TV Delmarva CHANNEL 33 WOWZ

Tag: News

  • Troopers Arrest Six Subjects Following Vehicle Pursuit

    Troopers Arrest Six Subjects Following Vehicle Pursuit

    Delaware State Police have arrested one adult and five juveniles following a felony shoplifting investigation that began yesterday afternoon and ended with a vehicle pursuit.

    On October 10, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., troopers were alerted to a shoplifting that had just occurred at the Under Armour outlet in Rehoboth Beach, located at 36698 Bayside Outlet Drive. Dispatchers advised troopers that the suspects had fled from the area in a blue 2013 Chevrolet Equinox that had been seen traveling northbound on Coastal Highway. Troopers located the Equinox on Coastal Highway in the area of Broadkill Road and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. However, the operator of the Equinox failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device near the intersection of Coastal Highway and Bakersfield Road. The Equinox subsequently became disabled and came to a stop in the 10000 block of Coastal Highway. All six occupants then fled from the vehicle on foot. With the assistance of the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, troopers were able to locate and take all six individuals into custody.

    The Chevrolet Equinox was found to have been reported as stolen on October 7, 2022, by Delaware State Police Troop 9. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over $2,000 worth of merchandise shoplifted from Under Armour and approximately .019 grams of marijuana. No injuries were reported in this incident, and the stolen vehicle was successfully recovered by the Delaware State Police.

    All six suspects were transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following offenses:

    1. 16-year-old male juvenile:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Numerous traffic charges

    The 16-year-old male juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $2,516 secured bond.

    2. 17-year-old male juvenile:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Resisting Arrest

    The 17-year-old male juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on his own recognizance.

    Terrance Selby
    Terrance Selby

    3. Terrance Selby, 20, of Dover, Delaware:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Attempted Theft Under $1,500 Where Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Resisting Arrest

    Selby was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on $10,200 unsecured bond.

    4. 17-year-old male juvenile:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest

    The 17-year-old male juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on his own recognizance.

    5. 17-year-old male juvenile:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Resisting Arrest

    The 17-year-old juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on $2,101 unsecured bond.

    6. 17-year-old male juvenile:

    • Organized Retail Crime Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Criminal Trespass Second Degree

    The 17-year-old male juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on his own recognizance.

  • Shooting at Roma’s Pizza Leaves One Injured

    Shooting at Roma’s Pizza Leaves One Injured

    The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting at Roma’s Pizza that left a Dover man injured Sunday evening. At approximately 4:41 p.m., the Dover Police Department received a call for a shooting at Roma’s Pizza. Officers responded and located an adult male victim, of Dover, DE, who had been shot in his upper torso. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he received treatment and was listed in stable condition. Detectives arrived on scene and located one .22 caliber shell casing inside of the restaurant and five 9mm casings outside of the restaurant. Through the investigation, it was determined that someone fired the .22 caliber gun inside of the store striking the victim. After this shot was fired, several people ran from the store. After the .22 caliber was fired inside and people began to run, another individual fired the five shots from the 9mm outside of the store. No other victims were located  and the identity of the suspects is currently unknown an. No  suspect description is available at this time.

    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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

    If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance.  You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: [email protected]

  • State Police Investigate Shooting in Bar Parking Lot

    State Police Investigate Shooting in Bar Parking Lot

    Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred outside of a New Castle bar on early Friday morning.

    On October 7, 2022, at approximately 1:31 a.m., troopers responded to the Paradigm Sports Bar, located at 3800 North Dupont Highway, regarding a shooting that had occurred. The ensuing investigation revealed that a 41-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware had been shot in his right leg while he was standing in the parking lot of the bar. The victim was driven to an area hospital by an acquaintance for emergency medical treatment. No other individuals were injured.

    There is currently no description of the suspect and no surveillance images are available.

    The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigation Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective C. Strecker by calling 302-834-2620. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • ARREST – Police Presence at Newark High School

    ARREST – Police Presence at Newark High School

    On October 6, 2022, at about 1308 hours, Newark Police School Resource Officers (“SRO”) assigned to Newark High School became aware of a disturbance in the building where there were was a report that subjects were trying to enter the school through an entrance other than the main entrance.  While investigating that report, the SROs became aware that there may be a subject in the school armed with a firearm.  School officials locked down the school while additional Newark Police Officers responded to the school to assist in the investigation.

    During the investigation, officers learned the identity of the reportedly armed suspect and determined that he was a student at the school.  Further investigation determined that the subject had likely fled the building.  School officials were able to dismiss students at normal time in a staggered manner to limit the number of students in the halls at one time.

    Newark Police went to the suspect’s Newark residence.  Based upon evidence and witness statements at the scene, officers determined that a shooting had just occurred outside that residence.  The victim of that shooting left the scene in a private vehicle and abandoned that private vehicle on Possum Park Road, where a passerby picked-up that victim and drove him to an area hospital for treatment.  This shooting occurred in an area of Newark within New Castle County Police jurisdiction.  The New Castle County Division of Police assumed that investigation and any inquiries as to the shooting should be directed to that agency.

    While Newark Police were on scene at the suspect’s residence, they contacted the suspect.  He was found to be suffering from a medical incident unrelated to the shooting and was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment.

    Newark Police Detectives assumed the investigation into the initial report of the suspect with a gun at Newark High School.  Detectives determined that a female student approached another student, determined to be the victim in this case.  The female student tried to get the victim to exit the building to fight the suspect.  The suspect then approached the victim and pulled up his sweatshirt, displaying a handgun in his waistband, while threatening harm to the victim.

    Newark Police Detectives executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and located a handgun.

    Upon his release from the hospital, the suspect, a 16 year-old male from Newark, was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Juvenile
    • Aggravated Menacing
    • Terroristic Threatening

    The suspect appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $16,000 cash bail. He was turned over to the custody of the New Castle County Detention Center in Wilmington.

  • Police Presence at Newark High School

    Police Presence at Newark High School

    Newark Police currently have an increased presence at Newark High School following a report of a possibly armed student in the school. The student has been identified and investigation reveals he has likely left the school. Newark Police and school staff are working to dismiss students in a staggered manner at normal time.

    Parents are asked NOT to respond to the school at this time.

    This incident is developing and further information will be released as it is available.

  • State Police Arrest Man for Knife-Point Robbery

    State Police Arrest Man for Knife-Point Robbery

    Delaware State Police have arrested 61-year-old Jeffrey Cagle of Newark, Delaware following a robbery investigation that began on Saturday evening.

    On October 1, 2022, at approximately 9:43 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the Dash In convenience store located at 1148 Christiana Road in Newark regarding a robbery. The ensuing investigation revealed that a male suspect had entered the business and presented a demand note to the clerk. The suspect then approached the clerk and began attacking her. The victim was able to stab the suspect before he fled from the store on foot. The clerk was treated at an area hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.

    Through investigative means, it was determined that Jeffrey Cagle was the suspect of the robbery. On October 4, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Cagle was contacted during a traffic stop in Newark and taken into custody without incident. Cagle was transported to Christiana Hospital for treatment of his stab wounds. While at the hospital, he was charged with the following crimes:

    • Attempted Robbery First Degree (Felony)
    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

    Cagle was arraigned via videophone by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $28,000 cash bond.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Smyrna area on Sunday evening.

    On October 2, 2022, at approximately 7:15 p.m., a black 2010 Harley-Davidson FXD motorcycle was traveling northbound on Dupont Parkway north of Paddock Road approaching the Smyrna Rest Area. For unknown reasons, the operator lost control of the vehicle and the motorcycle began sliding on its side. At this time, the Harley-Davidson was struck by another unknown vehicle, causing the motorcycle to be redirected towards the entrance to the Smyrna Rest Area, where it came to rest in the right northbound lane of Dupont Parkway. The second vehicle subsequently fled the scene.

    Both the operator of the motorcycle, identified as 53-year-old Charles Green of Wilmington, Delaware, and the passenger, identified as 53-year-old Michele Baxendale of Wilmington, Delaware, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Both individuals were later pronounced deceased. The driver, make, and model of the second vehicle remain unidentified at this time. Dupont Parkway was closed for approximately four hours while the roadway was cleared and the collision was investigated.

    *Traffic Advisory* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Collision in Smyrna

    The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Milford Man Arrested With Firearm After Fight Downtown

    Milford Man Arrested With Firearm After Fight Downtown

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Robert Monteagudo-Espinosa, 25, of Milford, DE with a firearm following a fight early Sunday morning. The investigation began when an officer on patrol heard a disturbance in the area of the Golden Fleece Tavern. The officer exited his patrol vehicle and located a fight in a rear parking lot. It was reported by witnesses that someone involved in the fight was in possession of a firearm. The officer was able to successfully break of the fight and take Monteagudo-Espinosa into custody without incident as a result. A black 9mm Taurus handgun was located on the ground in the location where the fight occurred. Through the ensuing investigation, it was determined that Monteagudo-Espinosa possessed the firearm.

    Monteagudo-Espinosa was arraigned through JP#7 and committed to SCI on $4,100 secured bail on the following charges:
    -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
    -Aggravated Menacing
    -Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
    -Disorderly Conduct

    Robert Monteagudo-Espinosa Milford, DE

  • Delaware State Police Investigate Highway Shooting In Dover

    Delaware State Police Investigate Highway Shooting In Dover

    Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the Dover area on Tuesday evening.

    On September 27, 2022, at approximately 11:43 p.m., troopers responded to a report of shots fired on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (State Route 1) just north of Exit 95. The ensuing investigation revealed that a truck occupied by three subjects had been traveling southbound on Route 1 when the rear window of the vehicle was struck by gunfire. No vehicles were contacted by the victims, and no suspect was located or identified. None of the three occupants, which included a 22-year-old male from Dover, a 21-year-old female from Dover, and an 18-year-old male from Dover, were injured in this incident.

    The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective R. Costlow by calling 302-697-4454. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Hurricane Ian Threatens The Southeast-Mid Atlantic

    Hurricane Ian Threatens The Southeast-Mid Atlantic

    Update on Hurricane Ian:

    Well ladies and gentlemen, looks like we finally got our drought busting storm on the table for this upcoming weekend. Dangerous Major Hurricane Ian just passed over Cuba and was completely unphased and it’s full steam ahead toward the west coast of Florida. Ian is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Florida coast as a major hurricane and continue to move towards the northeast. Beyond that point is where things get very cruical.

    Forecast Tracks Means Everything Regarding Impacts

    Over the last 12 hours, forecast guidance has been taking Ian a bit further east away from the Panhandle of Florida. Even south of Tampa Bay where that has been the biggest threat in the past day or two. Now barreling in through Central Florida. Beyond that is where things get very complicated in the track.

    NHC Future Track For Hurricane Ian

    The reason Ian has had a big shift east is because of a large trough over Eastern Canada driving the atmospheric flow further east. But that wont last long. A strong surface high is going to be replacing the trough across the Great Lakes and Northeast USA. This tells Ian, oh no you are not going anywhere and bring the hurricane back towards the northwest due to the blocking high. The real question comes in too, does this go off the coast of Florida enough to gain a little bit of steam before rotating back into the Carolina’s? Very possible. Regardless the storms center will struggle to advance north past the Mid-Atlantic states. So the only place it can go is off our coast! Just like a nor’easter!

    Impacts For Delmarva As Of Now

    Impacts of Ian should be moving into the area beginning late Friday into Saturday morning with onshore flow and the rain bands. Although winds will be steady from the east, each high tide should be watched since this has the potential for being a long duration event especially for our coastal locations. Seas will be building as the pressure gradient begins to tighten up from the remnants of Ian slamming into the high pressure to the north.

    The biggest issue I’m seeing right now is the amount of rain we could be seeing. We have multiple areas of moderate and severe drought here on Delmarva. With some of the model guidance and the latest from the WPC (Weather Prediction Center), we could be looking at some decent rainfall amounts. WPC being very bullish with areas of 5-10 inches over the course of the next several days. GFS/ECMWF showing a range of 4-7 inches by Tuesday. Which would be enough for inland flooding concerns.

    Winds will be slowly increasing as the days go on. Nothing major but wind gusts 30-40 mph starting Saturday through Tuesday will be the biggest problems for our coastal regions.

    Plenty of more details need to be ironed out as we get closer to the weekend regarding full impact of Ian here on Delmarva.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision involving a cyclist that occurred in the Lewes area on Saturday evening.

    On September 24, 2022, at approximately 6:40 p.m., a male pedalcyclist was traveling westbound on Fisher Road along the edge of the roadway approximately 0.5 miles west of Beaver Dam Road. At the same time, an unknown make and model white truck with a utility body was traveling westbound on Fisher Road approaching the cyclist’s location. For unknown reasons, the right side of the truck struck the cyclist near the edge of the roadway. The victim was propelled into a grassy area off the road, and the truck continued westbound and failed to stop at the scene.

    The pedalcyclist, a 62-year-old male from Milton, Delaware, sustained serious injuries. He was transported via ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The operator of the white truck remains unidentified. The suspect vehicle may possibly be a 2004-2008 Ford utility truck, and it should have damage to its right front headlight assembly and passenger-side mirror.

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident, and no other injuries were reported. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

    The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal J. Smith by calling 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Police Pursuit Leads to Felony Arrest

    Police Pursuit Leads to Felony Arrest

    Crystal Brummell, 36, of Laurel, DE

    On September 15th, 2022 at approximately 1:30pm Laurel Police Department was dispatched to the Laurel Elementary School in reference to a criminal mischief complaint. The investigation determined that a female subject identified as Crystal Brummell, 36, of Laurel, DE, had allegedly slashed tires of two school employee’s vehicles after a school-related disagreement. During the incident, it is also alleged that Brummell threatened a school official. Brummell was later arrested for the incident, and issued a no-contact order with the school. The criminal mischief case is still pending in court, and Brummell is assumed to be innocent until proven guilty. However, a condition of her release was a no-contact order to ensure victim safety.

