then somebody’s not doing their job because I never should have got a fine.”
Some residents, including Sherry Steller, of Smyrna, have received dozens of false violations and are now speaking out, demanding DelDOT take action to resolve the issue.
“As of today, I have 17 more coming today,” Sherry said. “Once I add the 17 in today, I’ll be at 78 toll violations. I went down to E-ZPass in Dover, spent an hour in there and showed her all my transponders, she checked the batteries and everything is great, and then she tells me to write an appeal for every single violation that I got. My time is valuable to me, I don’t have time to sit around and do appeals when the fault is not my fault.”
Chris Phipps, of Smyrna, said he went above and beyond to get the issue resolved with DelDOT after he received a toll violation when he knew for a fact he had funds in his E-ZPass and that it wasn’t his fault. He has not heard back after he appealed the decision and is speaking out to call for a resolution to this issue that has affected countless Delawareans.
“I’m very frustrated, very angry, and I would hope if anything just a little transparency, a simple letter in the mail to say they received it, an email, or anything,” Phipps said. “Their online portal, in my opinion, is a joke. I don’t know how it takes two weeks to get a letter back. I don’t understand how it’s like this, it’s very old, but I’m just trying to get by as much as I can I guess.”
The extent of the issue, exactly how many people have been affected and what’s causing this to happen, all of which DelDOT has refused to acknowledge, is not yet known at this time. What is clear however is that the issue is affecting residents from all corners of the state, including Jeff and Barbara Baskin, of Lewes, who also received a toll violation from the Biddle’s toll plaza when they shouldn’t have.
“We discovered it when we got the letter in the mail saying we went through a toll booth and that we did not have a transponder, which is not true, we had one,” Jeff Baskin explained. “It’s more like it didn’t read it or something in my mind, but then I’m looking at it again, and on there, just eyeing the tolls because I’ve been running up to Pennsylvania regularly now, my Mom is ill and it’s a lot, and I looked down and for some reason it has us as a different class of vehicle at the same toll booth. Again, I’m going up to Pennsylvania and back, so I go through four toll booths, and the other three show me as a Class 2 and all of a sudden this one’s Class 4 and it’s like ‘what’s going on?’”
Kelsey Gallagher, of Smyrna, said she recently got a large stack of false toll violations, all with random dates, showing her tag. For each one of them, she says she had a working, funded, E-ZPass transponder in her vehicle and should not have received the violations.
“I tried to go online and enter them to put my transponder in, and it won’t even let me do that, it says ‘call the main office’,” Kelsey said. “I’m really frustrated with this. It’s just maddening, I’m a full-time working Mom, I’m just busy all the time, and I shouldn’t have to take so much time out of my day to try and call them and wait on hold forever, and then just try and get ahold of somebody, when I’ve had it in my window this whole time, why is it not being used the way it’s supposed to be used?”
Countless people from across the state have flooded our social media with reports of the same thing happening to them, receiving a toll violation when they didn’t violate the toll, and then having to run around in circles with DelDOT to resolve the issue that wasn’t their fault to begin with:
“About a month ago I got 13 toll violations,” one user wrote. “This week 5 more smh dated as far back as October 2021 to January 2022.”
“They sent me the violation letter and I checked my E-Z Pass account to find that I had already paid the toll with my E-Z Pass,” another user wrote on our Facebook page. “They were trying to charge me $51.00 for a $1.00 toll that had been paid. Glad I checked and called them today!”
“It’s another scam the state has to gain revenue if you don’t pay it any attention,” one user speculated.
“We have a stack of them from as far back as August 2021,” another user wrote. “We get them in groups of 3-8 every few days. All appeals have been denied, although we have active EZ Pass.”
“My husband and I had some violations as high as $4,000,” another user wrote online. “We have transponders in both of our vehicles.”
Sure do have a whole stack,” yet another user wrote. “I have an active E-ZPass account and a transponder in each vehicle. Was told perhaps it was my tinted windshield so I traded the car in…still happening with my new vehicle with no tint on windshield.”
For a $1 toll on Route 1, the cost of violating it is upwards of $50 in fines. Many people who’ve been billed have been unable to resolve the issue with DelDOT, who at this time is refusing to acknowledge the it and continues to direct everyone to contact customer service. An interview request with DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski was denied.
TV Delmarva News is continuing to investigate this developing story. We will continue to bring you stories of Delawareans impacted by this issue until DelDOT addresses it and resolves the problem.
The Dover Police Department arrested 22-year-old Kwamai Johnson on Thursday evening on firearms and drug offenses.
Johnson was contacted along with a female passenger during a traffic stop at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the area of North Governors Avenue and West Division Street. Police say he was seen placing a handgun underneath the driver’s seat by officers and then fled on foot but was taken into custody in the area of Fulton Street and North Governors Avenue.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located 50.7 grams of marijuana, 3.5 doses of oxycodone, a digital scale, and the loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat.
Johnson was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,900 cash bond on the following charges: Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (4x), Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Oxycodone (2x), Possession of Marijuana, and Violation of Probation.
Sometimes, animal control officers can have a dirty job. That was the case up in Newark on Tuesday.
Animal Control were called to reports of a cat hit by a vehicle. The cat ended up crawling into a drainage pipe and was injured, but that did not deter Officer Donna Vickers to crawl into the pipe and get the orange tabby cat.
Check out the Facebook post below from Newark Police.
“ACO Vickers’ efforts with this incident demonstrate the dedication that she has to her craft and her love of animals. Well done ACO Vickers!”
The cat was put in a carriage and transported to a nearby animal hospital where it is recovering.
BREAKING NEWS: DelDOT is under fire for false toll violations in the state of Delaware. Jimmie Allen is to release a new album about Delaware. Senator Carper weighs in on the Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Weather: Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this evening as a cold front arrives. Storms may contain some strong damaging winds and an isolated tornado.
Delaware State Police arrested a juvenile male for firearm and related charges after a shooting that occurred in Magnolia on Monday evening.
On April 4th, 2022 at approximately 8:26 p.m., troopers responded to Juanita Drive in Magnolia, DE regarding a report of shots fired. The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspect had fired multiple gunshots from a vehicle at a residence. The residence was occupied by three victims (ages 38, 32, and 14) at the time, all of whom were not injured. The residence was struck several times and suspect fled the area to an unknown destination.
Through investigative means, a 15-year-old male was developed as the suspect. On April 6th, 2022, the juvenile male was located in Dover and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently charged with the following crimes:
Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Criminal Mischief
The 15-year-old male was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Stevenson House on $21,001 cash bond.
A 62-year-old man is facing his fifth DUI offense after crashing his vehicle into a Smyrna Police vehicle, injuring the officer and detainee.
Smyrna Police say the incident happened on Wednesday (April 6) just before 11:00 a.m. on US 13 near Cory Lane, where Paul Reed allegedly driving his red pickup truck recklessly.
An officer attempted to stop Reed, but allegedly fled after side-swiping another vehicle. A short distance later, Reed struck another Smyrna officer’s cruiser while he was conducting a traffic stop in the northbound lane and coming to a stop.
Nearby fire crews and paramedics rescued the officer, who was entrapped in the vehicle. The detainee was able to get out of the vehicle. Both the officer and detainee were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Reed was also transported to the hospital. Following his release, he was charged with his fifth DUI offense and also faces several other charges:
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is under fire after countless people were sent false toll violations when they didn’t run the toll. DelDOT is refusing to acknowledge the issue as more people continue to speak out, demanding something be done to fix the issue.
TV Delmarva News has been inundated with interview requests from dozens of residents across the state who received toll violations after traveling through the Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza in New Castle County when they had a working E-ZPass with active funds in their account.
The issue appears to span over the course of at least the past six months as reports of the false violations, for some residents, date all the way back to October, 2021. Some residents, including Sherry Steller, of Smyrna, have received dozens of false violations and are now speaking out, demanding DelDOT take action to resolve the issue.
“As of today, I have 17 more coming today,” Sherry said. “Once I add the 17 in today, I’ll be at 78 toll violations. I went down to E-ZPass in Dover, spent an hour in there and showed her all my transponders, she checked the batteries and everything is great, and then she tells me to write an appeal for every single violation that I got. My time is valuable to me, I don’t have time to sit around and do appeals when the fault is not my fault.”
TV Delmarva News Director & Reporter Rob Petree raised these concerns directly to DelDOT’s Community Relations Director, Charles McLeod, who refused to acknowledge the issue and repeatedly requested that everyone who raises theses concerns contact customer service. Our interview request was then denied.
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“We encourage them to contact customer service,” McLeod stated in an email response. “We will be glad to investigate the issue with the individuals but won’t be providing any interviews at this time.”
Everyone we have interviewed and spoke to who has been impacted by this issue has already reached out to DelDOT customer service to no avail, some of whom have already had their false toll violations sent to collections, including Adam Pritchett, of Camden, who said DelDOT did nothing to resolve the issue, all the while knowing that it wasn’t his fault but rather an error on their end, and still nothing was done.
“It’s been a long stream of this,” Pritchett said. “They told me it was my transponder, so I invested in four new transponders for my vehicles, and then I’d go through there and it would say ‘good to go’ every time, and then I would get notices in the mail that I had ran through the violation and it would show a picture of my tag. And I’m like ‘why are they sending me notices’ I’m an E-ZPass account holder, it should be real simple. It’s happen multiple times and I’ve even been taken to collections because I can’t even resolve the issue when I call customer service.”
Chris Phipps, of Smyrna, said he went above and beyond to get the issue resolved with DelDOT after he received a toll violation when he knew for a fact he had funds in his E-ZPass and that it wasn’t his fault. He has not heard back after he appealed the decision and is speaking out to call for a resolution to this issue that has affected countless Delawareans.
“I’m very frustrated, very angry, and I would hope if anything just a little transparency, a simple letter in the mail to say they received it, an email, or anything,” Phipps said. “Their online portal, in my opinion, is a joke. I don’t know how it takes two weeks to get a letter back. I don’t understand how it’s like this, it’s very old, but I’m just trying to get by as much as I can I guess.”