    On September 20th, 2022 at approximately 7:40am, officers on patrol observed Brummell parked on Evergreen Drive near Laurel Elementary School. Evergreen Drive directly borders the school, constituting a violation of the no-contact order from the above incident. At approximately 8:26am, a Laurel Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Brummell’s vehicle for the observed violation. Brummell failed to stop for police signal, and fled down multiple residential streets in the area of Little Creek Apartments on W 7th Street in Laurel. The vehicle pursuit was discontinued in the interest of public safety. Officers attempted to have Brummell turn herself in on this incident to avoid any further incident however she declined.

    Later that same day at approximately 2:56pm, another officer on patrol observed Brummell’s vehicle in the area of Georgetown Road and Sussex Highway, Laurel. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, and Brummell again fled in her vehicle while disregarding police signal. Brummel failed to stop at the red light at Sussex Highway and fled Eastbound on County Seat Highway from officers. Brummel eventually pulled to the right shoulder, where officers attempted to take her into custody. Brummell failed to follow lawful orders given to her to affect an arrest, and again fled Eastbound in her vehicle. Officers successfully deployed stop sticks in front of Brummell’s vehicle, which deflated three of four tires. The vehicle became disabled after almost colliding with a police vehicle while reversing, and officers again attempted to take Brummell safely into custody. Brummell continued to resist arrest, and was taken into custody after a taser deployment by arresting officers. It was determined that during the pursuit, Brummell had multiple children in the vehicle who were not injured during the incident.

    Brummell was evaluated by EMS as a precaution due to the taser deployment and declined further treatment or transport to a medical facility. She was transported to the Laurel Police Department and charged with the following:

    Disregarding Police Signal x2 (Class G Felony)

    Resisting Arrest x2 (Class A Misdemeanor)

    Endangering the Welfare of a Child x4 (Class A Misdemeanor)

    Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree x4 (Class A Misdemeanor)

    Breach of Release (Misdemeanor)

    Related Traffic Offenses

    Brummell was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $15,000 cash only bail for all charges.

    At this time, Brummell is charged with the above crimes and believed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

  • Crime Alert – Increase in Catalytic Converter Thefts

    Crime Alert – Increase in Catalytic Converter Thefts

    Over the past 48 hours, Newark Police have received 6 reports of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles.  Five of the thefts occurred during the overnight hours, while one theft occurred during daytime hours.  Notably, five of the involved vehicles were Toyota Priuses.

    The following is a breakdown of the recent cases:

    LocationTimeframeVehicle Type
    300-block Hillside RoadOvernightToyota Prius
    Wharton Drive – (3) reportsOvernightToyota Prius
    Christina Mill DriveOvernightToyota Prius
    Park & Ride (E. Chestnut Hill Rd.)DaytimeFord Escape

    The Newark Police Department needs the public’s assistance to stop these crimes.  Please call Newark Police immediately if you see suspicious activity related to thefts of catalytic converters.  This activity may include:

    • A vehicle pulled up close to another vehicle
    • A vehicle on jacks or blocks in a parking space
    • A person laying under a vehicle or a vehicle otherwise being worked on in a parking lot

    Likely targets of catalytic converter thefts include vehicles that sit higher off the ground like an SUV.  The Toyota Prius and Honda Element are also targets due to the amount of precious metals in the catalytic converter.

    Some tips to avoid being the victim of a catalytic converter theft include:

    1. Engrave your vehicle’s license plate number or VIN onto your catalytic converter.  This could help deter its sale to a scrap dealer and allow for identification of the owner.
    2. Park in well-lit areas
    3. Park in a garage if available
    4. Install an anti-theft device
    5. Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area
    6. Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers

    Additional information about catalytic converter thefts can be found here: carfax.com, kbb.com

  • Governor Carney, Keep Delaware Beautiful, Delaware Department of Transportation Launch Litter Free School Zone Program

    Governor Carney, Keep Delaware Beautiful, Delaware Department of Transportation Launch Litter Free School Zone Program

    CAMDEN WYOMING, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday launched a new program encouraging students to keep their communities litter free. The program – “Litter Free School Zones” – was launched in coordination with Keep Delaware Beautiful and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). This was launched in coordination with the “Keep DE Litter Free” initiative.

    The Litter Free School Zone program is designed to encourage students to keep their school grounds litter-free and to raise public awareness regarding litter. Every school in the state is encouraged to join the movement to keep Delaware litter free.

    “The Litter Free School Zone program asks children to ‘think globally and act locally,’ something that stuck with me from when I was younger,” said Governor Carney. “We know that children are the conduit to change and that we can help create positive lasting habits in our youth that will carry over past their time at school and into their communities. Picking up litter makes an immediate and noticeable difference. It connects us to each other and makes us feel part of something bigger.”

    “Children play an important role in Keeping DE Litter Free. This program will continue to instill pride in our schools. As stewards of their school campuses, our students’ commitment to be litter free spills over to the community and neighborhoods,” said Dr. Christine Alois, Superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District.

    In order to become a Litter Free School Zone, each school is asked to conduct two litter clean ups as a campus. Students are also asked to track the types of litter collected to help determine future messaging about litter. At the culmination of the two campus wide litter clean ups DelDOT will provide a post and sign designating the school as a Litter Free School Zone. Students, clubs, and classes can participate in the Litter Free School Zone program.

    “Keeping schools litter-free is an easy and fun way for students to work together, learning valuable community leadership and responsibility skills while gaining a respect for the environment and the world around them,” said Michael Parkowski, Chairman of the Board of Keep DE Beautiful.

    Schools can sign up for the program  on Keep Delaware Beautiful’s website.

    Visit the Governor’s website to view the Litter Free School Zones event.

  • A Look Into Hurricane Fiona Via Saildrone

    A Look Into Hurricane Fiona Via Saildrone

    For the second year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Saildrone are hurricane chasing with uncrewed wind-powered vehicles. Saildrone Explorer SD 1078 was directed into the midst of Hurricane Fiona, which is currently on a path northward in the Atlantic Ocean and is predicted to impact Bermuda on Thursday night and the Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Friday. 

    Hurricane Fiona is the first Category 4 storm of the 2022 season. SD 1078 is battling 50-foot waves and winds measured over 100 mph to collect critical scientific data and, in the process, is providing a completely new view of one of Earth’s most destructive forces.

    Inside the storm, SD 1078 is sailing at sustained speeds over 9 mph. At one moment, it reached a peak speed of 39.7 mph before surfing down a massive 55-foot wave. 

    SD 1078 is one of seven “hurricane” saildrones that have been operating in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico during this hurricane season, gathering data around the clock to help understand the physical processes of hurricanes. This knowledge is critical to improving storm forecasting and is expected to reduce the loss of human life by enabling better preparedness in coastal communities.

    “Saildrone is once again demonstrating its ability to provide critical ocean data in the most extreme weather conditions. Hurricane Fiona intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane just before hitting Puerto Rico, causing significant damage and loss of life,” said Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO. “The data Saildrone vehicles are gathering will help the science community better understand rapid intensification, giving people living in our coastal communities more time to prepare.”

    Saildrone provides data directly to NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) and Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Saildrone’s partners in this mission.

    The seven saildrones are a part of a larger NOAA endeavor to understand hurricane intensification. NOAA also has underwater gliders, surface drifters, profiling floats, and aerial assets to collectively gain deeper insight than ever before into the development of hurricanes. NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft and weather buoys gather an array of operational weather observations that are essential to hurricane forecasts.

    “Uncrewed systems in the air, on the ocean surface, and underwater have the potential to transform how NOAA meets its mission to better understand the environment,” said Capt. Philip Hall, director of NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Operations Center, which is providing funding for the Saildrone effort. “These exciting emerging technologies provide NOAA with another valuable tool that can collect data in places we can’t get to with other observing systems.”

    SD 1078 is the fourth Saildrone USV to engage with Hurricane Fiona. It was still a tropical storm when it passed over SD 1083, stationed 400 nm east of Montserrat; the vehicle measured wind speeds gusting over 40 mph. The storm continued on a trajectory due west and had strengthened to a Category 1 as it passed over SD 1031, stationed just south of Puerto Rico, where Fiona first made landfall. The vehicle recorded waves up to 46 feet high and wind speeds over 70 mph, which dropped abruptly to as low as 10 mph when SD 1031 was in the eye of the storm. While inside the eye, SD 1031 recorded a minimum central pressure of 986 mb. Stationed north of Puerto Rico, SD 1040 recorded wind speeds over 60 mph and 40-foot waves on the edge of the storm. The data collected by the multiple Saildrone USVs interacting with Hurricane Fiona will provide invaluable information to help better understand the formation of these deadly weather systems.

    This is the second video footage Saildrone has released from inside a major hurricane: Last year, SD 1045 spent 24 hours inside Category 4 Hurricane Sam, sending back high-resolution video and images in near real time. SD 1045 made history when it sailed into Hurricane Sam, but in fact, all five vehicles in the 2021 mission contributed important insight into hurricane rapid intensification by sampling near other tropical storms—Fred, Grace, Henri, Mindy, and Peter.

    Main photo

    Image captured by SD 1078’s onboard camera on September 22, 2022, inside category 4 Hurricane Fiona.

  • Dover Man Arrested on Weapons Charges Following Traffic Stop

    Dover Man Arrested on Weapons Charges Following Traffic Stop

    The Dover Police Department arrested Leroy Fleming, a 39-year-old Dover man, on weapons and drug charges Wednesday afternoon following a traffic stop. At approximately 12:47 p.m., a patrol officer observed Fleming operating a vehicle in the area of West Division Street and South New Street while using a cellular device without utilizing handheld equipment. A traffic stop was conducted and upon contacting Fleming, officers detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers located 200 grams of marijuana and a stolen .357 revolver. Fleming was taken into custody without incident.

    Fleming was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to SCI on $108,000 cash bail on the following charges:

    -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2x)
    -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
    -Possession of a Stolen Firearm
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
    -Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 1 quantity
    -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    -Operating a vehicle while using a cellular phone
    -Failure to have insurance identification in possession

  • Troopers Arrest Three Subjects for Felony Shoplifting and Other Charges Following Pursuit

    Troopers Arrest Three Subjects for Felony Shoplifting and Other Charges Following Pursuit

    Delaware State Police have arrested 18-year-old Alexander Boysie of St. Albans, New York; 19-year-old Justin Ramsaran of South Richmond Hill, New York; and 20-year-old Ronnie Bridgelal of Brooklyn, New York, on numerous charges following a shoplifting investigation on Sunday morning.

    On September 18, 2022, at approximately 11:37 a.m., troopers were dispatched to Lowes, located at 20364 Plantation Road in Lewes, for a shoplifting complaint. Two Hispanic males were observed exiting the store with a large quantity of stolen copper wire and getting into a Chrysler 300 with Florida registration. The Chrysler, operated by a third male suspect, fled the area and began traveling northbound on Coastal Highway.

    Troopers observed the vehicle traveling northbound on Coastal Highway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle then made a U-turn and began traveling southbound at a high rate of speed on Coastal Highway. Troopers initiated a pursuit after the vehicle failed to stop. For the safety of the public and troopers, the pursuit was terminated. A short time later, troopers observed that the Chrysler had collided with a guardrail on Coastal Highway just south of Milton-Ellendale Highway. The impact of the collision caused the Chrysler to catch fire. The three suspects were observed running away from the collision scene. Troopers quickly apprehended the suspects near the Broadkill River.

    The investigation later revealed that a Honda Accord, operated by a 34-year-old male of Frederica, was traveling southbound in the left lane of Coastal Highway when the Chrysler’s front bumper struck the rear bumper of the Honda. The Chrysler then lost control and collided with a guardrail. A piece of the guardrail then impaled the windshield of a Ford Explorer traveling northbound on Coastal Highway. A 69-year-old male of Wilmington was operating the Ford Explorer. The operator of the Honda Accord and Ford Explorer were not injured during the collision. The three suspects did sustain minor injuries from the collision. They were transported to an area hospital, where they were treated and released.

    boysie
    Alexander Boysie

    Alexander Boysie:

    • Shoplifting Over $1500 (Felony)
    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief Over $5000 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest

    Alexander was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8500 cash bail.

    Ramsaran
    Justin Ramsaran

    Justin Ramsaran:

    • Shoplifting Over $1500 (Felony)
    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief Over $5000 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Reckless Endanger First Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Numerous Traffic Charges

    Justin was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $30,750 cash bail.

    Bridgelal
    Ronnie Bridgelal

    Ronnie Bridgelal:

    • Shoplifting Over $1500 (Felony)
    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief Over $5000 (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest

    Ronnie was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on an $8500 cash bail.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Harrington area this morning.

    *Traffic Advisory* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Collision – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

    On September 16, 2022, at approximately 6:12 a.m., a Ford pickup truck, operated by a 64-year-old male of Delaware, was traveling northbound on Prospect Church Road and had passed the intersection of Hammondtown Road. The vehicle then drifted off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a private residence, followed by a wooden clothesline post and a tree.

    The operator of the vehicle, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. No alcohol or drug usage is suspected to have been a factor. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

    The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the collision was being investigated. The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Cpl/3 J. Lane by calling 302-698-8457. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

  • State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision In Millsboro

    State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision In Millsboro

    Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Millsboro area on Wednesday afternoon.

    On September 14, 2022, at approximately 4:48 p.m., a red 2010 Ford F-150 pickup truck was stopped at a stop sign on westbound Beaver Dam Road at the intersection with Indian Mission Road. At the same time, a black Ford F-350 work truck was traveling northbound on Indian Mission Road approaching the intersection with Beaver Dam Road. For unknown reasons, the operator of the red F-150 proceeded into the intersection and into the travel path of the Ford F-350. As a result, the right front of the F-350 struck the left front of the F-150. The F-150 spun in a clockwise direction and came to rest on Indian Mission Road, while the F-350 traveled off the roadway and came to rest in a heavily wooded area.

    The operator of the red F-150, an 85-year-old male from Millsboro, Delaware, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The passenger of the red F-150, an 83-year-old female from Millsboro, Delaware, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she was admitted for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the black F-350, a 35-year-old male from Lincoln, Delaware, sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene.