The extent of the issue, exactly how many people have been affected and what’s causing this to happen, all of which DelDOT has refused to acknowledge, is not yet known at this time. What is clear however is that the issue is affecting residents from all corners of the state, including Jeff and Barbara Baskin, of Lewes, who also received a toll violation from the Biddle’s toll plaza when they shouldn’t have.
“We discovered it when we got the letter in the mail saying we went through a toll booth and that we did not have a transponder, which is not true, we had one,” Jeff Baskin explained. “It’s more like it didn’t read it or something in my mind, but then I’m looking at it again, and on there, just eyeing the tolls because I’ve been running up to Pennsylvania regularly now, my Mom is ill and it’s a lot, and I looked down and for some reason it has us as a different class of vehicle at the same toll booth. Again, I’m going up to Pennsylvania and back, so I go through four toll booths, and the other three show me as a Class 2 and all of a sudden this one’s Class 4 and it’s like ‘what’s going on?’”
Kelsey Gallagher, of Smyrna, said she recently got a large stack of false toll violations, all with random dates, showing her tag. For each one of them, she says she had a working, funded, E-ZPass transponder in her vehicle and should not have received the violations.
“I tried to go online and enter them to put my transponder in, and it won’t even let me do that, it says ‘call the main office’,” Kelsey said. “I’m really frustrated with this. It’s just maddening, I’m a full-time working Mom, I’m just busy all the time, and I shouldn’t have to take so much time out of my day to try and call them and wait on hold forever, and then just try and get ahold of somebody, when I’ve had it in my window this whole time, why is it not being used the way it’s supposed to be used?”
Countless people from across the state have flooded our social media with reports of the same thing happening to them, receiving a toll violation when they didn’t violate the toll, and then having to run around in circles with DelDOT to resolve the issue that wasn’t their fault to begin with:
“About a month ago I got 13 toll violations,” one user wrote. “This week 5 more smh dated as far back as October 2021 to January 2022.”
“They sent me the violation letter and I checked my E-Z Pass account to find that I had already paid the toll with my E-Z Pass,” another user wrote on our Facebook page. “They were trying to charge me $51.00 for a $1.00 toll that had been paid. Glad I checked and called them today!”
“It’s another scam the state has to gain revenue if you don’t pay it any attention,” one user speculated.
“We have a stack of them from as far back as August 2021,” another user wrote. “We get them in groups of 3-8 every few days. All appeals have been denied, although we have active EZ Pass.”
“My husband and I had some violations as high as $4,000,” another user wrote online. “We have transponders in both of our vehicles.”
Sure do have a whole stack,” yet another user wrote. “I have an active E-ZPass account and a transponder in each vehicle. Was told perhaps it was my tinted windshield so I traded the car in…still happening with my new vehicle with no tint on windshield.”
For a $1 toll on Route 1, the cost of violating it is upwards of $50 in fines. Many people who’ve been billed have been unable to resolve the issue with DelDOT, who at this time is refusing to acknowledge the it and continues to direct everyone to contact customer service. An interview request with DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski was denied.
TV Delmarva News is continuing to investigate this developing story. We will continue to bring you stories of Delawareans impacted by this issue until DelDOT addresses it and resolves the problem.
EXCLUSIVE: Delawareans speak out after they were sent false toll violations.
Top Stories: Cracker Jack launches new brand “Cracker Jill.” Dover Man wanted in Laurel for felony theft & forgery.
Weather: Misty/Foggy conditions will continue into the overnight hours. More rain is on the way for Thursday with the chance of some thunderstorms as well.
Anthony J. Oscar, 34, of Dover, DE – Laurel Police Dept.
A Dover man is wanted on felony theft and forgery charges in Laurel.
According to the Laurel Police Department, officers are currently conducting a felony investigation that occurred on April 4, 2022 at the Bank of Delmarva located at 200 E Market Street.
At this time, police say the primary suspect in the investigation has been identified as 34-year-old Anthony J. Oscar, of Dover, Delaware.
Oscar is currently wanted out of the Laurel Police Department for Theft Over $1500, Forgery 2nd Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Additionally, he is wanted for similar charges by the Seaford Police Department and by the Kent County Court of Common Pleas for a Failure to Appear capias.
Oscar was last seen occupying a newer model Honda sedan with an unknown driver.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact PFC Lieber of the Laurel Police Department at [email protected] or by phone at 302-875-2244 reference case 70-22-1021 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at0 1-800-847-3333.
After more than 125 years as one of sport’s most iconic snacks, Cracker Jack® is adding a new face to its roster, with the introduction of Cracker Jill™ to celebrate the women who break down barriers in sports.
Tapping into the brand’s rich history with America’s favorite pastime, Cracker JillTM comes to life through five different representations on a series of special-edition bags, which will be available at the start of this year’s baseball season in professional ballparks across the country and through a donation of $5 or more to the Women’s Sports Foundation.
“We are constantly inspired by the many women who are making history by breaking the mold, and we want to celebrate their achievements while supporting the progress,” said Tina Mahal, vice president, marketing at Frito-Lay North America. “Cracker Jack has been part of sports for over a century, as records were made and rules changed. We’ve been so inspired by how girls and women are changing the face of the game, so in this spirit we introduce Cracker Jill to show girls that they’re represented even in our most iconic snacks.”
To extend its impact, Cracker Jack® is donating $200,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), a national non-profit that conducts research and advocacy and supports community programming, to help girls and women across the country reach their potential in sport and life.
To further support the Foundation’s work in gender equity, Cracker Jack® is encouraging fans to donate to WSF via this link. As a thank you, Cracker Jack® will send a Cracker Jill™ bag to fans who donate $5 or more, while supplies last.
“Our Foundation is an ally, advocate and catalyst to help unlock the possibilities in every girl and woman through the power of sport,” said Danette Leighton, WSF CEO. “Representation matters – it encourages and inspires the next generation. It’s wonderful to see Cracker Jill come to life, emphasizing the power that representation can have by celebrating women who’ve broken barriers.”
One of the most well-known ways Cracker Jack® is woven into sports culture is through the seventh inning stretch, where the lyrics of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” include “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” Tapping into this cultural cornerstone, the Cracker Jack® brand partnered with award-winning artist Normani to reimagine this iconic song, updating the lyrics to include Cracker JillTM and celebrate the tenacity and grit of women and girls in sports.
“As a young girl, I remember being inspired by athletes and artists who looked like me,” said Normani. “They made me believe that I could also achieve greatness as I watched them break barriers for women. I’m proud to be part of a campaign entrenched in inclusivity and empowerment because it’s vital for young girls to see themselves represented and join in on the celebration of the achievements made by the women before them.”
The barrier-breaking spirit of Cracker Jill™ was brought to life by artist and model Monica Ahanonu, an expert in color theory and a trailblazer for Black artists. Her colorful portrait illustrations resonated with the campaign goal of highlighting and celebrating women in sports through strong, determined and vibrant Jills. These unique depictions of Jill also celebrate the remarkable diversity throughout the country, as the five Jills were inspired by the most represented ethnicities in the U.S., per data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Truly embodying the campaign’s mission, the team behind this initiative is led by women and underrepresented creatives. In addition to Ahanonu, the Cracker JillTM campaign is fueled by powerful female and non-binary voices, including the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” creative director, Ro Haber, the entire film crew, and the Cracker Jack® team.
This collection of Cracker JillTM packaging was created to coincide with the opening of the 2022 baseball season, but the intention is for Jill to continue to join Sailor Jack as a member of the team roster and part of the brand ethos.
To learn more about Cracker Jill and to donate to the Women’s Sports Foundation, fans can visit CrackerJill.com.
Delaware State Police arrested 20-year-old Amir Harris of Millsboro, DE on drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop on Tuesday morning.
On April 5th, 2022 at approximately 12:15 a.m., a trooper on patrol in the Millsboro area observed a gray Pontiac sedan traveling southbound on Dupont Boulevard south of Delaware Avenue. The trooper observed the Pontiac fail to remain within its lane of travel and also commit a turn signal violation. A traffic stop was then initiated on Parker Circle, Millsboro. Upon contacting the operator and sole occupant, identified as Amir Harris, the trooper detected the strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside of the vehicle. Harris was asked to exit the vehicle, and as Harris complied, he fled the scene on foot. Troopers gave chase and took Harris into custody a short distance away. Upon detaining Harris, troopers discovered he was in possession of approximately .035 grams of suspected heroin and a loaded U.S. Revolver Company handgun with five .32 caliber rounds. Harris has a prior felony conviction and is a person prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition.
Harris was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Criminal Mischief
Failure to Remain Within a Single Lane
Failure to Properly Signal
Harris was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $36,750 secured bond.
Top Stories: Two bills were introduced to legalize marijuana in Delaware. Dover Police arrested a man with eight warrants on his record. And a tinted windows violation leads to drug and weapons charges arrest.
Weather: Rain, rain, and more rain is on the way tonight. Some of which will be quite heavy at times. And a major warm-up is expected going into next week.
A Dover man with eight warrants in Delaware was apprehended on Monday.
Dover Police say 20-year-old Jumir Brown was arrested in the parking lot of Royal Farms on South Saulsbury Road after he was observed leaving the area of Village Drive. He was taken into custody without incident.
A search of Brown’s vehicle uncovered 18.5 grams of marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun.
Police say Brown was wanted for a domestic charge in Dover and was wanted by several courts in Delaware. He now faces additional charges of:
-Possession of Untraceable Firearm -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Possession of Marijuana -Drug Paraphernalia -Local Fugitive (8x)
Brown was committed to SCI on a $23,200 cash bond.
As we head into the middle portions of April, we could be looking at some very warm temperatures across the Eastern third of the Nation. A large trough will begin digging into the Western US starting this coming weekend. This will help lift the Jetstream into Canada as a Sub-Tropical Ridge develops off the Southeast US coastlines pumping warm air all the way into New England.
Temperatures could be running 10-20 degrees above normal during the mid and late portions of next week with this warm southerly flow. High temperatures are expected to be well into the 70’s with some low 80’s not out of the question. The average temperature for this time of year here on Delmarva is around 60 degrees during the daytime hours. I’m sure many will not be complaining about the welcomed warmth ahead.
A Laurel man is facing several drugs and weapons charges after he was pulled over for a tinted windows violation.
Seaford Police say 44-year-old Carlo Munoz-Barreto was stopped in the area of South Market Street on Sunday evening. The officer spotted a handgun in a door pocket when the door opened, prompting the officer to make an arrest. A further search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered 58 grams of cocaine, 10 bags of heroin, 519 grams of marijuana, 49 prescription pills, drug paraphernalia, a rifle, ammunition, and over $2,800 in drug proceeds.
Munoz-Barreto faces several charges, including:
• Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (Felony) • Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a person prohibited who also possessed Controlled Substances (Felony) – 3 counts • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) • Manufacture/Deliver/ PWID Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts • Possess Consume any Prescription drug, not a controlled substance (Misdemeanor) – 8 counts • Possess Consume a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except for Human Growth Hormone without a prescription (Misdemeanor) • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Not related to personal use quantity Marijuana or Person Under 18 (Misdemeanor) -3 • Operating a vehicle with improper Window Tinting
He was also wanted on a Delaware State Police warrant for a theft charge as well.
Munoz-Barreto was arraigned and lodged to SCI on $139,850 cash bond.
Top Stories: Early morning fire destroys home in Milford. Millsboro man charged with his 10th DUI. Millsboro man arrested on drug, weapon charges in Georgetown. Navy service member identified in the Chincoteague plane crash last week.
Weather: Increasing clouds will be on the way tonight before the rain will be developing for Tuesday. Some of which could be heavy at times.
An early morning fire has destroyed a home in Milford.
According to the Carlisle Fire Company, around 4:18 a.m., Monday crews responded to a fully involved house fire on the 700 block of Cicada Lane in Milford.
When crews arrived, fire personnel said it was clear that the structure was fully involved and efforts were launched to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighters and several apparatuses from Frederica (Station 49), Houston (Station 52), and South Bowers (Station 57) worked with Carlisle crews to bring the fire under control.
After more than three hours of hard work, the scene was declared under control.
There is no word on what caused the blaze which remains under investigation.
Delaware State Police arrested 25-year-old Andrew Long of Millsboro, DE on drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop Saturday night.
Andrew Long
On April 2, 2022, at approximately 7:06 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Park Avenue, Georgetown observed a Blue Ford Explorer operated by Andrew Long who had active warrants for his arrest and did not possess a valid license. A traffic stop was initiated, and upon Long pulling his vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, he immediately exited and began to flee on foot while carrying a handgun. The trooper chased the suspect and gave verbal commands. Long eventually gave up, dropped the gun, and was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. The loaded 9mm handgun was recovered and a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 1.3 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry revealed Long is a person prohibited from possessing a weapon.
Long was transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by Person Prohibited (Felony)- 3 counts
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of Marijuana
Driving While Suspended
Failure to Have Insurance
Failure to Wear Seatbelt
Long was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $101,502 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Berry of Wilmington, DE following a burglary investigation in Wilmington on Thursday morning.
Robert Berry
On March 31st, 2022 at approximately 10:02 a.m., troopers and officers from the Wilmington Police Department and New Castle County Police Department responded to the Family Dollar located at 4331 Governor Printz Boulevard, Wilmington, DE for a reported burglary in progress. Upon their arrival responding officers observed a male suspect climbing onto the roof of the business. Troopers and officers established a perimeter around the Merchants Square shopping center. The male suspect was then taken into custody as he exited a vacant building just south of the Family Dollar. Further investigation revealed the suspect, identified as Robert Berry, had attempted to steal copper from air conditioning units on the roof of the Family Dollar. A computer inquiry also revealed Berry was wanted and had active warrants for prior thefts.
Berry was subsequently transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following offenses:
Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony)
Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony)
Criminal Mischief Greater Than $5,000 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Berry was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $25,000 cash and $17,001 secured bonds.
Delaware State Police arrested 54-year old Charles Smith of Millsboro, DE for a 10th-offense DUI following a crash investigation in Millsboro on Thursday morning.
Charles Smith
On March 31st, 2022 at approximately 11:19 a.m., troopers responded to Main Street south of Daisey Road in Millsboro, DE after receiving a report that a white Dodge Ram had struck a fence at this location. It was reported that the male operator was attempting to flee the scene on foot. Troopers responded and located the the suspect, identified as Charles Smith, walking just south of the collision scene. Upon contact troopers immediately detected an odor of alcoholic beverages and a DUI investigation ensued.
A computer inquiry revealed that Smith’s driver’s license was revoked and he had been arrested for 9 prior DUI offenses. Smith was taken into custody and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following offenses:
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
Leaving the Scene of a Property Collision Accident
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Failure to Provide Information at a Collision Scene
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
Failed to Remain Within a Single Lane
Failure to Report a Collision to the Police
Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $15,500 cash bond.
Top Stories: Lincoln pastor was indicted for unlawful sexual contact. Magnolia man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover. Fox tests positive for rabies in Frankford.
Weather: Rain showers will begin to die out once we get to sundown with clearing skies. More rain is in the forecast for this weekend and even more rain chances going into next week.
Napleton, a multi-state auto dealership group, has settled a joint FTC and Illinois lawsuit alleging that it charged customers hidden fees for unwanted add-on products and discriminated against Black customers by charging them higher financing fees and interest rates than non-Latino White customers. Napleton will pay $10 million to settle.
The lawsuit says the defendants often snuck hundreds or thousands of dollars in illegal junk fees in a mountain of auto financing paperwork that they gave people to sign, often after long, grueling hours of negotiations. The charges — for products like extended warranties and service plans — typically were added to the amount financed and spread over monthly payments, so they were hard to spot. In other instances, the defendants falsely told people the add-ons were required to buy or finance the vehicle, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit also says the corporate defendants charged Black customers about $99 more for add-ons and $190 more for financing than they charged similarly situated non-Latino White customers. The finance charges were added as mark ups to the interest rates offered by the lenders working with defendants, resulting in higher costs for customers.
The lawsuit names the Ed Napleton Automotive Group, eight of its dealerships, and the general manager of two Illinois dealerships. The settlement will return millions of dollars to injured customers.
Thinking about buying a car? It’s never a bad time for a reminder that you have rights. Before heading to a dealership, you also may want to look at an FTC staff report that highlights some of the challenges people face while buying and financing vehicles. And, if you believe a dealership charged hidden fees or discriminated against you, please tell us at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
From Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – On Wednesday, March 30, Lt. Hyrum Hanlon, assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120 lost his life when an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye conducting routine flight operations crashed in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague, Va.
Lt. Hyrum Hanlon
Hanlon, who commissioned in the Navy from Arizona State University in May 2017, reported to VAW-120 Jan. 31, 2021.
“It takes a courageous and patriotic person to devote their life to the selflessness of serving in the armed forces,” said Cmdr. Martin Fentress Jr., Commanding Officer of VAW-120 “Hyrum embodied those characteristics and will be truly missed by his family and the Hawkeye community. We sincerely appreciate the public respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time as they mourn his loss.”
The U.S. Navy continues to coordinate with state and local officials on the salvage planning efforts of the E-2D aircraft. The health and safety of the local community is a top priority during recovery efforts; overflight aircraft confirmed no pollution or discharge of fuel in the area. Salvage operations are expected to proceed in accordance with standard procedures which consider all environmental impacts.
The cause of the mishap remains under investigation.
Dover Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a robbery suspect.
Dover Police tells TV Delmarva News that the suspect is wanted in connection to the armed robbery at The Little Grocer store at 902 East Division Street. The robbery occurred just after 8:00 p.m. on February 23, where the suspect entered the store with a handgun and demanded cash. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking the public’s assistance in the prosecution of a Sussex County pastor indicted for Unlawful Sexual Contact and is requesting that any additional victims contact law enforcement.
Major Foster, a Lincoln man who at the time was employed as pastor of Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, faces pending charges after inappropriately touching multiple women.
“I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances. We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”
Foster was indicted in November by a Sussex County grand jury on three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd Degree, following an investigation into multiple reports that, from 2013 to 2020, he attempted to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments, and instigated prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with his victims.
Foster was also charged with Offensive Touching for pushing a victim’s husband when confronted.
The State was aware of three victims at the time of Foster’s original indictment; prosecutors now have reason to believe that additional victims may be unidentified. The State implores anyone whom Foster has harmed or who has additional information about the case to contact Delaware State Police. Anyone with additional information should contact Det. L. Coleman, Delaware State Police – Troop 4, at (302) 752-3813.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Sussex County residents, who live or spend time near the areas of Burbage and Jones roads, and Burbage Road and Route 374 in Frankford, of a positive case of rabies in a fox.
The fox did not have any known contact with humans, however, there were reports of the fox attacking stray cats. If the attacked cats develop rabies, they will become a public health threat, especially to anyone who feeds them. The fox was tested for rabies and the results came back positive on Thursday, March 31, 2022.
Since Jan. 1, 2022, the Division of Public Health has performed rabies tests on 53 animals, three of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one raccoon and two foxes, including this positive animal. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.
In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 193 animals, 19 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. These numbers differ from previous reports after a 2021 rabies data review.
Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched by, or encountered a fox or feral 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 fox 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.
Top Stories: Delaware bill introduced to protect parental rights in schools. Dover Police arrest West Virginian women on murder charges. And a Navy aircraft crashed near Wallops Island killing a crew member.
Weather: Strong to severe storms are in the forecast tonight with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Tornado Watch until this evening.
SOUTH BOWERS, Del. – Delaware will advance major planned projects, make road systems more resilient to climate change and apply for funding to serve traditionally disadvantaged areas using significant new federal funds for transportation over the next several years.