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Home Invasion Robbery

    Delaware State Police Investigating Home Invasion Robbery

    Delaware State Police are currently investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the Oak Orchard area of Millsboro on Wednesday evening.

    On September 14, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., troopers responded to the River Winds community in Oak Orchard regarding a shooting. The ensuing investigation revealed that two armed suspects had entered a residence in the neighborhood and confronted several victims inside. The suspects demanded money from the victims and threatened to shoot them if they did not comply. While the two suspects were inside of the home, a concerned citizen approached the residence to check on the nature of the disturbance that was occurring. When the man confronted the two suspects, one of them shot several rounds towards him and his vehicle. The victim was not struck by any projectiles, but he suffered minor injuries from shattered windshield glass. The two suspects then fled from the area on foot. It was later discovered that one of the rounds that had been fired had struck a nearby residence that was occupied by two adults and three juveniles. No one in the home was injured.

    Troopers and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit conducted an extensive canvass of the surrounding areas in search of the suspects. One of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Marquise Bennett of Dover, Delaware, was located and taken into custody without incident. A search of Bennett revealed that he was in possession of approximately 27.67 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry of Bennett showed that he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Bennett was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Home Invasion Burglary First Degree (Felony)
    • Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 3 counts
    • Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 6 counts
    • Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) – 3 counts
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Terroristic Threatening – 2 counts
    • Endangering the Welfare of a Child

    Bennett was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $225,100 cash bond.

    The second suspect remains unidentified at this time, and is only described as a black male. The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective W. Saylor by calling 302-752-3897. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Dover Man Arrested After Four Armed Robberies

    Dover Man Arrested After Four Armed Robberies

    Tyrese Payne, 31, of Dover

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Tyrese Payne, 31, of Dover, following four armed robberies that occurred within the past week. The investigation began on Saturday, September 3, 2022, when a victim contacted Dover Police and advised that he was robbed at gun point in the parking lot of Burlington Coat Factory, 515 North Dupont Highway, by two black males, one of which was armed with a handgun at approximately 12:09 a.m. The suspects obtained an undisclosed amount of money from the victim and fled on foot.

    A second victim contacted Dover Police on the same date and advised that he was robbed at gun point in the parking lot of One Stop, 1102 Whiteoak Road, by two black males, one of which was armed with a handgun at approximately 1:20 a.m. The suspects stole the victim’s vehicle during this incident and fled. The vehicle has since been recovered.

    The third victim contacted Dover Police on the same date and advised that he was robbed at gun point in the parking lot of Lake Club Apartments, 400 North Dupont Highway, by two black males, one of which was armed with a handgun at approximately 2:00 a.m. During this incident, the suspects ordered the victim to drive them around and obtained an undisclosed amount of money from him before being dropped off a local hotel.

    On Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 1:38 a.m., Dover Police took the report of an armed robbery at Lake Club Apartments, 400 North Dupont Highway. It was reported that two black males approached the victim, displayed a firearm, and demanded his property. The victim turned over an undisclosed amount of money and other property to the suspects. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects were described as a black males, wearing all black. The victim also described one of the suspects as wearing a black bag across his chest. At approximately 2:51 a.m., patrol officers observed Payne and a currently unidentified black male, matching the description of the suspects, in the parking lot of St. Andrews Church, 425 North Dupont Highway Dover, DE. Officers were able to take Payne into custody without incident, however the second suspect fled on foot and currently has not been identified. A canvas of the area that the suspect fled was conducted, which resulted in officers locating a bag that contained a silver and black BB gun. Officers also recovered a portion of the victim’s property from Payne.

    Payne was transported to Dover Police where he was arraigned and committed to SCI on $110,000 cash bail on the following charges:

    -Robbery First Degree (x4)
    -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (x3)
    -Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (x3)
    -Conspiracy Second Degree (x4)

  • Man Arrested After Robbery Kent Budget Inn

    Man Arrested After Robbery Kent Budget Inn

    Bryan Say, 30, of Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Bryan Say, 30, of Dover, DE, following a robbery complaint Saturday morning. At approximately 11:44 a.m., Dover Police received a report of a robbery that occurred at a room at the Kent Budget Inn. Officers responded and contacted the victim who told them that Say came to her room, displayed a firearm, and demanded property from her. The victim turned over her cell phone and an undisclosed amount of money, and Say fled toward Towne Point. Officers checked the area and located Say, at which time he was taken into custody without incident. Additionally, officers checked the area Say fled after this incident and located the firearm used.

    Say was committed to SCI on $53,000 secured bail on the following charges:
    -Robbery 1st
    -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
    -Aggravated Menacing

  • Arrest on Charge of DUI Made After Newark Man Drives Vehicle Into Surf on Navy Beach at Cape Henlopen

    Arrest on Charge of DUI Made After Newark Man Drives Vehicle Into Surf on Navy Beach at Cape Henlopen

    Delaware Natural Resources Police State Park officers arrested 48-year-old Donald R. Quill Jr. of Newark, Del. on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) and additional traffic violations Thursday evening after he drove his vehicle into the ocean on Cape Henlopen.

    At approximately 7:20 p.m., on Sept. 8, officers responded to Cape Henlopen State Park’s Navy Beach following a report of a water rescue in progress. Witnesses called 911 after seeing a vehicle driven into the surf. Bystanders quickly entered the water and helped the driver from the vehicle and onto shore.

    During the Natural Resources Police investigation, officers observed that Quill displayed signs of impairment. He was then transported to Rehoboth Police Department for further investigation, where he was charged with DUI, a misdemeanor, and inattentive driving and operating a motor vehicle on closed Delaware State Parks areas, both traffic violations.

    Quill was video-arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,502 cash bond and issued a no-contact order with all Delaware State Parks.

    Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Murder of Infant

    Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Murder of Infant

    27-year-old Keith Rawding of Magnolia, Delaware

    Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Keith Rawding of Magnolia, Delaware for murder following a death investigation that began earlier this week.

    On September 4, 2022, at approximately 8:08 a.m., troopers responded to a residence in Meadowbrook Acres in Magnolia regarding an infant death. Troopers, paramedics, and EMS personnel were able to contact the parents of a 3-month-old child who was found deceased in his crib earlier that morning. During the ensuing investigation, it was determined that the infant’s death was a homicide. Additionally, it was discovered that the victim’s father, identified as Keith Rawding, had caused lethal trauma to his infant son on September 3, 2022.

    On September 8, 2022, detectives from the Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit arrested Rawding and charged him with Murder by Abuse or Neglect First Degree. Rawding was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,000,000 cash bond.

    If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected]

  • Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Conducting Criminal Investigation

    Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Conducting Criminal Investigation

    The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating an attempted murder at Royal Farms in Georgetown.

    On September 7, 2022, at approximately 9:53 p.m., Georgetown Police Department responded to the Royal Farms, located at 20579 DuPont Boulevard, in reference to an assault complaint. The investigation revealed that the victim, a 38-year-old male from Georgetown, was assaulted by an unknown male with a baseball bat inside the convenience store. The victim, who sustained severe injuries, was transported to an area hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

    The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed this investigation at the request of the Georgetown Police Department. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi by calling 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

    If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected]

  • Inland Bays Clean Up set for September 17th

    Inland Bays Clean Up set for September 17th

    Photo: Nivette Perez-Perez and Johnny Moore joined dozens of volunteers at the 2021 Inland Bays Clean-Up. Photo credit: J&J Photography.

    Rehoboth Beach, DE —Volunteers with boats are needed to help the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays remove debris from the Bays during the Annual Inland Bays Clean Up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 17.

    .

    The effort will focus on the shores along Rehoboth and Indian River Bays, by boat, with coordinated cleanups occurring on land as well. The water-based cleanup, which has been organized by the Center since the early 2000s, is supported by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

    .

    Previous cleanup efforts have netted thousands of pounds of trash, including plastic bottles and bags, tires, cans, wrappers, fishing gear and docking lumber. Trash in local waterways is harmful to both Bay users and a variety of coastal and aquatic life, including birds, fish and mammals, such as dolphins.

    .

    The Center is in need of boat captains with power boats to collect and transport debris during the clean up. Boat captains who are interested in volunteering should contact Gabriella Fritz at [email protected].

    .

    Those interested in volunteering but do not own a boat are encouraged to assist with trash collection on land. Volunteers can register for the 2022 Clean Up online at inlandbays.org. Advance registration is required.

    .

    The clean up launch point will be the Massey’s Landing public boat ramp, located at the end of Long Neck Road in Millsboro. Volunteers will be assigned to specific cleanup locations from the launch point on the day of the event.

    .

    Volunteers should be prepared for the weather (including potentially cooler, breezy conditions on the water) and should dress for dirty and wet conditions. Work gloves are recommended, and closed-toe shoes are required. Lifejackets will be provided. Volunteers also should bring their own water and snacks or lunch.

    .

    The day of, each volunteer must sign a waiver in order to participate. This event is not recommended for children younger than 12, and participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    .

    DNREC is once again lending support through its Delaware Natural Resources Police. Sponsors include the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, Dewey Beach Lions Club, GFL Environmental/Waste Industries of Delaware, state Sen. Ernie Lopez and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Community Cleanup Initiative.

    .

    The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is a nonprofit organization established in 1994, and is one of 28 National Estuary Programs. With its partners, the CIB works to preserve, protect and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed. Learn more at inlandbays.org.

  • Delaware State Police Issue Gold Alert for Missing Sussex County Man

    Delaware State Police Issue Gold Alert for Missing Sussex County Man

    44-year-old Jason Shellenerger of Rehoboth Beach, DE.

    Delaware State Police Troop 7 is issuing a Gold Alert for 44-year-old Jason Shellenerger of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Shellenerger was last seen on September 5, 2022, at approximately 2:06 p.m. in the Rehoboth Beach area. Attempts to contact or locate Shellenerger have been unsuccessful, and there is a concern for his safety and well-being.

    Shellenerger is described as a white male, approximately 6’4” tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and brown pants

    Anyone with information regarding Jason Shellenerger’s whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 7 by calling 302-644-5020, or by dialing 9-1-1. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Troopers Arrest Subject for 5th Offense DUI

    Troopers Arrest Subject for 5th Offense DUI

    39-year-old Sara Barbas of Newark, Delaware

    Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Sara Barbas of Newark, Delaware for felony DUI following an investigation that began in the Odessa area on Tuesday evening.

    On September 6, 2022, at approximately 11:48 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of Corbit Street and Cantwell Avenue in Odessa regarding a report of a subject who was asleep in a running vehicle. Upon their arrival, troopers located a black 2014 Honda Accord that was stopped in the intersection. The operator of the Accord, later identified as Sara Barbas, was asleep in the driver’s seat with the engine still running. Troopers detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Barbas’ breath and a DUI investigation ensued. Barbas was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 1.24 grams of marijuana and a THC vaporizer cartridge. A computer check of Barbas revealed that she had four prior convictions for DUI.

    Barbas was transported to Troop 9 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Fifth Offense DUI (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • No Person Shall Stop, Stand, or Park Within an Intersection

    Barbas was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and was released after posting $5,002 secured bond.

  • Early Morning Shooting On South New Street

    Early Morning Shooting On South New Street

    The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a 24-year-old Wilmington man injured Saturday morning. Officers responded to Bayhealth Kent Campus at 9:31 a.m. for the report of a male with a gun shot wound to his leg. Officers contacted the victim, who advised that he was in the 100 block of South New Street Dover, DE when he was shot. The victim was uncooperative with Detectives and would not provide any additional information or suspect description.

    Officers checked the area where this shooting occurred and located a spent shell casing.

    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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Dover Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Lake Club Apartments

    Dover Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Lake Club Apartments

    The Dover Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in a parking lot of Lake Club Apartments early Saturday morning. The victim contacted Dover Police and advised he arrived at the apartment complex in his vehicle and was supposed to be meeting someone. He advised that shortly after arriving at the complex he was approached by two black males. The first suspect was armed with a handgun and wearing a mask. The second suspect did not have a mask on and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt. The victim was ordered out of his vehicle by the suspects and he complied. The suspects entered the victims vehicle and attempted to leave, however they could not operate the manual transmission, so they ordered the victim to drive them around. The suspects obtained an undisclosed amount of money from the victim and were dropped off at a local hotel. The location of this hotel is being withheld at this time to preserve the integrity of this investigation. 

    The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111.  Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating a Fatal Moped Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating a Fatal Moped Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a moped in the Milton area on Sunday evening.

    On September 4, 2022, at approximately 10:45 p.m., a moped traveling westbound on Lockerman Road was approaching the intersection of North Coastal Highway. A Mazda operated by a 17-year-old male of Lincoln, DE., was traveling northbound in the left lane of Coastal Highway, reportedly behind an unknown vehicle, and was approaching the intersection of Lockerman Road. For unknown reasons, the moped disregarded a “Do Not Enter” sign and began traveling southbound in the left northbound lane of Coastal Highway. At this time, the unknown vehicle swerved to the right to avoid colliding with the moped. The Mazda could not swerve to the right in time, resulting in a head-on collision with the moped.

    The operator of the moped, a 23-year-old male of Lewes, DE., was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The operator of the Mazda was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital, where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the Mazda, a 17-year-old male, was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital, where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

    The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the collision was being investigated.

  • Delaware State Police Arrest Multiple Subjects Following Drug Dealing Investigation

    Delaware State Police Arrest Multiple Subjects Following Drug Dealing Investigation

    Delaware State Police have arrested numerous subjects following a narcotics investigation that began in June 2022 in the Ellendale and Greenwood areas.

    .