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) — championed by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, and U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021 — is a once-in-a-generation commitment to improving roads, bridges, transit, water and wastewater systems, broadband, energy and other infrastructure areas.
Transportation is the largest area of new investment in the BIL. In a visit to South Bowers Beach Wednesday, Governor Carney and Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Nicole Majeski highlighted some of the first decisions on construction and improvements to Delaware’s road network using the funding, which will stretch for the next five years.
A portion of South Bowers Road will be raised up to 5 inches to protect it from both tidal and storm. The previously planned project is an example of the types of projects DelDOT will be able to do with $48.5 million over five years from the BIL for at-risk coastal infrastructure. DelDOT’s new Division of Resiliency and Sustainability will develop a prioritization process for other projects over the next several years.
“Delawareans will travel easier on major routes and have increased confidence in the roads they need to use every day and in emergencies with the projects DelDOT can now accomplish with this funding,” said Governor Carney. “In addition, we will apply for extra federal funding for improvements in New Castle and Laurel that would make a significant difference in the lives of residents in those areas.”
Among the projects the Department will be advancing with other BIL funds:
The planned widening of Route 1 between the Christiana Mall and Route 40
Improvements to Kenton Road in west Dover between Route 8 and Chestnut Grove Road
Long-planned construction of an overpass taking Route 9 traffic over U.S. 113 in Georgetown
The next phase of the Georgetown to Lewes Trail from Fisher Road to Airport Road
The Infrastructure Law is providing an additional $160 million over five years to Delaware main highway spending programs.
In addition, Delaware will submit applications in April for two concepts under the federal Local and Regional Project Assistance Grants (RAISE). This is a nationwide competitive program and the U.S. Department of Transportation will announce successful grant recipients by August 12, 2022. Both target traditionally underserved areas, which is a focus of the BIL.
Applying for $6.5 million in a federal grant to begin designing an ambitious plan in the Route 9 area near New Castle, reducing the through lanes on Route 9 with saved lane space used to improve pedestrian and bicycle and bus facilities and provide extra green space. The project would also include rebuilt intersections including roundabouts, a center-lane multi-use pathway over the I-295 Expressway and a pedestrian/bicycle path system to knit together the now largely disconnected neighborhoods along the corridor. If design funds are granted, DelDOT would apply to RAISE for construction funding in future years, with total cost estimated at $30 million.
Applying for $5.8 million to add bicycle lanes and a sidewalk safely along Discountland Road in Laurel, connecting two affordable housing communities (Holly Brook Farms and Carvel Gardens) to a shopping center that contains a grocery store, bank, pharmacies, physical therapy and other amenities.
“We continue to work to address the infrastructure needs we have across the state, and this landmark bill will bring more funding to Delaware that will have a positive impact on every mode of transportation,” said Secretary of DelDOT Nicole Majeski.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure law represents the single largest investment in our nation’s roads and bridges since the construction of the Interstate Highway System nearly 70 years ago — a historic win for Delawareans and all Americans,” said Senator Carper, who as Chair of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, drafted and negotiated the legislation. “When drafting this legislation, we prioritized investments in safety, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, sustainability, and resilience, all while addressing the backlog of repairs in our nation’s transportation system. It’s great to see this historic funding making its way into communities across Delaware, rebuilding the roads that connect us in a way makes them more resilient in the face of climate change and that allows Delaware to grow our economy at the same time.”
“Passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a commitment to revitalize our roads and bridges and put transportation projects in Delaware at the forefront of our agenda,” said Senator Coons. “These upcoming projects will put millions of dollars in critical federal funds towards increasing the resiliency of coastal communities, prioritizing climate action, and reaffirming our commitment to upgrading Delaware’s infrastructure.”
“Delawareans rely on our state’s surface transportation infrastructure to live, work, and travel every day,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “With funds secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest long-term investment in our nation’s infrastructure in nearly a century that I voted to pass last year – the First State can continue to invest in critical projects to repair and revitalize its roads, highways, and bridges that will improve quality of life and create good-paying jobs at the same time.”
In addition to road and resiliency projects, federal infrastructure funding coming to Delaware in the next several years includes programs for bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging, carbon reduction, safety improvements and more.
Republican lawmakers have introduced a new bill – “The Delaware Education Right to Know Act” – which would protect parental rights in schools and bring more transparency to the state’s education system.
The legislation, House Bill 326 introduced earlier this month, gives parents, guardians, and other educational stakeholders more information and opportunities to evaluate public and charter school education in Delaware and to express concerns to school officials.
The bill comes on the heels of several issues that were raised to our news department from parents in school districts across both Kent and Sussex Counties. The bill’s primary sponsor, State Rep. Charles Postles says the bill is about providing parents with a greater insight into their child’s education.
“This bill has been a while in the making, mostly from parents that have expressed some concerns about what’s going on in schools,” Rep. Postles said. “Discussions actually started before COVID, but when we went into the virtual, remote learning, parents got an insight into the classroom and what is happening more than they had before. And it kind of opened their eyes as to what some of the situations were and peeked their interest and said we need to know more.”
The result of the conversations with concerned parents is the result of this bill, according to Rep. Postles who emphasized that, while the bill protects parental rights and would provide parents with a greater insight into their child’s education, it does not interfere with teachers.
“Teachers are the trained professionals and I have a great deal of respect for the teachers,” Rep. Postles stressed. “We’re not trying to interfere with their professional teaching of the students.”
The legislation creates a mechanism for parents to be more engaged in schools by mandating that school officials create time for parents to have the opportunity to sit down with their child’s teachers and learn more about the curriculum and what’s being taught to their children. It also allows for parents to challenge school districts who refuse to hand over information pertaining to their child’s education, requiring school officials provide specific information to justify why the request was denied.
TV Delmarva News also got a chance to speak with one of the bill’s co-sponsors, State Rep. Lyndon Yearick who said parents have a right to know what their child is taught and this legislation would provide them with that mechanism to become more involved in their child’s education.
“Parents, guardians, grandparents, whoever is responsible for that son, daughter, or grandchild, they need to build that relationship with their immediate teacher, they need to be involved with what goes on in school, and they need to be involved with the administration,” Rep. Yearick said. “Being engaged with what goes on at the school board, being engaged at school board elections. The legislation just wants to reaffirm, stress, and mandate that parents definitely, first and foremost, need to know what’s going on.”
The bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee and is expected to be considered next week.
A traffic stop in Dover leads to a drugs and weapons arrest on Tuesday evening.
Delaware State Police say a trooper stopped 20-year-old Tyler Shabazz of Magnolia after he made a lane change without signaling in the area of South Dupont Highway and Webbs Lane.
The trooper noticed a smell of marijuana inside the vehicle and conducted a probable search without incident.
The search uncovered 440 grams of marijuana, a loaded 9mm handgun, four magazines and ammunition, digital scale and over $250 in drug proceeds.
Shabazz was lodged in SCI on $27,001 secure bond. He faces several charges, including:
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony) Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Failure to Signal
18-year-old Tyre Thomas, of Laurel, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.
Delaware State Police have arrested two teens, including a 15-year-old, on drug and weapons charges in Laurel.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 1:07 p.m., as a trooper on patrol in Laurel observed a white Cadillac speeding on Laurel Road in the area of Shiloh Church Road.
A traffic stop was initiated and upon contact with the operator, 18-year-old Tyre Thomas, and the front seat passenger, a 15-year-old juvenile male, the trooper immediately detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle.
Troopers asked the juvenile passenger to exit the vehicle and a probable cause search of him was conducted. During this search, troopers discovered that the juvenile was in possession of approximately 40 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger handgun.
Police later learned that the handgun was reported stolen by Milford Police Department in September, 2020. During a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle, troopers also located approximately 25 grams of marijuana and a digital scale inside a backpack.
Both the juvenile and Thomas were transported to Troop 5 and charged.
The 15-year-old has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The juvenile was arraigned and committed to Stevenson House on $25,502 secured bond.
Thomas was arraigned on possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and speeding charges and released on his own recognizance.
The Dover Police Department and United States Marshals Service First State Fugitive Task Force arrested two women wanted for Murder in West Virginia on Wednesday evening.
22-year-old Isis Wallace and 42-year-old Nichole Brooks, both of Bluefield, West Virginia, were wanted in connection to a shooting death of a 13-year-old female victim in Bluefield on March 23rd, 2022.
Officers from the Dover Police Department and USMS conducted surveillance at the hotel before executing a search warrant and taking both suspects into custody.
Both suspects surrendered without incident.
Brooks and Wallace will be held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution pending their extradition to West Virginia.
The US Navy reports that a plane went down in the Chincoteague Bay just outside of the NASA Wallops Island Flight around 7:30PM on Wednesday. A Navy E2-D Hawkeye was conducting normal routine flight operations when, for unknown reasons, the aircraft went down into the waters of the Chincoteague Bay.
Upon arrival of the Coast Guard, the Ocean City Dive Team, Accomack County VA’s, and Wicomico County first responders found two individuals who escaped to the top of the aircraft.
TV Delmarva News has learned that a third person was still inside the aircraft at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Navy E2-D Hawkeye Aircraft
An investigation remains ongoing at this time to determine what caused the crash of the E2-D Hawkeye. The names of the crew members and pilot are being withheld at this time.
Top Stories: Sussex County woman speaks out after her dog was stolen in Rehoboth. La Baguette in Dover had flower plants stolen. And a great white shark was pinged off the Delaware coast.
Weather: A warm front will be moving through today setting the stage for some thunderstorm action on Thursday. Some of which could be on the severe side.
A Sussex County woman is speaking out, pleading with the public to help find her dog Bella, who was stolen right out of her vehicle at a shopping center in Rehoboth.
Rita Anderson, of Bethany Beach, says on the evening of February 20 her Shih Tzu, Bella was stolen out of her car while inside a store in the Pelican Shopping Center in Rehoboth Beach. Now, a little over a month has gone by with no trace of Bella and Rita is pleading with the public to find the man responsible in an effort to bring Bella home.
“I went in the store very quickly because I only needed to get one item, I wasn’t in ten minutes, and when I came out she wasn’t in my SUV,” Rita said. “I was hysterical and she wasn’t in there, I’m screaming and yelling, it’s about 5’o’clock on a Sunday. The door wasn’t open, so I’m trying to figure out how she got out.”
Unable to wrap her head around how Bella could have gotten out of the car, a woman who was parked just behind Rita told her the shocking truth about what happened, that a man had opened her car and stole her dog.
“The lady that was parked behind me was very upset herself and said she looked out of her rearview mirror and she saw a man take Bella out of the passenger side of the car, and she thought it was her dog,” Rita explained. “She said the only reason she looked was because her son said ‘look mommy that’s the kind of dog I want’ so she was concentrating more on the dog than she was the man.’”
With Bella gone, Rita is beside herself and says it’s like stealing someone’s child.
“It’s left me horrible, she was my baby,” Rita said. “She would’ve been two on March 6th. I’ve had her since she was eight weeks old. I just can’t imagine anybody taking somebody’s dog. It’s like taking someone’s, almost like taking someone’s child. How could someone be so inhumane to do such a thing.”
Rita said she blames herself for not locking the door, but at the time she didn’t think of anything of it because she was just in and out of the store so quickly. She says the man had to be watching her, plotting to steal Bella.
“He had to be watching me, had too,” Rita said. “Bella is the sweetest dog, she will go to anybody, and that’s probably her downfall.”
If you have any information at all on the whereabouts of Bella, think you have found Bella, or know who stole her, we urge you to email our station at [email protected] so we can put you in touch with the owner and help bring Bella home.
A report has been filed with Delaware State Police who are aware of the incident.
A 10-foot great white shark named “Andromache” has pinged off the Delmarva coast.
OCEARCH tagged the sub-adult shark off the Cape Cod, MA coast in 2020. She was spotted as far south in Florida, but pinged about 60-70 miles off Assateague Island on Tuesday night and appears to be heading north again.
Andromache is not the first white shark to swim by our area, but is a good sign that Spring and warmer water is on the way.
OCEARCH is a non-profit research group that has tagged over 400 sharks to research migration patterns and learn more about sharks and benefits to the environment. The group is also tracking swordfish and sea turtles, which you can track on its website. The group is planning an expedition off the Carolina coast in 2022, with a goal to tag at least five more sharks.
While we are now in the short term model guidance, we had a big shift in the timing of this event. On Tuesday many of the medium range model guidance showed this event to be extremely underwhelming and much later into the night. Now into Wednesday, we have pushed the timing up about 6-8 hours into the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday. That big shift in timing boosted our chances to match with the SPC’s Slight Risk of Severe Weather they had all week.
A good agreement between the HRRR/RAP as well as the CAMS showing ample thunderstorm development across the Mid-Atlantic States. An increase in instability as well with dew points going into the lower 60’s. Storms should be developing from west to east from 2-10pm.
With the main threat being wind damage within these storms. No surprise with the strong winds aloft and in the lower level Jetstream. Strong winds at 5000 feet of 60-70 kts giving ample speed shear for storms to produce some gusty downbursts. Using TEHI for the tornadic threat and the good news is once more, fairly low probabilities. TEHI values under 2 (20%) chance of these storms producing a tornado in this environment. Also when we take a look at the Updraft Helicity Streaks, there is very little if any which is good news for shows storms with potential rotation on the models.
Dover Police are on the look-out for a potted plant thief.
According to police, the subject has been stealing plants from the La Baguette Bakery & Catering in the 300 block of South Governors Ave in Dover. The suspect, a white female wearing glasses and a black hoodie and jeans, was captured on the business surveillance camera.
“Do you know this person? Check out this thief stealing our plants! Please call Dover PD if you have any information,” La Baguette says in a Facebook post shared by Dover Police on Tuesday.
Anyone with information should contact Dover Police or Delaware Crime Stoppers.
It took several fire crew to put out a fire at a home on Monday afternoon in Dover.
Dover Fire, along with St. Francis and Kent County EMS, were called to North West Street to reports of a one story single family home engulfed in flames. It took roughly two hours to put out the blaze.
Little Creek and Camden also responded to the fire.
No firefighters were injured, but three people in the home were reportedly transported to a nearby hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
An investigation into the fire is ongoing. The structure is considered a total loss.
Top Stories: Chuck Welch withdraws from AG race amid health concerns. FDA authorizes a second COVID booster for those aged 50 or older. President Biden pressed on Putin, Ukraine comments.
Weather: Another cooler night in-store with a warm front expected to push through tomorrow with some isolated rain chances. Thunderstorms are possible on Thursday with much warmer temperatures.
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Intuit Inc., the maker of the popular TurboTax tax filing software, by issuing an administrative complaint against the company for deceiving consumers with bogus advertisements pitching “free” tax filing that millions of consumers could not use. In addition, to prevent ongoing harm to consumers rushing to file their taxes, the Commission also filed a federal district court complaint asking a court to order Intuit to halt its deceptive advertising immediately.
The Commission alleges that the company’s ubiquitous advertisements touting their supposedly “free” products—some of which have consisted almost entirely of the word “free” spoken repeatedly—mislead consumers into believing that they can file their taxes for free with TurboTax. In fact, most tax filers can’t use the company’s “free” service because it is not available to millions of taxpayers, such as those who get a 1099 form for work in the gig economy, or those who earn farm income. In 2020, for example, approximately two-thirds of tax filers could not use TurboTax’s free product.
“TurboTax is bombarding consumers with ads for ‘free’ tax filing services, and then hitting them with charges when it’s time to file,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We are asking a court to immediately halt this bait-and-switch, and to protect taxpayers at the peak of filing season.”
As detailed in the complaint, Intuit engaged in a years-long marketing campaign centered on the promise of “free” services. These ads have run during major events, including the Super Bowl, and have also aired during this year’s NCAA Basketball Tournament
TurboTax Ad Screenshot
In spite of this advertising, many consumers who took the time to gather their documents, entrust their personal information to Intuit, and begin the filing process found that they could not file their taxes for free.
For example, in at least one ad a disclaimer appeared on the screen while an announcer said “That’s right, TurboTax Free is free. Free, free free free.”
This year, consumers whose adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less can use products in the IRS Free File Program, which are offered by several different companies, to file their federal tax return and, in some instances, state tax return, entirely for free. More information about the Free File Program is available at irs.gov/freefile.
The Commission is asking a federal court to put an immediate halt to Intuit’s false advertising and has also authorized the filing of an administrative complaint alleging that the company’s practices are illegal. Both complaints allege that Intuit’s practices violate the FTC Act.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file both the administrative complaint and federal court complaint seeking preliminary relief was 3-1, with Commissioner Noah J. Phillips dissenting.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the court.
A Laurel woman was arrested and the search is on for a Seaford man after police say the two broke into a motel room and assaulted a man over the weekend.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident shortly before 9 p.m., Sunday when troopers responded to the Lakeside Motel on Sussex Highway for reports of an altercation.
Police arrived and determined Faedra Parker and her accomplice, 33-year-old Junior Dorvilier, of Seaford, forced their way into a motel room, occupied by a 25-year-old victim/acquaintance and physically assaulted him.
The victim sustained injuries to his head during the incident but refused medical treatment at the scene.
The two suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction in a vehicle belonging to Parker, according to police. Troopers, with the assistance of local police agencies, tried to locate the suspects but were unsuccessful. Troopers then obtained active warrants for the arrests of both of them.
On Monday, Parker turned herself into the Laurel Police Department and was charged with the following crimes: Burglary 1st Degree (Felony), Strangulation (Felony), Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony), and Assault Third Degree. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.
Dorvilier has not been located at this time and is currently wanted for Burglary 1st Degree (Felony), Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony), and Offensive Touching. He also has multiple active warrants for a vehicle pursuit that occurred in October, 2021. He is described as a black male with dreadlock-style hair, approximately 6’2” tall, and weighing approximately 175 pounds. He could possibly be in the Seaford or Laurel areas. Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police.
Republican candidate Chuck Welch has officially withdrawn from the Attorney General race amid health concerns.
In an interview Tuesday morning with TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree, Welch confirmed speculation and rumors that he was dropping out of the race due to health concerns related to his diabetes.
“We thought we could keep it under control,” Welch said referring to approval he got from his doctor prior to entering the race. “During the race, the lifestyle you’re leading, you’re up and down the state, your schedule’s off, you got odd hours, and things like that, my sugar kept climbing, and finally last week my doctor said ‘look, it’s time to face it, we’ve tried different medications, it’s not working, and it’s getting to the point where your numbers are high enough and it’s been long enough that it’s really going to start affecting your health.”
Welch said he sat down with his family and made the tough decision to withdraw from the race.
“After we talked it over, we just thought that staying healthy is more important than winning a campaign,” Welch said. “The most disappointing thing for me is the individuals I talked to who are disappointed about the fact that I’m no longer in the race. It’s a case that, it’s just a personal decision we had to make, and I’m sorry for their disappointment, but everybody has been very understanding and I appreciate that.”
When asked if he would throw his support behind his opponent, Julianne Murray, who following this news is now running unopposed for the Republican nomination, Welch was reluctant to give his endorsement.
“I can tell you that she [Murray] and I agree a lot on a lot of the issues, I just thought I was better prepared to go forward and run the office,” Welch said. “I’m not ready to endorse anybody at this time, I’m going to take some time off and think about the big picture. I’ll probably help with some local campaigns, and maybe later on I will but I’m not endorsing anybody at the current moment.”
Welch was born and raised in Delaware. He is a graduate of William Penn High School, the University of Delaware, and the Villanova University School of Law. He has been a member of the Bar of the Delaware Supreme Court for over 35 years. He started his legal career as a Deputy Attorney General, followed by a period of time in private practice where he engaged in a diverse general practice, including work as a criminal defense counsel and as an attorney for the Delaware House of Representatives.