    During the months of June 2022 through August 2022, the Delaware State Police corroborated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to identify several residences and property lots in the Unity Lane area of Greenwood (informally known as “The Hole”) and the Metz Lane area of Ellendale that were actively involved in the distribution of narcotics. On August 31, 2022, the Delaware State Police, with assistance provided by the DEA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dover Police Department, and Delaware Probation & Parole, executed a series of search warrants at these locations, which resulted in the seizure of the following contraband:

    • Approximately 9.261 grams of heroin
    • Approximately 727.49 grams of crack cocaine
    • Approximately 5.8 grams of powder cocaine
    • Approximately 1.9 pounds of marijuana
    • Approximately $8,700 in suspected drug proceeds
    • 3 handguns
    • 1 muzzleloader
    • 2 rifles, one of which was reported stolen out of Troop 3 in August 2022
    • Numerous rounds of ammunition
    • Drug paraphernalia

    Several subjects were taken into custody at these locations and transported to Troop 3, where they were charged with the following crimes:

    Richard Boyd
    Richard Boyd

    Richard Boyd, 54, of Greenwood, DE:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 3 counts
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

    Boyd was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $15,500 cash bond.

    Alexander Marsh
    Alexander Marsh

    Alexander Marsh, 59, of Greenwood, DE:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Resisting Arrest

    Marsh was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000 secured bond.

    Robert Reed
    Robert Reed

    Robert Reed, 54, of Greenwood, DE:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Criminal Solicitation Third Degree

    Reed was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $8,000 secured bond.

    Taquen Owens
    Taquen Owens

    Taquen Owens, 28, of Ellendale, DE:

    • Resisting Arrest
    • Criminal Solicitation Third Degree
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance

    Owens was issued a criminal summons and released from police custody.

    Jermaine Boyd, Jr.
    Jermaine Boyd, Jr.

    On September 1, 2022, Jermaine Boyd, Jr., 31, of Dover, DE turned himself in to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following offenses:

    • Resisting Arrest
    • Criminal Solicitation Third Degree

    Boyd, Jr. was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on his own recognizance. However, he was ultimately committed to Sussex Correctional Institution after a Violation of Probation warrant was issued by Probation & Parole.

    Jermain Boyd, Sr.
    Jermain Boyd, Sr.

    On September 1, 2022, Jermain Boyd, Sr., 50, of Harrington, DE turned himself in to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following offenses:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 9 counts
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

    Boyd, Sr. was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $70,500 secured bond.

    The following individuals are currently wanted on charges stemming from this investigation:

    Gary Williams
    Gary Williams

    Gary Williams, 32, of Ellendale, DE is wanted on the following charges:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Resisting Arrest
    Frank Lovett
    Frank Lovett

    Frank Lovett, 35, of Harrington, DE is wanted on the following charges:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Troopers Arrest Two Juveniles for Attempted Robbery

    Troopers Arrest Two Juveniles for Attempted Robbery

    Delaware State Police have arrested two 14-year-old juvenile males for attempted robbery and related charges following an incident that occurred during the end of August.

    .

    On August 25, 2022, at approximately 7:44 p.m., troopers responded to the Capriottis sandwich shop, located at 120 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, DE regarding an attempted knife-point robbery. A 66-year-old female victim and a 38-year-old female victim were sitting outside of the sandwich shop when they were approached by two suspects. One of the suspects displayed a kitchen knife towards the victims and demanded both their car keys. The victims did not comply so the suspect then demanded their purses. The victims again did not comply, so the suspects fled the scene on foot.

    .

    Through investigative means troopers identified the two suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest. On August 30, 2022, the 14-year-old juvenile male of New Castle turned himself in at Troop 6. He was charged with Attempted Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), and Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony). The juvenile was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $61,000 secured bond.

    .

    On September 1, 2022, the other 14-year-old juvenile male of Hockessin turned himself in at New Castle County PD. He was charged with Attempted Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony). The juvenile was arraigned in the New Castle County Family Court and released on $6,000 unsecured bond.

  • Wilmington Man Arrested After Lewdness and Indecent Exposure Incidents at First State National Historical Park

    Wilmington Man Arrested After Lewdness and Indecent Exposure Incidents at First State National Historical Park

    Following an investigation into two separate reports of women being followed by a man who engaged in lewd acts and indecent exposure on trails in the First State National Historical Park, Delaware Natural Resources Police State Park officers arrested Christopher S. Martin, 28, of Wilmington Wednesday, Aug. 31, on misdemeanor charges. 

    .

    In late afternoon Aug. 16, a woman reported that a person on a park trail had exposed his genitals to her. Around the same time of day on Aug. 31, another woman reported being followed on a trail by a man she later saw putting his hand in his pants to commit a lewd act. She told police that upon returning to her vehicle to leave the area, she saw the same man getting into another vehicle. She was able to provide a description of that vehicle and a license plate number to Natural Resources Police State Park officers, who then obtained an arrest warrant for Martin on charges of lewdness.

    .

    During a formal interview after he was taken into custody, Martin admitted to having committed lewd acts toward the women on First State National Historical Park trails on Aug. 16 and 31. Martin was video-arraigned for the misdemeanor charges at Justice of the Peace Court #11. He was issued a no-contact order with both victims, and with the First State National Historical Park and all Delaware State Parks, and released on his own recognizance.

    .

    Delaware Natural Resources Police State Park officers routinely work with and assist National Park Rangers assigned to First State National Historical Park.

    Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Dover Police To Participate In No Shave Campaign For Charity

    Dover Police To Participate In No Shave Campaign For Charity

    Dover police officers will be sporting a new look for the months of September and October.  In partnership with the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Lodge 20 (Middletown Police), the Dover Police Department is allowing officers to grow facial hair as a fundraiser for M/Sgt. Mark MIller who has grade 3 astrocytoma, a very rare form of brain cancer. Officers who wish to participate must contribute $30 ($1 per day) that will directly benefit M/Sgt. Miller’s fight against cancer.

    .

    Participating officers must adhere to the following grooming standards for the month of November:
    Beards, whether full or goatees, are authorized; however they must be worn with a mustache. Beards shall be kept clean, neatly trimmed, and present a conservative, professional appearance. Facial hair of any kind that presents any sort of faddish appearance is prohibited. No portion of the beard may be exceptionally longer than the rest, and beard hair length will not exceed 1/4 inch. The neck must remain clean-shaven.

  • DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1

    DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1

    The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half-mile along the bay shoreline on Thursday, Sept. 1. The bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.

    .

    The area to reopen includes a stretch of ocean beach and dunes that was previously closed on March 1. Since 1993, The Point has closed annually each March for the benefit of threatened and endangered beach-nesters and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns and other species.

    .

    The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have worked together since 1990 to implement a management plan to halt the decline of beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations.

    .

    For more information, contact Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-8983, or stop by the park office.

  • Troopers Arrest Two Subjects for Felony Drug Charges

    Troopers Arrest Two Subjects for Felony Drug Charges

    25-year-old Chanel Fosque of Lincoln, DE
    28-year-old Christopher Thomas of Lincoln, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 25-year-old Chanel Fosque of Lincoln, DE and 28-year-old Christopher Thomas of Lincoln, DE for felony narcotics charges following an investigation that occurred in the Lincoln area on Tuesday afternoon.

    .

    On August 30, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 22000 block of Pine Haven Road in an attempt to locate Chanel Fosque, who had several active warrants for her arrest. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted Fosque along with her two juvenile children inside the residence. Further investigation revealed Fosque had approximately 3.64 grams of suspected heroin, approximately 5.15 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia stored inside of the home. The second suspect, Christopher Thomas, who also lives at the residence, was not present at the time of the incident. Thomas later turned himself in at Troop 4.

    .

    Fosque was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 4, where she was charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
    • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
    • Possession of Marijuana

    Fosque was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $7,100 unsecured bond.

    .

    Thomas was charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
    • Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

    Thomas was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $6,500 unsecured bond.

  • Ocean View Investigation Leads To A Large Seizure of Cash And Drugs | Suspect Arrested

    Ocean View Investigation Leads To A Large Seizure of Cash And Drugs | Suspect Arrested

    Victoria Renee Kisner (29) of Ocean View

    On August 25, 2022, the Ocean View Police Department, and the DEA (Dover) Taskforce raided a house located at 87 West Avenue in Ocean View. According to Chief of Police Ken McLaughlin, reports of suspicious activity in the area resulted in police launching an investigation into drug sales several months ago.

    .

    During the search of the home, police seized 1052 baggies of heroin, 368 suspected Fentanyl pills, and $45,237 in cash.

    .

    Police charged Victoria Renee Kisner (29) of Ocean View with:

    -Five counts of Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity

    -Five counts of Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity

    -Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity

    -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

    -Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

    .

    Kisner was arraigned by Justice of The Peace Court # 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on $302,200 cash bond.

  • Delaware State Police Phone Number Used in Spoofed Phone Number Scam

    Delaware State Police Phone Number Used in Spoofed Phone Number Scam

    The Delaware State Police is issuing the following advisory for a recurring phone scam involving a “spoofed phone number.”

    .

    The Delaware State Police is aware of multiple incidents in which individuals have received phone calls from a Delaware State Police-issued telephone number. Only the number appears on the caller ID; if that number is looked up, it shows that it is a valid Delaware State Police phone number.

    .

    Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.

    .

    This is a reminder that the Delaware State Police will never request payment for fines, traffic tickets, or bail. All these transactions are conducted by the respective court systems and never over the phone. Electronic payments are also never requested via phone for court matters.

    .

    If someone calls you regarding a family member, do not offer personal information about yourself or the family member. Immediately attempt to contact the family to verify their status on your own. Indicators of scam calls are threats, orders not to hang up, and other statements where the scammer places urgency on their request for information or money.

  • Numerous Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in September

    Numerous Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in September

    Delaware hunters can start their 2022/2023 hunting season Thursday, Sept. 1 with the opening of mourning dove, archery and crossbow deer, coyote and resident Canada goose hunting seasons, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Teal season opens Saturday, Sept. 10 and gray squirrel season opens Thursday, Sept. 15.

    .

    Hunting season dates and hunting hours for seasons opening in September:

    • Resident Canada goose: Sept. 1 thru 24 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset)
    • Dove: Sept.1 thru Oct. 3 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset)*
    • Archery and Crossbow Deer: Sept. 1 thru Jan. 31, 2023, including Sundays (½- hour before sunrise to ½-hour after sunset)
    • Coyote: Sept. 1 thru Feb. 28, 2023 (½- hour before sunrise to ½-hour after sunset)
    • King, Clapper and Virginia Rails, Sora, Moorhens and Gallinules: Sept. 3 thru Nov. 23 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset)
    • Common Snipe: Sept. 9 thru Nov. 26 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset)
    • Teal: Sept. 10 thru 28 (½-hour before sunrise to sunset, limited to the designated teal zone south of the C&D Canal to Lewes and east of Routes 13, 113/113A and 1)
    • Gray Squirrel: Sept. 15 thru Feb. 4, 2023 (½-hour before sunrise to ½-hour after sunset; closed during the November deer general firearm season)

    *Reminder: Non-toxic shot must be used for dove hunting on state wildlife areas during the month of September; lead shot is not permitted. Hunting hours may differ at specific dove fields on certain state wildlife areas.

    .

    The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many early season hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at de.gov/wamaps, with information specific to Sunday deer hunting on state wildlife areas posted at de.gov/sundayhunt. Additional information on September migratory bird hunting opportunities and associated rules on state wildlife areas is available online at de.gov/migratorybirdhunting.

    .

    A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Dove, goose and teal hunters also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll free 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). When using the online DNREC permitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

    .

    Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to have and display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

    .

    Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile at de.gov/digitaldnrec or obtain a LEN from a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at 2022/2023 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

    .

    More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide at de.gov/hunting. More information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian that occurred in the New Castle area on Sunday evening.

    .

    On August 28, 2022, at approximately 8:14 p.m., a red 2013 Toyota Highlander was traveling westbound on Boulden Boulevard approaching the intersection at Southgate Boulevard. As the Highlander approached this intersection, a pedestrian entered the westbound lane of Boulden Boulevard and into the path of the vehicle. As a result, the front of the vehicle struck the pedestrian while he was in the roadway. After the collision, the vehicle fled the area and continued westbound. A short time later, an officer from the New Castle County Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the Highlander on Marrows Road north of White Chapel Drive. Both the driver and passenger were subsequently taken into custody without incident.

    .

    The pedestrian involved in this incident, a 54-year-old male from New Castle, Delaware, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. Both the driver of the Highlander, a 30-year-old male from Baltimore, Maryland, and the passenger, a 37-year-old male from Newark, Delaware, were properly restrained. Neither occupant was injured in the collision.

    .

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was not illuminated at the time, and there are no pedestrian crosswalks in the area. The victim was wearing dark-colored clothing and did not appear to be carrying a lighted device. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

    *Traffic Advisory* Delaware State Police Investigating Serious Collision

    The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Breen by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Fatal Crash on Persimmon Tree Lane

    Fatal Crash on Persimmon Tree Lane

    The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Friday evening.  At approximately 6:56 p.m., a silver 2009 Pontiac Solstice was traveling eastbound on Persimmon Tree Lane, approaching Persimmon Circle.  For unknown reasons, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve and left the right edge of the roadway, entering the grass on the roadside. The vehicle then continued eastbound along the grass and struck a utility pole at the southwest corner of the intersection of Persimmon Tree Lane and Persimmon Circle. After striking the utility pole, the vehicle overturned onto it’s roof and came to a rest. The driver, John McRae, an 83-year-old male, was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for injuries sustained during the crash after being extricated from the vehicle by Dover Fire Department. 

    .

    On August 27, 2022 McRae succumbed to his injuries while being treated at Bayhealth Kent Campus.

    .

    The cause of the crash is unknown and pending further testing and investigation.  Updates will be provided as available. 

    .

    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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Troopers Arrest Three Subjects for Shoplifting and Resisting Arrest

    Troopers Arrest Three Subjects for Shoplifting and Resisting Arrest

    Jennifer Ramirez-Sanchez
    Sophia Gonzales
    Nubia Garcia

    Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year-old Jennifer Ramirez-Sanchez of Flushing, New York; 24-year-old Sophia Gonzales of Flushing, New York; and 51-year-old Nubia Garcia of Brooklyn, New York on numerous charges following a shoplifting investigation that began in the Rehoboth Beach area on Thursday evening.