As of this time, Julianne Murray is running unopposed against incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kathy Jennings.
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a second COVID-19 booster shot of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine for people ages 50 and up, and have received the previous booster at least four months prior.
The move comes while a variant of the omicron strain continues to spread in Europe and is found in the United States. However, states are reporting far lower numbers of infected individuals when compared to the winter spike in December and January.
During that winter wave that was blamed on the omicron variant, the CDC reports that the two-dose vaccine was roughly 80% effective against hospitalization. The booster pushed that number to 94%.
Previously, the FDA recommended a fourth vaccine for people 12 and up with underlying health issues and a weakened immune system. The new recommendations extend the booster to millions more.
According to the CDC, who is expected to act on the latest recommendation, over two thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated. Half of those have neglected to get the first booster shot.
The Delaware Division of Public Health reports today that 94% of the population 18 and over are fully vaccinated. Only 67% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.
The Council on Development Finance (CDF) on Monday approved eight Site Readiness Fund project applications totaling $6.2 million. The projects are located throughout the state with three each in New Castle County and Kent County and two in Sussex County.
Established through Senate Bill 127, the Site Readiness Fund promotes economic growth and stability by investing in the development or improvement of commercial and industrial sites to attract job-creating businesses.
“The Site Readiness Fund was created to help fund development or redevelopment of commercial and industrial sites across Delaware to spur economic growth and new business investment. With the funding approved today, these properties can be quickly converted to meet the needs of employers who will create quality jobs for Delawareans,” said Governor John Carney.
“By investing in these projects, we can ensure that Delaware remains competitive in attracting and retaining vital businesses that create opportunities for employment,” said Jordan Schulties, Director of the Division of Small Business. “In today’s competitive economy, it is more important than ever that we have tools like the Site Readiness Fund to help expand and sustain economic growth in our state.”
“The Site Readiness Fund allows us to be proactive in developing a ready supply of sites available to companies who choose to locate or expand in Delaware,” said Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership. “We are excited to see the projects receiving funding today develop over the coming months and look forward to the new jobs they will bring to Delaware.”
The Site Readiness Fund provides grants, loans or other economic assistance to qualified businesses or local governments that invest in constructing, renovating or improving commercial, industrial sites that are readily available to new businesses, established businesses that are considering moving to the state, or existing businesses within the state that need additional sites to remain or expand in Delaware.
The FY 2022 Bond Bill included $10 million to support the Site Readiness Fund. This is the first round of funding for the program.
The project applications approved for funding by the CDF on Monday include:
$1 million to the Chestnut Run Innovation and Science Park partners to modernize campus infrastructure of the Chestnut Run Innovation and Science Park, which was designed to combine research, advanced manufacturing operations and business incubation while cultivating relationships with local universities. Funding will be used to improve site lighting and utilities, paving and concrete, and for selective building demolition. $1 million to the City of Harrington for proposed redevelopment of an industrial park on three properties on U.S. Route 13 totaling 131 acres. Funding will be used for engineering and planning of the project and roadway and utility work. $1 million to Drawbridge Claymont to support the development of an industrial site on 58 acres at 6300 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. Funding will be used for demolition and engineering services. $1 million to E & D Holdings to support continued development of the Wyoming Business Center at 140 and 146 Southern Boulevard in Wyoming. Funding will be used to prepare the site, install infrastructure and utilities, and construct two new warehouse buildings. $1 million to Martin Property Development to support development of 112,000 square feet of flexible industrial warehouse space on 10.9 acres of commercial property in the Frankford Business Park. Funding will be used for civil engineering, earthwork, sitework, and utilities. $1 million to Sussex County to create new shovel-ready sites at the Delaware Coastal Business Park near Georgetown. Funding will be used for road improvements, utilities, and supporting infrastructure. $100,000 to the City of Milford to support planning for the development of an industrial/business park on a recently purchased 182-acre lot on Milford Harrington Highway. Funding will be used to develop a master plan, conduct a traffic impact study, and complete engineering design. $100,000 to Shanlan Corporation to support planning for the development of the St. Georges Logistics Center at 1870 Dupont Parkway in Middletown, which is conceptually designed to include three buildings totaling more than 2.5 million square feet of warehouse facilities. Funding will be used for engineering fees and transition surveying. Three additional Site Readiness Fund project applications requesting a total of $3 million will be considered at the next CDF meeting on April 25. If those projects are approved, the first round of Site Readiness funding will support 11 projects at a total of $9.2 million.
On March 24 Carlisle units responded to a reported MVC with entrapment on route 1 northbound. One patient was extricated and transported to the hospital by Helicopter. Carlisle received assistance from Station 49, Frederica Fire Company, Sussex County Paramedics, and Trooper 2 from the Delaware State Police. The patient was extracted in a short matter of time and the road was reopened approximately 45 minutes later.
Top Stories: 18-year-old killed, several injured in serious crash near Milton. $300 rebate proposed for taxpayers in Delaware to combat fuel costs. Wilmington man charged in shooting death of a Dover man.
Weather: Snow squalls will begin to dissipate as we get closer to the evening hours. A very cold night is ahead with breezy conditions. Another chilly day is in store tomorrow but a nice warm-up and thunderstorm chances are in the forecast for the second half of the week.
Wild turkey hunting in Delaware begins Saturday, April 2 with a one-day turkey hunt for youth ages 10 through 15 and for non-ambulatory hunters, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today – with the regular turkey hunting season opening Saturday, April 9 and running through Saturday, May 7.
Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday hunting allowed. Only bearded turkeys may be harvested, and the bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter each year, regardless of where and when harvested.
Youth participating in the one-day April 2 hunt must be 10 to 15 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older who has completed a Delaware-approved turkey hunter safety class and who possesses a Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN).
Accompanying adults may not hunt during the youth-day hunt. Regular-season turkey hunters under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult of 21 years of age or older who has completed a Delaware-approved turkey hunter safety class and who possesses a Delaware hunting license or LEN.
Non-ambulatory hunters who participate in the one-day hunt on April 2 must need a wheelchair for mobility.
Hunting regulations require that all harvested birds must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird was harvested. A list of turkey check stations is available at dnrec.delaware.gov and in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. Check station hours may vary, so hunters are advised to call the station to confirm hours of operation.
Hunters who want their bird scored and entered into National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) records are reminded to have their turkey’s weight recorded on a certified scale. For more information, see the NWTF website.
Hunting on state wildlife areas and in state forests during the spring regular turkey hunting season requires carrying a public land permit that was issued via preseason lottery, with the permit specifying the public lands and season segment/dates that can be hunted.
Hunters participating in the special turkey hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters on April 2 may hunt without a public land permit on those state wildlife areas and state forests open to turkey hunting during the regular turkey hunting season as indicated on pages 43 and 45 of the Hunting & Trapping Guide.
Additional information on hunting seasons and state wildlife areas is available in the Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Saturday night in the Milton area.On March 26, 2022, at approximately 8:02 p.m., a 2015 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by a 19-year-old Milford woman, was traveling westbound on Shingle Point Rd., approaching the intersection of Gravel Hill Road. At the same time, a 2009 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by a 43-year-old Smyrna man, was traveling northbound on Gravel Hill Road, approaching the intersection of Shingle Point Road. Traffic on Gravel Hill Road has the right-of-way in this area. On Shingle Point Road, just prior to the intersection, the eastbound and westbound lanes split, with the westbound lane making a sharp right curve. As the Chevrolet Cruz approached the sharp right curve in the roadway, for unknown reasons, the driver failed to negotiate the curve and entered the eastbound lane of travel, continuing westbound towards Gravel Hill Road. The Cruz then entered the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road, directly into the path of the Ford F-250. As a result, the front right of the Ford struck the front left of the Cruz in the northbound lane of Gravel Hill Road. After the collision, the Cruz came to rest upright, facing eastbound. The Ford exited the west edge of the roadway and overturned on its left side before striking a fence post and tree.The 19-year-old Milford woman driving the Cruz was properly restrained. She was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.An 18-year-old Rehoboth Beach woman was not properly restrained in the front right seat. Unfortunately, she sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.The 43-year-old Smyrna man driving the Ford was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash.A 41-year-old Smyrna woman was properly restrained in the front right seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the investigation was conducted. The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Nick DeMalto by calling 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
$1,120,000.00 Cash Bond for Suspect Arrested In Dover Murder
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit arrested Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, for the homicide that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man, was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when Marcus Bailey entered the backseat of the car. Marcus engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. Marcus then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police identified Marcus Bailey as the suspect involved in this shooting incident. On March 26, 2022, Marcus was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop in the Long Neck Wawa parking lot. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,120,000.00 cash bond.
Governor John Carney on Friday nominated Gregory R. Babowal to serve as Commissioner of the Court of Common Pleas in Kent County.
Currently, the Court of Common Pleas has two Commissioners. Commissioner Emily Ferrell is assigned to New Castle County, and Commissioner Donald R. Bucklin is assigned to Kent and Sussex counties. Babowal was nominated to a new commissioner position that will be assigned to Kent County. Commissioner Bucklin will focus upon Sussex County.
Babowal’s nomination must be confirmed by the Delaware Senate.
“Greg’s a hardworking prosecutor with the right experience to serve as Commissioner of the Court of Common Pleas in Kent County,” said Governor Carney. “I am pleased to submit his nomination to the Delaware Senate for confirmation, and look forward to the Senate’s vote.”
For more than twenty years, Babowal has worked in the Delaware Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General. Babowal’s experience includes prosecuting murder cases, violent felony cases, and felony drug cases. Babowal also has experience in private practice as a civil litigator with Tybout, Redfearn and Pell.
Babowal has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Wilmington University, Delaware State University, Wesley College, and Delaware Technical Community College.
Babowal graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, and earned his law degree from Widener University School of Law.