    .

    On August 25, 2022, at approximately 4:25 p.m., troopers on patrol in the area of the Bayside Outlets were informed by a witness that several female subjects had shoplifted clothing from the Columbia Sportswear store. The suspects had concealed merchandise in large handbags and were seen walking through the parking lot. Troopers attempted to contact the female suspects in the parking lot, but they continued walking away and physically resisted being detained. Troopers were able to take three of the four subjects into custody at the scene, while the fourth unidentified female suspect fled the area on foot. The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspects had shoplifted from several outlet stores and had worn various disguises while doing so. The suspects had also concealed stolen items underneath vehicles in the Bayside Outlets parking lot.

    .

    The three suspects, identified as Jennifer Ramirez-Sanchez, Sophia Gonzales, and Nubia Garcia, were transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following crimes:

    Jennifer Ramirez-Sanchez:

    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of Shoplifting Tools (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 2 counts
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Conspiracy Third Degree

    Ramirez-Sanchez was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $4,000 secured bond.

    .

    Sophia Gonzales:

    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of Shoplifting Tools (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 2 counts
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Hindering Prosecution
    • Conspiracy Third Degree

    Gonzales was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $4,500 secured bond.

    .

    Nubia Garcia:

    • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of Shoplifting Tools (Felony)
    • Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 2 counts
    • Criminal Impersonation
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Hindering Prosecution
    • Conspiracy Third Degree

    Garcia was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $5,000 secured bond.

  • Troopers Arrest Subject on Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

    Troopers Arrest Subject on Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

    54-year-old Erminio Ferri of Dover, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 54-year-old Erminio Ferri of Dover, DE on felony drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred in the Newark area on Thursday evening.

    .

    On August 25, 2022, at approximately 6:45 p.m., troopers on patrol observed a black Chrysler 300 sedan traveling eastbound on Chestnut Hill Road in the area of Marrows Road. Troopers noticed that the vehicle had a fictitious registration displayed, and a traffic stop was conducted on the Chrysler on Chestnut Hill Road. Contact was made with the operator of the vehicle, later identified as Erminio Ferri, and troopers detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the interior of the car. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 37.16 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 8.9 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

    .

    Ferri was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was transported to Troop 6 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Numerous traffic offenses

    Ferri was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on his own recognizance.

  • Troopers Conducting Shooting Investigation on Interstate 495

    Troopers Conducting Shooting Investigation on Interstate 495

    Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Interstate 495 in the New Castle area early this morning.

    .

    On August 26, 2022, at approximately 2:56 a.m., a 20-year-old Wilmington man was traveling southbound Interstate 495 at Terminal Avenue in the center lane when an unknown vehicle on his right side opened fired. Multiple gunshots were fired, and the victim was struck one time in the lower extremity. The victim sped away and exited the highway to I-295 in the area of Route 141, where his vehicle became disabled. The victim was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

    .

    There is currently no description of the suspect vehicle.

    .

    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. Conway by calling 302-365-8446. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com

  • DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Close Sept. 1 for Season

    DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Close Sept. 1 for Season

    The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve will close for the season effective Thursday, Sept. 1, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. The center is scheduled to reopen Saturday, April 1, 2023 for the busy spring and summer seasons attuned to the shorebird migration and horseshoe crab spawning. The center is owned and operated by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and provides programming and exhibits about Delaware Bayshore aquatic life.

    .

    During the annual seasonal closure, the DuPont Nature Center’s accessible observation deck will remain open from dawn to dusk daily. The deck offers views of the Mispillion Harbor and surrounding saltmarsh and sandy beach habitat as well as a view of the Delaware Bay. Though the nature center is recognized as one of the best vistas on the East Coast for observing the spring shorebird migration, the viewing deck also provides excellent opportunities in the fall and winter months to view shorebirds to include dunlin, sanderlings and black-bellied plovers.

    .

    DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds off-season visitors that the nature center deck will not be actively maintained while the center is closed. Visitors are advised to take weather conditions into consideration prior to accessing the deck.

    .

    The DuPont Nature Center is located on Mispillion Harbor near Slaughter Beach at 2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford, DE 19963. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the DuPont Nature Center and its programs, call 302-422-1329 or visit http://de.gov/dnc.

  • Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Arrests Subject Following Stabbing Incident

    Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Arrests Subject Following Stabbing Incident

    33-year-old Robert Webb-Asare of Dover, DE

    Detectives from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit have arrested 33-year-old Robert Webb-Asare of Dover, DE for murder following an investigation into a stabbing that occurred Wednesday morning.

    .

    On August 24, 2022, at approximately 4:10 a.m., troopers responded to the Planter’s Run apartment complex in Dover regarding a stabbing incident. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted the 33-year-old male victim in a vehicle in the parking lot who was suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported from the scene to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim had been involved in a dispute in the parking lot with another subject, later identified as Robert Webb-Asare. During the confrontation, Webb-Asare produced a knife and stabbed the victim. Webb-Asare subsequently fled the scene into a residence prior to the arrival of police. Webb-Asare was later located by detectives and taken into custody without incident.

    .

    Webb-Asare was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Murder First Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

    Webb-Asare was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,060,000 cash bond.

  • SCCC Inmate Located When He Walked Away From A Work Assignment.

    SCCC Inmate Located When He Walked Away From A Work Assignment.

    Ryan Gray

    The Delaware Department of Correction announces the following offender from the Sussex Community Corrections Center (SCCC) in Georgetown who willfully walked away from an approved outside work assignment at the facility has been apprehended.

    Name: Ryan Gray

    Date of walk-away: 8/25/2022

    Date of Birth: 08/08/1996

    Last known address: Georgetown, DE

    Current Offense: Burglary 3rd, Criminal Mischief >$1,000

    Details of apprehension:

    On Thursday, August 25, 2022, Ryan Gray walked away from the grounds of SCCC while working an approved outside assignment within the facilities programs area. He was quickly apprehended by the Sussex Escapee Recovery Team. There is no concern to public safety at this time. Court information pending.

  • Secretary of State Announces Leadership Change

    Secretary of State Announces Leadership Change

    Secretary of State Jeff Bullock announced on Monday that Jessica Welch will lead the Delaware Tourism Office as its next director. Welch most recently served as communications director of the Delaware Division of Small Business.

    .

    “Jessica brings an immense wealth of knowledge and experience to take on this crucial role in Delaware’s economy,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “The Tourism Office contributes billions each year to the state’s GDP and creates thousands of jobs in the process. As Delaware continues to be a preferred tourist destination, I know Jessica will expand upon the work done so far to continue attracting out-of-state visitors while promoting the prosperity of existing tourism businesses in the state.”

    .

    The Delaware Tourism Office (DTO), an office within the Delaware Division of Small Business, works to attract large volumes of out-of-state visitors to Delaware through advertising and marketing campaigns, travel publications, and year-round efforts to bring group tours and sports events to the state. The office regularly partners with Delaware businesses and municipalities to heighten their appeal as tourist destinations, helping them enhance their marketing efforts, and giving them the tools to boost visitation responsibly.

    .

    “I am proud and excited to step into this new role leading the Tourism Office and staff as we work together to highlight the many beautiful and unique places in Delaware for visitors to explore,” said Jessica Welch. “The travel and tourism industry is incredibly important to our state’s economy, and I am looking forward to working with our partners, including those in the sports and group tourism markets, to find new and innovative ways to further grow the industry in Delaware.” 

    .

    Welch has served as communications director of the Division of Small Business since July 2021, where she managed all external relations, marketing, and advertising for the Division, including creating social media content, drafting and distributing press releases, and distributing a weekly newsletter sent to more than 14,000 business owners and partner organizations across the state. Prior to joining the Division of Small Business, Welch served as the director of public relations for the Delaware State Housing Authority. She also has past experience in marketing and media relations roles at Hagley Museum and Library and the Delaware Office of Management and Budget and worked as a state government reporter for the Delaware State News.

    .

    A native of Dover, Delaware, Welch holds a B.A. in English and journalism from the University of Delaware, and an M.S. in management and public administration from Wilmington University.

  • Dover Man Arrest After Armed Robbery at First State Inn

    Dover Man Arrest After Armed Robbery at First State Inn

    Keon Cornish, 28, of Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Keon Cornish, 28, of Dover, DE for an armed robbery that occurred early Monday morning at the First State Inn. Officers were called to a room at the Inn at approximately 3:46 a.m. for the report of an armed robbery. Detectives determined that a suspect entered a room at the First State Inn with a black in color rifle and demanded money from the victims. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from the victims and fled southbound from the hotel. Through their investigation, Detectives were able to positively identify Cornish as the suspect responsible for the robbery.

    .

    On Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 7:07 P.M. Detectives received information that Cornish was staying in a room at the Kent Budget Inn. The Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T) was activated and responded to the hotel. The S.O.R.T team was able to take Cornish into custody without incident. Cornish was transported to Dover Police and arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2.

    .

    Cornish was committed to SCI on $138,000 cash bail on the following charges:
    -Robbery First Degree
    -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
    -Burglary in the First Degree (Home Invasion)
    -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
    -Aggravated Menacing (2x)

  • Felony Arrests Made Following Killens Pond State Park Water Park Burglary

    Felony Arrests Made Following Killens Pond State Park Water Park Burglary

    Eric Allan Davidson II
    Jacob Tyler Flannery

    Delaware Natural Resources Police State Parks officers arrested Eric Allan Davidson II and Jacob Tyler Flannery, both of Felton, on burglary and vandalism-related charges following an incident at Killens Pond State Park water park on Sunday, Aug. 20th.

    .

    During the early morning hours, Flannery, 23, and Davidson, 21, trespassed into the water park and then accessed park facilities to burglarize the Killens Pond State Park lifeguard office and locker room, and the park’s concession stand/swim shop. They also caused damage at the park by throwing food, drinks and other items while in the swim shop and then into the main swimming pool at the water park complex.

    .

    The two men also stole bathing suits for swimming in the pool and sliding down the Killens Pond waterslide. Investigation by Delaware Natural Resources Police also determined that a 50-lb. bag of sugar had been taken from the concession stand and dumped into the pool. Damages to the facility and swimming pool caused the water park to remain closed Sunday until 2 p.m. Killens Pond State Park was forced to refund prepaid waterpark reservations for the morning and early afternoon session.

    Both men were charged with the following: two counts of Burglary 3rd Degree (Class F Felony), Theft Under $1500 (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor) Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree (Violation) and Possession of Alcohol in a Prohibited Area (Violation). In addition, Davidson was also charged with Graffiti (Class A Misdemeanor) and Flannery was charged with Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Class G Felony).

    .

    Davidson and Flannery turned themselves into Felton Police Department following their investigation into a burglary of Lake Forest North High School that also occurred early Monday morning. Both were video-arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and were issued a no-contact order by the court for all Delaware State Parks and with each other. Both were released on their own recognizance pending a later court date.

    .

    Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Two Arrested Following Search Warrant on Lexington Place

    Two Arrested Following Search Warrant on Lexington Place

    The Dover Police Department has arrested George Shaheen (39) and Kamiah Allen (25), both of Dover, DE, following a search warrant in the 100 block of Lexington Place on Monday morning. Dover’s Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit began an investigation into Shaheen during the month of June 2022 for the sale of drugs. On Monday, Detectives contacted Shaheen inside of a vehicle at which time attempted to flee. Shaheen was unable to get away due to the positioning of Police vehicles and was ultimately taken into custody without further incident. Once Shaheen was in custody, officers responded to his residence to execute a search warrant. When officers arrived, Allen was leaving the residence in possession of drugs. Allen was taken into custody without incident.

    As a result of the search warrant officers located 208.6 grams of cocaine, 1,764.5 grams of marijuana, and $12,833 of suspected drug proceeds.

    As a result of this investigation, Detectives also obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 700 block of Willow Wood Drive in Smyrna, DE. During the search of this residence, officers located 9mm ammunition, which Shaheen is prohibited from possessing.

    Shaheen was committed to SCI on $162,200 cash bail on the following charges:

    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine in a Tier 3 Quantity
    -Possession of Cocaine in a Tier 3 Quantity
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Possession of Marijuana in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Conspiracy Second Degree
    -Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited
    -Resisting Arrest
    -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    -Criminal Mischief

    George Shaheen
    Dover, DE

    Kamiah Allen was released after posting $57,200 secured bond on the following charges:

    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine in a Tier 3 Quantity
    -Possession of Cocaine in a Tier 3 Quantity
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Possession of Marijuana in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Conspiracy Second Degree
    -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

    Kamiah Allen
    Dover, DE
  • Suspect Sought After Almost Striking Officer With Vehicle

    Suspect Sought After Almost Striking Officer With Vehicle

    Unidentified Suspect

    The Dover Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect that almost struck an officer with a vehicle. A Dover officer was the Walgreen’s located at 1001 Forrest Avenue in Dover Thursday evening, when they observed a white male wearing a hat, gray shirt, light colored shorts, and black sneakers, begin to walk out of the store without paying for merchandise. The suspect fled on foot and the officer chased him. The suspect entered a brown Honda Civic and the officer advised the suspect to exit the vehicle. The suspect then drove the vehicle at the officer, however the officer was able to get out of the way unharmed. A vehicle pursuit ensued and continued for approximately 30 minutes through several towns. The vehicle pursuit was ultimately terminated due to the suspects reckless driving. 

    The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6’0″, weighting approximately 250 pounds, with black hair.

    If you have any information on the identity of this suspect, please contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags

    Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags

    WILMINGTON, Del. – In recognition and memory of Senator Richard Cordrey’s service to the State of Delaware, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on August 27, 2022.

    .

    Governor Carney also released the following statement:

    .