On March 24, patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to a domestic incident in the 600 block of Tamara Circle in the development of Harmony Hills. As the officer walked from his vehicle to the scene, a dog resembling a pit-bull terrier crossed the street and ran at the officer. The officer attempted to get back inside his vehicle, but the dog kept running at him.
Unfortunately, the officer was forced to draw his firearm and shoot the dog.
The dog was located and transported to a local animal hospital where it was treated for its wounds.
No civilians or officers were injured during this incident.
An investigation is ongoing.
If you have any video or information regarding this investigation, please contact the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
On Saturday, 3/26/2022, the First State Half Marathon will be taking place, in the City of Newark, with approximately 350-400 runners expected to participate. The course begins and ends on Orchard Road in the area of Amstel Avenue and will effect traffic in the following neighborhoods: Devon Binns, Oaklands, and Nottingham Green, as well as effecting traffic along West Park Place, East Park Place, Chrysler Avenue, Apple Road, Hillside Road, Casho Mill Road, and Barksdale Road. The race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM, with all roads being open and free of runners by approximately 12:00 PM. Please drive cautiously and watch for runners if you are in any of the effected areas.
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was arrested today on charges of devising a plot to engage in interstate murder-for-hire. According to court documents, Javier A. Rodriguez, age 47, hired a hitman to murder his ex-wife. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez made a down payment of $5,000 to another individual to pay for the hitman. Rodriguez also agreed to pay an additional $5,000 once the murder was completed.
Rodriguez is charged by criminal complaint with a violation of the federal murder-for-hire statute and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rodriguez appeared in federal court this afternoon before the Honorable Mary Pat Thynge, Chief Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware. Based on the Government’s motion, Rodriguez will be detained pending an additional hearing on the matter currently scheduled for March 31, 2022.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Violent Crime Taskforce, which is a partnership of law enforcement officers from the FBI, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Probation and Parole, and New Castle County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Ibrahim and Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe are prosecuting the case.
Top Stories: $300 rebate, gas tax holiday proposed by lawmakers to ease the pain at the pump in Delaware. Delaware State Police conducting a homicide investigation in Dover.
Weather: The sunshine has returned but much colder air is moving into the region this weekend. More showers in the forecast for Saturday with some small hail? Could very well be!
During FY2021 and amid a global pandemic, 60 development projects throughout the state were completed. The majority of projects were residential, furthering Delaware’s commitment to creating a range of housing opportunities that build a strong customer base for nearby businesses.
The remaining projects were divided between the rehabilitation of mixed-use or commercial buildings, a strategy proven to remove blight, increase the number and type of living options in downtown areas, and maintain a city’s unique identity.
“To date, 35 new homes have been built and half a dozen more are in the pipeline,” said Rob Pierce, Planning Director for the City of Milford. “The momentum from these investments has radiated outside of our downtown area. We’ve even seen an impact on our aging and neglected housing stock. Instead of tearing down the foundations and creating empty lots, DDD helps maintain the character of historic buildings in our city.”
The 60 projects, 55 large and 5 small, received a total of $2.5 million in state funds. In addition, $10 million in state funds were reserved for 17 large projects and are expected to leverage $250 million in private investment.
“Our town, like many others, was hit by a highway boom and our downtown area got left behind,” said Sara M. Bluhm, Economic Development and Community Engagement Administrator for the City of Milford. “Since being designated a Downtown Development District, we’ve seen several big investments in our commercial areas. We’re open for business again and our staff is enthusiastic to help others invest.”
The DDD program was created by legislation proposed by Governor Markell and passed unanimously in May 2014 by the General Assembly. Since its inception, the program has been a catalyst for private investment in Delaware’s downtowns, spurring 235 projects completed and placed in service. The districts include Clayton, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, New Castle, Seaford, Smyrna, and Wilmington.
Further development successes can be found on the program’s Story Map. Created in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Institute of Public Administration and the Office of State Planning Coordination, this interactive website details the DDD projects that have received rebates or are currently in the pipeline.
“Viable, stable community development is a critical part of DSHA’s mission and we are thrilled to steward this funding to support economic growth in downtown areas throughout the state,” said DSHA Director Eugene R. Young, Jr. “All that we have achieved in 2021 would not have been possible without our fantastic partners like The Division of Small Business, the Office of State Planning Coordination, University of Delaware, and many more. We look forward to continuing our efforts in 2022.”
Applications for 2022 Large Projects closed on Friday, January 28, 2022. Applications for 2022 Small Projects are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information on DDD, please visit the DSHA website. To read the full annual report, visit the DDD webpage
Dover Police and Delaware Probation and Parole arrested three people on drug charges after a traffic stop turned up heroin and PCP.
According to the Dover Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle driven by 38-year-old Mandy Jackson, of Camden, in the 500 Block of North DuPont Highway.
Police say 43-year-old Willie Wilson, of Felton, and 25-year-old Alyssa Harris, of Kenton, were passengers in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Officers located 1,114 bags of heroin and .7 grams of PCP inside the vehicle and took all three suspects into custody.
Jackson was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $82,200 secured bond on the following offenses: Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Drug Paraphernalia.
Wilson was committed to SCI on a $62,400 cash bond on the following offenses: Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of PCP, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Drug Paraphernalia.
Harris was released on an O.R. bond on the following offenses: Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of PCP, and Local Fugitive.
Yesterday, (Mar 24) patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Wayne Way in the community of Villages at Fairview Farms. When the officers arrived, they met with the parents of 17-year-old Savita Conner. The officers learned that Savita left the residence earlier and has not returned. They also learned that she has medical conditions that cause a concern for her welfare.
Savita Conner
Savita is reported to be 5’0, 150lbs with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red & black in color Red Lion Christian Academy cheerleading jacket.
Police are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Savita Conner to please contact the New Castle County Division of Police by dialing (302) 573-2800 or visit our website at http://www.NCCPD.com, or (IM) on the New Castle County Police Facebook page.
Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred outside a New Castle gas station Thursday afternoon.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a 33-year-old Smyrna man arrived at Valero located at 891 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle, to get fuel. He pulled his vehicle into the diesel pump before realizing he was at the wrong pump. He reversed his car to another gas pump when a black male standing outside of a passenger vehicle parked at a nearby gas pump fired multiple rounds at the victim as he was still reversing. The victim immediately placed his car in drive, fled the area, and drove to a nearby hospital. The victim was struck multiple times and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
After the shooting, the unknown suspect fled the area northbound onto Bear Road. There is currently no suspect information or surveillance footage available.
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 Det. Amy Bange by calling 302-365-8411. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
Top Stories: Delaware transgender sports bill for schools defeated in committee. Flags lowered to half-staff to honor Madeline Albright’s passing. And Delaware to issue emergency benefits once more.
Weather: More rain is in the forecast going into the evening hours tonight. We will see a bit more sunshine tomorrow before a pretty decent cool-down happens this coming weekend.
To combat rising fuel costs, a bipartisan bill has been submitted that would give every taxpaying Delawarean a direct $300 payment from its nearly $1 billion revenue surplus.
The bill is backed by both Republicans and Democrats and has support from Governor John Carney. The bill is expected to swiftly pass and signed by the Governor in April.
“Like most of the country, Delaware has weathered a difficult storm during the pandemic. Our economic recovery has been strong in many ways, but it has also slammed residents with new challenges of increasing costs in almost every facet of their life,” House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst announced on her Facebook page on Thursday. “That’s why I’m proud to announce that legislators and the governor have reached an agreement that will provide $300 in direct payments to every Delawareans who filed a 2020 tax return.”
Last week, Republican lawmakers proposed a $100 payment from the revenue surplus. The calls for a payment was made after an attempt to suspend Delaware’s gas tax, similar to Maryland’s 30-day gas tax holiday. However, the holiday would be illegal because the tax is tied to bonds with the state’s Transportation Trust Fund.
Gas prices have seen a meteoric rise since the Ukraine-Russian conflict and increase demand. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, the average price for a tank of gas in Delaware was $4.00 a gallon, compared to $2.76 a gallon just a year ago. Diesel is just under $5 a gallon at $4.93 a gallon.
“Everyone is feeling the pinch when it comes to filling up their vehicles,” Georgetown State Senator Brian Pettyjohn tells TV Delmarva, the primary sponsor of the gas tax holiday bill.
This is a working story. We will update as we get more information.
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a homicide investigation that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when an unknown male entered the backseat of the car. The male engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. The unknown male suspect then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.
At this time, there is no suspect information available. Delaware State Police Homicide Unit asks anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident to contact Det. Mark Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
Delaware State Police Troop 6 is issuing a Gold Alert for Nina Leona Caulk, 40, of New Castle County. Nina was last seen on March 19, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., in the area of Ogletown Stanton Rd., Newark, with her newborn daughter. Attempts to locate Nina have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for Nina and her newborn daughter’s safety.
Nina is described as a light skin black female, black hair, brown eyes, 123 lbs., and approximately 5’06” tall.
The only descriptive information available regarding the infant is she is a black female that is approximately 1 week old. (No photograph is available).
Nina and the infant are possibly traveling in an unknown vehicle in Virginia.
Delaware State Police arrested Derrick Stevens, 33, and Alexis Wierzbicki, 21, both of Wilmington, DE, on drugs and weapon charges following a week-long drug investigation.
Delaware State Police New Castle County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) members conducted a drug investigation at the Red Roof Inn located at 415 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, after receiving information of illegal drug sales taken place at a motel room. On March 23, 2022, at approximately 9:35p.m., Governor’s Task Force (GTF) members located two subjects identified as Alexis Wierzbicki and Derrick Stevens leaving their motel room and took them into custody without incident. Subsequently, troopers executed a search warrant on the motel room and discovered a loaded .38 Special Smith & Wesson Revolver, approximately .4 grams of crack cocaine, approximately .46 grams of heroin, and over $500 in suspected drug proceeds.
Alexis Wierzbicki
Stevens and Wierzbicki were transported to Troop 2 where they were charged with the following crimes:
Derrick Stevens
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony)- 2 counts
Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited Previously Convicted of a Violent Involving Physical Injury (Felony)
Possession of a Weapon by Person Prohibited and a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)- 2 Counts
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Stevens was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $43,500 cash bond.
Alexis Wierzbicki
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Weapon by Person Prohibited and a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)- 2 Counts
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Wierzbicki was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on $36,000 unsecured bond.
The New Castle County Department of Public Works repaired a force main break, which caused wastewater to overflow and spill into the Nonesuch Creek and Christina River.
The overflow occurred when the force main ruptured near 419 Old Airport Road in New Castle. The wastewater spill was reported to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Wednesday, March 23.
The New Castle County Department of Public Works worked through the night to stop the spill and repair the 36-inch force main line. The crew was able to bypass flow and close a valve to stop the leak. The repair of the line was completed around noon on Thursday, March 24.
DNREC Division of Water and New Castle County wastewater management staff are assessing bodies of water in the area impacted by the spill. Given the proximity to both the Christina River and the Nonesuch Creek, staff sampled upstream and downstream of both waterways.
The break was caused by a failed weld on a 24-inch air release stack.
To report environmental crimes and concerns in the state, the public may contact the DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit at 800-662-8802. For questions about this incident, contact the New Castle County Department of Public Works at 302-395-5700.
A Dover tax preparer has been indicted for allegedly filing false and fraudulent returns.
According to the indictment by the U.S. Attorneys for the District of Delaware, 54-year-old Harvey Walker is accused of preparing 23 fraudulent returns for eight clients over a four-year period. In those returns, Walker is accused of claiming deductions for charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses to show a business loss.
“When tax preparers abuse their knowledge and the trust that the system places in them by causing their clients to file false returns, it hurts everyone,” U.S. Attorney David Weiss says in a statement. “My office will not hesitate to prosecute those who counsel fraud and prepare false returns.”
Walker faces up to three years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each count if convicted.
TV Delmarva Channel 14 News has been awarded first place for best television newscast and special programming by the Delaware Press Association as part of the 2022 Professional Communications Contest.
Award recipients were officially announced Wednesday where TV Delmarva was awarded the honor of first place for “Best Television Newscast” and first place for “Special Programming” for television in the State of Delaware.
The honor was awarded for TV Delmarva’s newscast that aired on December 6, 2021, less than a month after our station launched our hyper-local newscast that has viewers tuning in daily in anticipation of hard-hitting, investigative news stories and real-time, accurate weather forecasting by our team that prides themselves on serving the people of Delaware.
Colin Walls, owner and general manger of TV Delmarva, has been at the forefront of all programming and was elated to learn of the accomplishment. He praised the news and weather team:
“When we set out to do a daily newscast we decided to focus on stories that were not being told. We jumped in head first, and have not looked back,” Walls said. “The honor of this award goes to the TV Delmarva Crew, and to the people who have asked us to tell their stories, when they felt their voices were not being heard.”
TV Delmarva News Director and Investigate Journalist Rob Petree, who was not only awarded the honor of best newscast for his work anchoring but was also awarded first place for Special Programming for an investigative piece on the Indian River School District, was thrilled to learn of the news and vowed to continue to fight for the people and provide a voice for issues concerning Delaware:
“I do what I do everyday in an effort to make a positive difference here in Delaware,” Petree said. “I learned early on in my career that when you take a position of influence in the media, you’re in a real position to effect change and help a lot of people. This recognition solidifies the commitment I have to always stand up for the people and be their champion. I am honored to work alongside such true, passionate professionals at a station that actually cares.”
TV Delmarva’s Chief Meteorologist Hunter Outten was overjoyed to learn that he was recognized for his daily dedication to providing the most accurate, dynamic weather forecast on Delmarva. He reflected on his journey to get here and thanked everyone who helped made this incredible achievement possible:
“I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish in a short amount of time. We have been able to make a difference in the community in a very short amount of time as underdogs. We are making our statement known that we are here to serve our community and to let your voice be heard. The Delmarva Region has always been an important part of my life and progress into meteorology,” Outten said. “To know that I am helping to make it a safe and informative community when disastrous weather strikes these last 12 years. A big thank you to every single one of you who continue to push me to my greatest potential and being able to serve this community with dependability.”
Jonathan Mistrot, TV Delmarva’s lead news reporter and fill-in anchor, who also won in several student categories as well, said he was humbled by the achievement and vowed to continue to work hard to make a difference in the community through passionate, in-depth news coverage that makes a real difference here on Delmarva:
“When I came onboard TV Delmarva, I didn’t expect to have such an impact as we did right out of the gate. It’s a testament to the kinds of stories we provide our viewers with a focus on local issues,” Mistrot said. “It’s been a rough couple years for all of us and the news cycle is the busiest its ever been, but we had a job to do and we get it done each newscast. I’m absolutely humbled to receive this award and look forward to continuing the great work we do at TV Delmarva!”
On behalf of everyone who made this possible, TV Delmarva News would like to thank all of our station’s staff, the Delaware Press Association, and most importantly the great people of Delaware, for making this honor and achievement a reality.
The Lewes Transit Center is a nominee for “America’s Best Bus Stop”, and is now looking for your vote.
In the spirit of this year’s NCAA tournament, StreetBlog is holding a single-elimination tournament to crown the best bus station in the nation.
“The Lewes transit center, which does, indeed, run peak service during the summer months to get families to the seaside without clogging up area roads, pretty much fits that description — and if your idea of a great bus stop is one that expands shared transportation to more people without skimping on the amenities, this might be your pick,” StreetBlog says about the center.
Voting will open up soon for the first-round, which will send one bus stop to the finals. The Lewes Transit Center faces fierce competition with Cambridge, Massachusetts and Mississauga, Ontario. You can vote and view results here.
Construction on the transit center first began in 2016 and was operational in 2017. It was part of Dart First State’s initiative to provide better public transportation and transit center hubs across the state.
BREAKING NEWS | Delaware bill introduced to suspend gas tax. Meanwhile, Sen. Coons praises Biden’s Supreme Court pick, and Surf Bagel is coming to Milford!
Weather: Rain will continue to overspread the region tonight and pick up in intensity. Rain will be heavy times throughout the night into the morning hours Thursday. Don’t be surprised to hear a couple of rumbles of thunder as well.
Top Stories: Kim Petters officially files to run for State Senate. Attorney General candidate Chuck Welch crime plan for Delaware.
Weather: Clouds will be on the increase tonight with rain chances for Wednesday into Thursday. Not to mention a big cool-down expected towards the weekend.
Republican Attorney General Candidate Chuck Welch has released a detailed plan to combat violent crime in Delaware.
The multi-faceted plan, released Monday, would bring law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders together to seriously begin making crime illegal again in Delaware.
In the attached initiative, Welch, a former Kent County Judge and State Representative, promises within 30 days of being elected that he will form an Attorney General’s Urban Violence Task Force, with the goal to reduce both long term and short term urban violence. The task force will consist of three components: 1.) Investigation, 2.) Prosecution, and 3.) Community Based Research.
The Task Force will be led by Welch’s Chief Deputy Attorney General and will be supported by the State Prosecutor and the State Solicitor. It will be funded through the reallocation of current Department of Justice monies, federal grants, and the implementation of previously funded studies dealing with urban violence.
“My goal is to assemble the best legal and law enforcement professionals available, together with community leaders, to address the ever increasing rates of violent crime in Delaware,” Welch said. “We need to turn these rates around. Only then can the people of Delaware feel safe.”
Welch’s initiative references a 2015 report released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) entitled “Elevated Rates of Urban Firearm Violence and Opportunities for Prevention-Wilmington, Delaware.”
The study found that Wilmington, Delaware had one of the highest homicide rates of any major city in the United States, some years as high as fourth overall.
As of December 12, 2021, 148 people had been shot for the year in Wilmington alone, and shooting homicides were at an all time high. In the initiative, Welch vows that reducing violent crime in our urban areas and throughout Delaware will be “Job Number One” in his administration.
“We can and certainly must do a better job of addressing the violence plaguing Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Seaford and all other parts of the First State,” Welch stated in the report. “I intend to do my part and intend for the Department of Justice to do its part in the effort to reduce the rate of violent crime in our state. We must do a better job protecting Delawareans than we are doing under our current Attorney General.”
Chuck Welch is running against opponent Julianne Murray for the Republican nomination of Attorney General for the State of Delaware.
Delaware veteran and parents rights advocate Kim Petters has officially filed to run for State Senate.
Petters has been a champion for parental rights in the First State, standing up to the government establishment on a host of issues. TV Delmarva got a chance to sit down with Petters on Tuesday morning right after she filed to run for the Republican nomination to represent the 16th Senate District.
“I’m excited,” Petters said enthusiastically while sitting outside the elections office in Dover after she filed to run. “It’s time for a change! It’s time for fresh, new, innovative ideas, and I have solutions to bring to the table.”
Petters, an Iraqi war veteran, spoke about her time serving the country and what led to her decision to run for a seat in the Delaware General Assembly.
“I’m a retired military veteran, I served our country and fought during Iraqi Freedom,” Petters explained. “I am a mother to four beautiful children across the Caesar Rodney School District. I have been a voice for veterans, I have spoken out against unconstitutional gun laws. I am also the President of our state’s largest, most active women’s second amendment supporting group, and that barely scratches the surface, and I’m ready, it’s time for fresh, new blood.”
Petters is both the founder and President of the State’s largest and most active women’s 2nd amendment group, the Women’s Defense Coalition.
“People should support me because I’m not just another career politician, I am one of you,” Petters emphasized. “I am among this community, living this life, and my children actually do attend these schools. I understand what it’s like to be a middle-class Delawarean and I am here to help you.”
Petters is running against incumbent Senator Colin Bonini, this marks the first time anyone has ever primaried him in a Senate race.
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit arrested Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, for the homicide that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