    “I was sad this week to learn of the passing of Senator Richard Cordrey – a one-of-a-kind leader in the Delaware General Assembly. Senator Cordrey is the longest serving Senate President Pro Temp in Delaware history, serving for 19 years. He was the ultimate southern Delaware gentleman who was well liked and respected by Delawareans across our state. He brought a certain grace to his work as a leader in the State Senate and as Finance Secretary for Governor Minner. His influence on Delaware’s economy – especially his efforts on financial stability – will have a lasting impact on our state. Senator Cordrey also used his experience as a Sussex County farmer to support Delaware agriculture and to bring a conservative approach to fiscal matters. The State of Delaware is in a stronger place because of his service. Senator Cordrey will be sorely missed.”

  • Dover Man Arrested After Pointing Firearm At Officer

    Dover Man Arrested After Pointing Firearm At Officer

    Timothy Safford, a 46-year-old Dover

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Timothy Safford, a 46-year-old Dover man, after he fled from a traffic stop and pointed a handgun at a Dover Police Officer. A Dover Officer conducted a vehicle stop in the area of River Road and Kent Avenue early Thursday morning for a traffic violation. When the vehicle stopped, a passenger later identified as Safford, fled from the vehicle on foot. The officer began chasing Safford on foot, at which time Safford pointed a black handgun at the officer prior to throwing the gun over a fence into a heavily wooded area. Safford was eventually taken into custody and found in possession of .3 grams of MDMA and 4 grams of crack cocaine. Officers conducted an extensive search of the area, however the firearm has not yet been recovered.

    .

    Safford was committed to SCI on $92,700 Cash bail on the following charges:
    -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
    -Aggravated Menacing
    -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
    -Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
    -Tampering with Physical Evidence
    -Possession of MDMA
    -Possession of Crack Cocaine
    -Resisting Arrest

  • University of Delaware Releases Fall 2022 COVID 19 Guidelines

    University of Delaware Releases Fall 2022 COVID 19 Guidelines

    UD Health Portal Logo

    The University of Delaware released it’s “Fall 2022 Covid 19 Guidelines” which includes a masking requirement for the first two weeks of the semester. Information found on UD’s Campus Guidelines webpage states “The University will be requiring face masks to be worn in all classrooms, research laboratories, and all UD transportation for the first two weeks of the semester, from August 30 through September 9, 2022. The intent of this measure is to help reduce the transmission of COVID associated with the rapid density increase on campus, while preserving as much academic continuity as possible. Masks continue to be required in all healthcare and clinical spaces, as well as the childrens’ campus.  Instructors and presenters may remove their masks during active instructrion or presenting if they are more than six feet away from others.”

    Up to date vaccination requirements for students are still in effect, while UD faculty and staff are only “highly encouraged to do so, as well.” The University will host a COVID-19 vaccine/booster clinic Friday, Sept. 9, in Pencader Dining Hall. Students may request an exemption to these requirements through the UD Health Portal. According to the website, students who have an approved exemption from 2021-22 do not have to submit a new request for 2022-23.

  • DNREC to Host Community Workshop on Proposed Biogas Facility in Southern Delaware

    DNREC to Host Community Workshop on Proposed Biogas Facility in Southern Delaware

    The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold a virtual community workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 28 about a proposal by Bioenergy Devco (BDC) to expand its existing composting facility in Seaford, Del. to transform organic waste into renewable energy. The proposed project will require multiple permits from DNREC, spanning several of the Department’s divisions, including Air Quality, Waste and Hazardous Substances, and Water. Detailed information about the project and community resources are available at de.gov/biodevco.

    .

    The Sept. 28 virtual community workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. The workshop will allow the community to learn more about BDC’s expansion plans and information contained in the permit applications before making official public comments. These plans include the construction of an anaerobic digester, which breaks down organic wastes and converts them into renewable natural gas or “biogas” and an organic soil amendment.

    .

    The virtual community workshop will be conducted by DNREC staff. Attendees will be able to ask questions of the Department about the proposed project. Closed captioning, in languages including English and Spanish, is available as an option. Registration and connection information is published on the DNREC events calendar at de.gov/dnrecmeetings.

    .

    A virtual public hearing for the project will be held about a month later, scheduled at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26. The public hearing will allow attendees who have pre-registered to offer comments on the applications to be entered into the public record. Closed captioning, in languages including English and Spanish, is available as an option. All public comments, whether received verbally at the public hearing or in writing before or after the hearing, have the same weight and will be considered equally by the Secretary in making a decision on whether to grant the permit. Registration and connection information is published on the DNREC public hearing webpage, de.gov/dnrechearings.  ​

    .

    BDC’s facility is currently permitted by DNREC to accept organic waste from approved poultry industry sources for composting. The proposed facility expansion would give BDC the capacity for receiving and processing up to 250,000 tons per year of permitted organic waste. In addition to the proposed anaerobic digestion system, the expansion plans also include construction of a wastewater pre-treatment system and a biogas upgrading plant. There is also a proposed emergency generator.

    .

    Byproducts from the process would include pipeline-grade renewable natural gas (RNG) and digestate, which would be dewatered and is proposed for use in the adjacent compost facility – or to be marketed in the future as a soil amendment that can be turned into compost (and which would require a distribution and marketing permit that is not part of the current proposed project and permit applications).

    .

    Specifically, information about each of the DNREC permits BDC has applied for include:

    .

    A resource recovery facility permit from the DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances to construct an anaerobic digestion system, biogas upgrading plant, and compost facility, designed to process poultry industry wastes into digestate, pipeline-grade renewable natural gas (RNG), and compost. Wastes the facility will accept include poultry litter, hatchery waste, dissolved air flotation (DAF) solid cake and liquid sludge, offal, waste activated sludge, and fats, oils, and greases.

    .

    Two 1102 Natural Minor air pollution permits from the DNREC Division of Air Quality to construct a natural gas-fired emergency generator with a standby power rating of 1,082 kilowatts (kW) (1,451 horsepower) and four anaerobic digesters with associated biogas upgrade and air pollution control equipment. The engine used in the proposed generator set is certified to comply with, and will be required to adhere to, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

    .

    Two wastewater facility construction permits from the DNREC Division of Water to construct an anaerobic digestion system and a wastewater pre-treatment system as part of the proposed resource recovery facility that processes poultry industry wastes into digestate, pipeline-grade renewable natural gas and compost. The anaerobic digestion system and wastewater pretreatment system will include three 0.208-million-gallon (MG) pretreatment tanks, and four 1.95 MG fermentation tanks, a Membrane Bioreactor System (MBR), a 0.198 MG anoxic tank, a 0.412 MG aerobic reactor, a 0.198 MG ultrafiltration feeding tank and ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis treatment systems. The treated wastewater will be pumped and hauled to the Seaford wastewater treatment and disposal facility. BDC plans for a future construction phase will eliminate the need to transport the wastewater via truck by constructing a sanitary sewer pump station and force main that will connect to a future city of Seaford force main located in front of the BDC biogas site on Seaford Road.

    .

    BDC’s permit applications and supporting materials can be found in detail on the DNREC website at de.gov/biodevco.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Selbyville area on Thursday morning.

    .

    On August 18, 2022, at approximately 8:01 a.m., a gray 1999 Honda Civic was traveling westbound on McCabe Road approaching the intersection at Dupont Boulevard, where there is a posted stop sign for westbound traffic. At the same time, a white 2012 Toyota Rav-4 was traveling northbound on Dupont Boulevard approaching the intersection at McCabe Road. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Civic failed to remain stopped at the stop sign and proceeded to travel onto Dupont Boulevard and into the path of the Rav-4. As a result, the front center of the Toyota struck the left side of the Honda. Both vehicles traveled in a northwesterly direction until coming to rest in the southbound lanes of Dupont Boulevard.

    .

    The operator of the Honda Civic, a 28-year-old male from Frankford, DE, was properly restrained. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The operator of the Toyota Rav-4, a 24-year-old female from Rockaway, New Jersey, was properly restrained. She was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the Rav-4, a 16-year-old female from Rockaway, New Jersey, was properly restrained. She was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

    .

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

  • Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Felony Assault

    Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Felony Assault

    29-year-old Frederick Young of Milton, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 29-year-old Frederick Young of Milton, DE for assault and other associated charges following an investigation that began on Friday evening.

    .

    On August 12, 2022, at approximately 9:42 p.m., troopers responded to a residence in Tru-Vale Acres in Rehoboth Beach regarding an assault. The ensuing investigation revealed that the male victim was standing in his driveway loading items into a vehicle when he was approached by the suspect, later identified as Frederick Young. Young struck the victim in the head while holding a firearm and stole the victim’s cell phone. Young then threatened two of the victim’s neighbors with the handgun. Computer checks of Young revealed that he is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    .

    The victim sustained injuries that were treated by EMS personnel at the scene. Young departed from the area in his vehicle prior to the arrival of police. On the evening of August 17, 2022, troopers contacted Young during a traffic stop in the Lewes area, and he was taken into custody without incident. Young was transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Assault Second Degree (Felony)
    • Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 2 counts

    Young was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $120,000 cash bond.

  • NASA Rocket Launch Will Test Science Package for Future Missions At Wallops Island!

    NASA Rocket Launch Will Test Science Package for Future Missions At Wallops Island!

    Credits: NASA Wallops/Berit Bland

    NASA will test new science equipment for future missions with a sounding rocket launch August 22 from its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

    .

    The Sporadic-E ElectroDynamics Demonstration mission, or SpEED Demon, will fly new instrumentation along with heritage instruments that have flown on other sounding rocket missions, but not together. The SpEED Demon instruments will be further improved based on results from this launch and will subsequently fly on a science mission targeted for summer 2024 from the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and possibly many other sounding rocket opportunities.

    Credits: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility

    SpEED Demon will launch on a 40-foot tall Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket between 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 22 and 1 a.m. Aug. 23. The backup launch dates are Aug. 23 through Aug. 27.

    .

    The NASA Wallops Visitor Center will open to the public at 8 p.m. on launch day for viewing the flight. The rocket launch is expected to be visible from the mid-Atlantic/Chesapeake Bay region. Live coverage of the mission is scheduled to begin at 8:40 p.m. on the Wallops YouTube site.

    NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) spacecraft discovered “layers” and “rifts” in the electrically charged part of the upper atmosphere (the ionosphere) of Mars. The phenomenon is similar to commonly occurring sporadic-E layers on Earth, which SpEED Demon is studying, that can cause unpredictable disruptions to radio communications. This unexpected discovery by MAVEN shows that Mars is a unique laboratory to explore and better understand this highly disruptive phenomenon that can occur on presumably any planet.
    Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
  • Dover Man Arrested for Rape of Juvenile

    Dover Man Arrested for Rape of Juvenile

    Norman Merritt Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Norman Merritt, a 33-year-old Dover man, for Rape after learning of a sexual relationship he had with a minor between December of 2021 and July of 2022. On August 15th, 2022, Dover Police detectives were contacted by a member of the victim’s family after the child disclosed the incident to them. An interview was conducted with the victim at which time it was determined that Merritt had performed sexual acts with the child on at least two occasions at a Dover residence. The location of the residence is being withheld for protection of the victim.

    . 

    Through an investigation, detectives were able to determine that Merritt had engaged in sexual acts with the child on several occasions between December 24, 2021 and July 13, 2022. Merritt turned himself in to Dover Police on August 17, 2022.

    .

    Merritt was committed to SCI on $363,000 cash bail on the following charges:
    -Rape Second Degree (2x)
    -Rape Third Degree (4x)
    -Unlawful Sexual Contact Second 

  • Police Seek Hit & Run Driver After Vehicle Strikes A Residence

    Police Seek Hit & Run Driver After Vehicle Strikes A Residence

    On August 15, 2022, at about 1808 hours, Newark Police responded to a residence in the 200-block of King William Street for a report that a vehicle struck a residence and left the scene.  Officers determined that the incident happened about 2 hours prior to police arrival and no one was home at the time of the crash.

    .

    An investigation at the scene determined that a black pick-up truck struck the side of the residence, causing damage to both the exterior and interior of the residence.  No one is known to have been injured during the crash.

    .

    Nearby video showed a white male driver, wearing a navy sleeveless t-shirt, plaid shorts and flip-flops.  He has a tattoo on the back of his left calf.  The driver and vehicle left the scene after the crash.

    .

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact PFC P. Klein at (302) 366-7100 x. 3480 or [email protected].  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.

  • Troopers Arrest Subject on Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop

    Troopers Arrest Subject on Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop

    23-year-old Adam McGonigal of Wilmington, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 23-year-old Adam McGonigal of Wilmington, DE for firearms offenses following a traffic stop that occurred in the Wilmington area on Tuesday evening.

    .

    On August 16, 2022, at approximately 8:42 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a green BMW 528i traveling southbound on Philadelphia Pike north of Cauffiel Parkway at a high rate of speed. The trooper began following the vehicle as it turned onto Cauffiel Parkway, still moving at a high rate of speed. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the BMW on southbound Governor Printz Boulevard and contacted the two occupants. The trooper detected the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the BMW’s interior, and a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 11.82 grams of marijuana and a loaded Glock handgun. Further investigation revealed that the firearm belonged to passenger Adam McGonigal. Computer checks of McGonigal showed that he is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    .

    The driver was issued a citation and released from the scene. McGonigal was transported to Troop 1 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana

    McGonigal was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $50,001 cash bond.

  • Man Arrested for DUI After Colliding into Police Vehicle

    Man Arrested for DUI After Colliding into Police Vehicle

    Jose Sanchez Tecuapacho, 38, of New Castle

    Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Jose Sanchez Tecuapacho, 38, of New Castle, on traffic charges after rear-ending a State Police patrol vehicle.

    .

    On August 15, 2022, at approximately 8:10 p.m., troopers responded to I-495 southbound for a disabled vehicle that was blocking the right lane. A fully marked patrol vehicle was parked in the right lane with its emergency lights activated to warn motorists of the approaching traffic hazard. A Nissan Versa traveling in the right southbound lane of I-495 failed to stop or move into the open lane of travel, which caused its front bumper to collide with the rear bumper of the patrol vehicle. The operator of the Nissan Versa, later identified as Jose Sanchez Tecuapacho, displayed signs of impairment. A preliminary state police investigation suggests alcohol was a factor. Jose was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The trooper, who was seated in the patrol vehicle during the collision, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

    .

    Jose was arrested for the following charges:

    • Vehicular Assault 2nd degree (Misdemeanor)
    • Driving Under the Influence and Other Traffic-Related Offenses

    Jose was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court #11, where he was committed to Howard R Young Correctional Institution on a $3000 cash bond.

  • Troopers Arrest Subject For Assaulting Several Officers

    Troopers Arrest Subject For Assaulting Several Officers

    53-year-old Aaron Wharton of Millsboro, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 53-year-old Aaron Wharton of Millsboro, DE after he assaulted officers during an investigation that occurred in Millsboro on Monday evening.

    .

    On August 15, 2022, at approximately 6:34 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 20000 block of Laurel Road regarding a complaint of criminal mischief. A trooper arrived at the scene and attempted to contact the suspect of the complaint, later identified as Aaron Wharton, who was observed walking away from the area. Wharton then began running away from the scene when the trooper approached him on foot. The trooper gave chase and attempted to take Wharton into custody. However, Wharton threw dirt into the trooper’s eyes and struck the trooper in the face with his fists, causing injury. After he was taken into custody, Wharton continued to struggle with officers at the scene. Wharton kicked an assisting officer from the Selbyville Police Department and spit into the faces of two troopers.

    .

    Wharton refused medical treatment and was transported to Troop 4, where he was charged with the following crimes:

    • Assault Second Degree of a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)
    • Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer – 2 counts
    • Offensive Touching of Another With a Bodily Fluid – 2 counts
    • Criminal Mischief

    Wharton was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $32,200 cash bond.

  • Dover Man Wanted After Fleeing Traffic Stop and Almost Striking Officer

    Dover Man Wanted After Fleeing Traffic Stop and Almost Striking Officer

    Jeffrey Boatwright Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department is seeking Jeffrey Boatwright (25) of Dover, who is wanted after fleeing from officers during a traffic stop.  Officers stopped Boatwright for a motor vehicle violation in the area of Levy Court Lane and South Little Creek Road on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 9:49 a.m.  Officers made contact with Boatwright and asked for his identification at which time he put the car in gear and accelerated his vehicle almost striking the Officer’s foot. Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit however the decision was made to discontinue the pursuit due to safety concerns at the time.  

    .

    Boatwright is currently wanted for the following offenses:
    -Disregard Police Officer Signal
    -Reckless Endangering Second Degree
    -Resisting Arrest
    -Reckless Driving
    -Multiple Traffic Violations

  • Troopers Arrest Suspect for Aggravated Menacing

    Troopers Arrest Suspect for Aggravated Menacing

    29-year-old Asmar Wilks of Townsend, DE

    Delaware State Police arrested 29-year-old Asmar Wilks of Townsend, DE for aggravated menacing and related charged following an incident involving a handgun early Saturday morning.

    .

    On August 13, 2022, at approximately 2:22 a.m., troopers responded to the Royal Farms located at 2808 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE for a report of a possible robbery. The ensuing investigation revealed that Wilks purchased an item from the store, but failed to pay for a second item in his possession. A store employee observed the incident and attempted to stop Wilks as he was leaving the store. A verbal altercation ensued into the parking lot. During the altercation Wilks entered his vehicle and reversed his car in the direction of the victim. The victim was not struck by vehicle but knocked on it. Wilks then exited the vehicle and displayed a handgun towards the victim. Wilks immediately fled the scene after. The victim was not injured and contacted police.

    .

    Later that evening, Wilks tuned himself in at Troop 9. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following crimes:

    • Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Shoplifting

    Wilks was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and posted bail on a $10,100 secured bond.

  • First 2022 Delaware Evidence of Eastern EquineEncephalitis Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

    First 2022 Delaware Evidence of Eastern Equine
    Encephalitis Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

    Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, has been detected in Delaware the first time for 2022 in a sentinel chicken, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Mosquito-transmitted virus detections in DNREC’s sentinel chickens are unrelated to Delaware’s poultry industry.

    .

    The EEE finding in northern New Castle County was from a sentinel chicken station sampled by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Mosquito Control section and confirmed by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory Aug. 9. While there have been no reported EEE cases in humans this year in the state, Delawareans are reminded that the possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including EEE and West Nile Virus (WNV), will continue until colder autumn temperatures in late-October or later.

    .

    The first EEE-positive sentinel chicken for this year adds to five WNV-positive sentinel chickens found earlier at three other sentinel chicken arbovirus monitoring stations in New Castle and Kent counties – with the first WNV finding occurring in early July. No EEE or WNV human cases have been reported to date in 2022 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory, nor have any EEE or WNV equine cases been reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.   

    .

    Blood samples are collected by the Mosquito Control section each week from early July into October from the state’s outdoor-caged sentinel chickens that are humanely housed and handled at 20 monitoring stations statewide. The blood samples are tested for EEE and WNV antibodies by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. Sentinel chickens bitten by mosquitoes carrying EEE or WNV develop antibodies to these diseases but are otherwise unaffected. Mosquitoes can transmit both WNV and EEE to humans and horses.

    .

    The public is reminded to take common-sense precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) in accordance with label instructions and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and at times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.

    .

    Spraying to reduce mosquito populations in areas where EEE or WNV is detected may be initiated by DNREC’s Mosquito Control section as warranted, based on factors to include mosquito population levels and mosquito species present in affected areas. To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and chances of disease transmission, residents should drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, unprotected rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders and unused swimming pools.

    .

    While EEE is rarer than WNV, both EEE and WNV can adversely affect people and horses. Most people who become infected with EEE virus and WNV show either no or mild symptoms. Early symptoms in people contracting EEE or WNV can be similar, but EEE often becomes more pronounced and debilitating, manifested by meningitis or encephalitis typically resulting in hospitalizations. EEE has a higher human mortality rate of approximately 30%, with infants, children and the elderly most vulnerable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms  in people infected with EEE usually start from four to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with EEE. Early EEE symptoms can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, tremors or muscle weakness, with more severe cases progressing to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but about 20% can develop a mild illness, including fever, body and muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash symptoms. A small number of people infected with WNV can develop serious illness involving neurological problems, paralysis and possibly death. There are no human vaccines for EEE or WNV. Anyone developing the symptoms described above should see their healthcare provider.

    .

    Horse owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect their horse may be showing signs of WNV or EEE. Symptoms of EEE in horses include fever (102.5-104.5°F), loss of appetite, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle tremors in the head and neck or hind-limb weakness. These signs are also consistent with WNV, although a fever may or may not be present with WNV.

    .

    Additional information about mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases is available from the following resources:

    • For mosquito biology/ecology and control, contact the Mosquito Control section office in Dover at 302-739-9917.
    • For requests for mosquito relief in upstate areas from Dover north, contact Mosquito Control’s Glasgow field office at 302-836-2555.
    • For requests for mosquito relief in downstate areas south of Dover, contact Mosquito Control’s Milford field office at 302-422-1512.
    • For animal health questions, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4500.
    • To report suspected cases of human EEE or WNV, call the Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 888-295-5156.
    • For more information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.    
  • Delaware State Police Investigating Double Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Double Fatal Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two individuals last night in the Newark area.

    .

    The collision occurred on August 11, 2022, at approximately 10:22 p.m., a silver 2020 BMW M2 was traveling southbound on Interstate-95 approaching the area of Churchmans Road. For an unknown reason, the BMW became disabled in the middle lane. At this time, a white 2017 Freightliner box truck was traveling southbound on I-95 and had entered into the middle lane of travel.  The front center of the box truck struck the rear center of the BMW for point of impact.  As a result of the collision the box truck became connected to the BMW and pushed it in southern direction, towards the right shoulder where the vehicles came to rest.  The front of the box truck then caught fire.

    .

    The 50-year-old operator of the box truck was able to escape from the vehicle prior to the front of the vehicle catching fire.  The operator was not injured in the crash.

    .

    The operator of the BMW a 37-year-old man of Havre De Grace, MD and the front seat passenger a 27-year-old man of Halethorpe, MD were pinned inside the vehicle.  The two occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. The fire did not spread to the passenger compartment of the BMW.

    .

    The area of the collision is dark and there are no lights on the highway.

    .

    Interstate-95 southbound was closed at RT 141 for approximately 6 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Dover area on Wednesday morning.

    .

    On August 10, 2022, at approximately 8:20 a.m., a tan 2004 Pontiac Vibe was stopped at a stop sign facing northbound on Fox Road at the intersection with North Little Creek Road. At the same time, a white 2019 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling eastbound on North Little Creek Road approaching the intersection at Fox Road. For unknown reasons, the Vibe entered the intersection and into the path of the Ram. As a result, the front of the Dodge Ram struck the left side of the Pontiac Vibe. After impact, both the Vibe and the Ram pickup truck traveled in a northeasterly direction until they came to rest near the westbound shoulder area of North Little Creek Road.

    .

    The operator of the Dodge Ram, a 42-year-old male from Camden-Wyoming, DE, was not properly restrained. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Pontiac Vibe, an 18-year-old female from Dover, DE, was properly restrained. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

    .

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

    .

    *Traffic Advisory* State Police Investigating Serious Collision

    .

    The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Selbyville Man arrested on Numerous Charges After Assault

    Selbyville Man arrested on Numerous Charges After Assault

    Robert L. Belbol (19)

    The Selbyville Police Department arrested a Selbyville man for Driving a Vehicle Under the influence of Alcohol, Terroristic Threatening, Vehicular Assault 1st Degree (DUI Related), and Assault 1st Degree.

    .

    On August 5, 2022, the Selbyville Police Department responded to a home on Reef Drive in Selbyville, Delaware within the municipal limits of the Town of Selbyville and within the Selbyville Police Department jurisdiction.

    .

    Upon police arrival, all involved parties were separated.

    .

    Responding officers completed an investigation and ascertained Robert L. Belbol and a family member were inside a vehicle and had been arguing over an unknown incident that occurred prior to police contact. For an unknown reason, Belbol threatened to kill the said family member and then retrieved a cutting instrument from under the driver’s seat of his vehicle. Belbol proceeded to wave said cutting instrument in a threatening manner towards said family member ultimately resulting in a significant laceration to the family member’s upper arm. The family member attempted to exit the vehicle but was unable to do so without his injured arm being trapped in the vehicle door. While the family member’s arm was trapped in the vehicle door Belbol accelerated causing the family member’s arm to break in numerous places and eventually be pulled free from the vehicle.

    .

    Officers located Belbol in the driver seat of a running vehicle parked in the driveway of a home on Reef Drive in Selbyville, Delaware. Upon being contacted a strong odor of alcohol was emanating from Belbol. Field sobriety tests were completed which resulted in a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .251%. Belbol was interviewed about this incident; he admitted to his intoxication and involvement in a significant altercation with a family member. Belbol alleged he requested the family member leave his vehicle mid-altercation, but the family member refused which resulted in more serious actions occurring.

    .

    Belbol was seen by the Justice of the Peace Court 3 which resulted in a committal to Sussex Correctional Institution with a $23,100 Cash Only Bail pending adjudication.

  • Three Dover Officers Injured During Arrest of Domestic Assault Suspect

    Three Dover Officers Injured During Arrest of Domestic Assault Suspect

    Corey Reyes
    Dover, DE

    Three Dover Officers were injured Wednesday evening while attempting to arrest a domestic assault suspect. At approximately 8:38 p.m. the Dover Police Department made contact with a female victim who had sustained injuries as a result of a physical altercation with Corey Reyes(40), of Dover, DE. It was discovered that during the physical altercation, Reyes placed his hands around the victim’s neck, impeding her breathing, and caused serious injury to her lower body. The female victim was treated at a nearby hospital for her injuries.

    .

    Officers contacted Reyes at a residence in Dover, at which time he refused to be taken into custody. Reyes began grappling with Officers, causing the officers to fall off of an elevated platform onto concrete, where the struggle continued. Reyes was eventually taken into custody and determined to be intoxicated. During this altercation three officers sustained injuries, however they did not require immediate medical attention. A juvenile was at the residence during this incident.

    .

    Reyes was committed to SCI on $22,400 secured bail on the following charges:
    -Assault Second Degree Injure a Law Enforcement Officer (3x)
    -Assault Second Degree
    -Strangulation
    -Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence
    -Terroristic Threatening
    -Endangering the Welfare of a Child
    -Criminal Mischief (3x)
    -Disorderly Conduct

  • Dover Woman Arrested During Search Warrant at Kent Budget Inn

    Dover Woman Arrested During Search Warrant at Kent Budget Inn

    Deloris Unsworth
    Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department arrested Deloris Unsworth(42) on drug charges on Wednesday evening.  Dover officers executed a search warrant at a Kent Budget Inn room belonging to Unsworth at approximately 7:29 p.m. on Wednesday as a result of a drug investigation.  During the search, officers located 12.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Unsworth was taken into custody without incident.

    .

    Unsworth was released on a $36,200 unsecured bond on the following offenses:
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled substance in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled substance
    -Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 2 Quantity
    -Possession of drug paraphernalia

  • Troopers Arrest Subject on Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

    Troopers Arrest Subject on Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

    43-year-old Caheim Drake of Salisbury, Maryland

    Delaware State Police have arrested 43-year-old Caheim Drake of Salisbury, Maryland on felony drug charges following a traffic stop that was conducted in Viola on Friday evening.

    .

    On August 5, 2022, at approximately 10:00 p.m., troopers on patrol observed a black 2018 Acura TLX traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway approaching Viola. Troopers noticed that the driver of the Acura failed to utilize his turn signal when he conducted a lane change. A traffic stop was initiated on South Dupont Highway in the area of East Evens Road and contact was made with the operator of the vehicle, identified as Caheim Drake. During the stop, a Delaware State Police canine conducted a free-air scan of the Acura. The canine alerted to the presence of an odor of narcotics, and Drake was searched at the scene. Troopers discovered that Drake was in possession of approximately 84.24 grams of cocaine and approximately 3.02 grams of marijuana.

    .

    Drake was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following offenses:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Failure to Signal

    Drake was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $80,102 secured bond.

  • Dover Police Issue AMBER Alert For Missing 17-year-old

    Dover Police Issue AMBER Alert For Missing 17-year-old

    Taniyah Quail-Marker
    Dover, DE
    SIMILAR Vehicle
    Taniyah is believed to be in a blue Nissan Versa with Alaska tags: JPL799.

    The Dover Police Department has issued an AMBER Alert for Taniyah Quail-Marker, a 17-year-old female from Dover. Taniyah Quail-Marker left a relative’s residence at approximately midnight on August 9th with a male subject. Attempts to contact Taniyah Quail-Marker or locate her have been unsuccessful. Based on evidence obtained at this point in the investigation, it is believed that Taniyah Quail-Marker’s safety may be at risk and that her missing status may not be voluntary. Taniyah was last seen wearing a blue cookie monster shirt, shorts, and white crocs. Taniyah was last seen with a light skinny black male, dreadlocks, wearing dark clothing, inside of a blue Nissan Versa with Alaska registration JPL799. Taniyah is described as a black female, 5’04”, approximately 240 pounds. A recent photo of Taniyah and a picture of what the vehicle may look like are below.

    .

    If you have any information regarding this case please contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911 immediately.

    .

    Taniyah is believed to be in a blue Nissan Versa with Alaska tags: JPL799

  • DNREC, DelDOT To Deploy New EV Charging Stations Along State’s Major Travel Routes Via BIL Initiative Funding

    DNREC, DelDOT To Deploy New EV Charging Stations Along State’s Major Travel Routes Via BIL Initiative Funding

    Delaware plans to locate 11 multi-car, fast-charging electric vehicle charging stations along major travel routes followed by an expansion of EV charging stations into communities over the next five years as part of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) initiative to dramatically expand EV charging across the country.

    .

    Under an initial plan submitted to the federal government July 29 jointly by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Delaware proposes to utilize almost $18 million in federal funds to:

    • In a first phase, locate five new charging stations around the state, meeting a requirement with the BIL funding that EV charging stations be available at least every 50 miles along major travel routes identified by the federal government: I-95, SR 1, U.S. 13 and U.S. 113. Subject to additional data and public input, the general targeted areas are the I-95 Biden Welcome Center near Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Laurel and Selbyville.
    • In a second phase, locate six additional charging stations in additional areas along the identified corridors, meeting a state goal of every-25-mile availability. Subject to additional data and public input, the general targeted areas are Middletown, Smyrna, Harrington, Milford, Bridgeville and Georgetown.
    • In a third phase, locate charging stations in high-density residential areas, focusing on areas with multi-family housing and/or street parking in areas that may not otherwise have convenient charging options. 

    The operators and exact locations of the EV stations in the general identified areas would be chosen through a competitive process after additional planning and public input. EV drivers would pay for the use of the chargers.

    .

    The initial state plan is part of the National Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program that aims to place half a million new EV charging stations across the country by 2030, making it easier and more predictable to travel in electric vehicles. NEVI includes requirements that the charging stations along major highway corridors be “DC fast chargers” capable of charging at least four vehicles at a time, operate 24 hours a day, and use common payment platforms.

    .

    NEVI is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021 and championed by U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.

    .

    “Tailpipe emissions from our vehicles are the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions both here in Delaware and across the country. Making it easier for Delawareans to choose to drive electric is a key strategy in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The federal funding made available through the NEVI program accelerates our efforts in Delaware to not just reduce transportation emissions, but improve air quality in our communities, improve public health and expand transportation choices.”

    .

    DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski said installing charging stations here and around the country will increase consumer confidence that purchasing an electric vehicle is a practical choice, and is good for Delaware. “Increased temperatures, sea level rise and more frequent and intense storms and flooding take a toll on our transportation network,” Majeski said. “Accelerating our transition to cleaner transportation is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    .

    Further development of the plan will include engagement from industry, environmental and community stakeholders. The submitted NEVI plan and other information about creating support for EVs in Delaware can be found at https://deldot.gov/Programs/NEVI/index.shtml.

    .

    The NEVI funding is one of several funding opportunities and activities the State will utilize in a broader effort to encourage electric vehicle use. Gov. John Carney’s administration has supported electric vehicles by offering rebates for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles through DNREC’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and incentives for the installation of public, fleet, workplace and multi-family charging stations through DNREC’s Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate Program.

  • NWS Confirms Tornado On Smith Island, MD With Winds Of 110 MPH

    NWS Confirms Tornado On Smith Island, MD With Winds Of 110 MPH

    ...NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOR 08/04/22 SMITH ISLAND TORNADO EVENT...

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS AND NEWS 
OUTLETS.

RATING:                 EF-1
ESTIMATED PEAK WIND:    110 MPH
PATH LENGTH /STATUTE/:  2.2 MILES
PATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/:   100 YARDS
FATALITIES:             NONE
INJURIES:               1

START DATE:             AUGUST 4, 2022
START TIME:             7:20 PM EDT
START LOCATION:         SHEEP PEN GUT IN SMITH ISLAND, MD
START LAT/LON:          37.9695 / -76.0467

END DATE:               AUGUST 4, 2022
END TIME:               7:27 PM EDT
END LOCATION:           EWELL IN SMITH ISLAND, MD
END LAT/LON:            38.0000 / -76.0300


A WATERSPOUT TOUCHED DOWN IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY JUST TO THE 
SOUTHWEST OF SMITH ISLAND BEFORE MOVING ASHORE AND CAPSIZING SEVERAL 
BOATS LONGER THAN 25 FEET IN SHEEP PEN GUT. AFTER CROSSING SHEEP PEN 
GUT, THE TORNADO CROSSED MARSH ROAD JUST TO THE NORTHWEST OF CALVARY 
CHURCH, WHERE POWER POLES WERE DOWNED. THE TORNADO TRACKED TO THE 
NORTH-NORTHEAST AND REACHED HIGH-END EF-1 INTENSITY WITH ESTIMATED WINDS 
OF 110 MPH WHEN IT ARRIVED AT THE INTERSECTION OF MARSH ROAD AND 
SMITH ISLAND ROAD. THE TORNADO RIPPED THE ROOF OFF OF ISLAND TIME 
BED AND BREAKFAST AND ANOTHER BLOCK BUILDING RIGHT AFTER THIS POINT. 
IN ADDITION, A MOBILE HOME JUST NORTH OF THESE TWO BUILDINGS WAS 
COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND ONE RESIDENT WAS INJURED. MULTIPLE TREES 
WERE DOWNED IN THIS AREA AS WELL. THE TORNADO CONTINUED TO TRACK TO 
THE NORTH-NORTHEAST, CROSSING SMITH ISLAND ROAD AND MOVING WELL INTO 
THE MARSH EAST OF SMITH ISLAND ROAD. THE TORNADO WEAKENED SOME 
BEFORE REACHING THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND, BUT STILL SEVERELY 
DAMAGED AN OUTBUILDING JUST WEST OF THE LOCAL POST OFFICE. IT ALSO 
OVERTURNED A GOLF CART, WHICH FELL INTO LEVERING CREEK. THE TORNADO 
MOVED BACK INTO THE CHESAPEAKE BAY SHORTLY AFTER CROSSING LEVERING CREEK.

&&

EF SCALE: THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THE
FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

EF0...WEAK......65 TO 85 MPH
EF1...WEAK......86 TO 110 MPH
EF2...STRONG....111 TO 135 MPH
EF3...STRONG....136 TO 165 MPH
EF4...VIOLENT...166 TO 200 MPH
EF5...VIOLENT...>200 MPH

NOTE:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT AND PUBLICATION IN NWS
STORM DATA.
  • Dover Man Arrested Following Pair of Burglaries

    Dover Man Arrested Following Pair of Burglaries

    Jonathan Christopher
    Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department has arrested Jonathan Christopher, a 32-year-old Dover man, following two commercial burglaries that occurred Sunday evening. Officers responded to Top Notch Sewing for the report of a burglary, after the business owner called to report a black male, dread locked hair, striped shirt inside of the business, which was currently closed. The business owner advised the suspect had removed items from the store and left walking south. The business owner also advised that the suspect was with a white female, wearing a dress during this incident.

    .

    Officers located Christopher in the surrounding area, matching the above description, and took him into custody without incident. Christopher was found in possession of drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest. Through this investigation, it was determined that Christopher had broken the dead lock off of an adjoining business, Maxine’s Fashions. Christopher then entered the business and took several articles of clothing before leaving.

    .

    The identity of the white female suspect is still unknown.

    .

    Christopher was released on O.R. bond on the following charges:
    -Burglary Third Degree (2x)
    -Theft $1500 or Greater
    -Conspiracy Second Degree
    -Theft under $1500
    -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    -Criminal Mischief Under $1,000

  • Dover Police Investigates A Burglary At Walgreens

    Dover Police Investigates A Burglary At Walgreens

    The Dover Police Department is investigating a commercial burglary that occurred on Saturday, August 6th, at Walgreens. During the overnight hours, while the business was closed, a black male wearing a black mask, light colored shirt, and shorts broke a window and entered the business. While inside, the suspect took several cartons of cigarettes, placed them into a bag, and left the store.

    .

    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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

    .

    If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance.  You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: [email protected]

  • Wilmington Man Arrested For Drug And Firearm Offenses

    Wilmington Man Arrested For Drug And Firearm Offenses

    The Dover Police Department arrested Zakeer Washington (27) on drug and gun charges early Friday morning after a drug investigation. The Dover Police Department’s Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit and Street Crimes Unit began an investigation into Washington after learning he was going to be in the parking lot of Bally’s Casino, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE with drugs. Officers responded Bally’s and attempted to contact Washington inside of a vehicle. Washington began ramming police vehicles in an attempt to flee, however he was taken into custody shortly after without further incident. A search of Washington’s vehicle led to the discovery of 1.312 grams of heroin/fentanyl, a 9mm handgun, and $2,233 of suspected drug proceeds. It was later found that Washington was also wanted on unrelated charges by the Bridgeville Police Department.

    Zakeer Washington (27)

    Washington was charged with the following offenses and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $104,100 cash bail:

    .

    -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
    -Possession of Firearm/Ammo by Person Prohibited (2x)
    -Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon
    -Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
    -Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 1 Quantity
    -Resisting Arrest with force or violence
    -Drug Paraphernalia

    .

    f 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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Troopers Arrest Suspect for Aggravated Menacing

    Troopers Arrest Suspect for Aggravated Menacing

    24-year-old Mikel Paoletti of Newark, DE

    Delaware State Police arrested 24-year-old Mikel Paoletti of Newark, DE for aggravated menacing and terroristic threatening following an incident involving a machete on Wednesday morning.

    .

    On August 3, 2022, at approximately 10:32 a.m., troopers responded to the “Park and Ride” located at 1401 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE for a report of a disorderly subject with a weapon. The ensuing investigation revealed that Paoletti had a verbal altercation with a 62-year-old male victim who was blowing off the sidewalk at the location. During the altercation, Paoletti pulled out a machete from his person, displayed it towards the victim, and made a threat to kill him. The victim immediately contacted police and the suspect fled the scene on foot. Upon troopers’ arrival they located Paoletti and took him into custody without incident. Troopers recovered two machetes, a large knife and approximately 1.7 grams of marijuana from Paoletti.

    .

    Paoletti was transported to Troop 6 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
    • Terroristic Threatening, Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Disorderly Conduct
    • Possession of Marijuana (Civil)

    Paoletti was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $10,101 cash bond.

  • Governor Carney Signed Multiple Pieces of Legislation Related to Mental Health

    Governor Carney Signed Multiple Pieces of Legislation Related to Mental Health

    Photo: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

    Joined by Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik, Children’s Department Secretary Josette Manning, additional members of the General Assembly, educators and advocates, Governor Carney on Wednesday signed three pieces of legislation related to mental health in the backyard of Sean’s House, a mental health haven in Newark for young people.

    .

    Rep. Longhurst, who is the prime sponsor on all three bills said, “We can no longer choose to look the other way.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five youth are affected by a mental health disorder. Additionally, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14.

    .

    The bills signed in law are:

    • House Bill 300, which establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware middle schools. The unit will be phased in over three years. “The fact of the matter is that we don’t have the professionals to take the job positions that we’re funding,” Governor Carney said. “To those of you who work in this field, we need your help.”

    .

    • House Amendment 1 for House Bill 301 which implements statewide mental health educational programs for each grade, kindergarten through grade 12. Sen. Sarah McBride, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, thanked advocates for pushing the legislation by turning their pain into purpose. “Today, we turned their purpose into policy and progress.”

    .

    • House Amendment 2 for House Bill 303, which requires coverage for an annual behavioral health wellness check. “The need for accessible mental health care has never been greater,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. The requirement for coverage of the behavioral health well check is effective Jan. 1, 2023.

    .

    Annie Slease, director of advocacy & education for NAMI Delaware, said, “These laws will save lives.” She thanked the Governor for prioritizing children’s mental health care.

    .

    If you or a loved one in Delaware is struggling with a behavioral health issue, call DHSS’ 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) or visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

  • Troopers Warn Public About Leaving Cars Unattended While Idling

    Troopers Warn Public About Leaving Cars Unattended While Idling

    The Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about leaving their cars unattended and unlocked while idling.

    .

    Delaware State Police Criminal Investigative Units have recently been handling numerous vehicle thefts occurring throughout the State of Delaware.  A large majority of the thefts have occurred at gas station and convenience store parking lots where a vehicle was left unattended, idling, and unlocked. Victims often leave their car running while they go into a store to make a purchase. Investigations show that suspects will specifically look for and target unattended vehicles idling in parking lots.

    .

    Additionally, Delaware law states: (Title 21, § 4182) Unattended motor vehicle.  No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon. For a first offense, a fine of $25.00 – $75.00 can be imposed.

    .

    The Delaware State Police remind everyone to Lock It… or Lose It.

  • Pair Arrested For Vehicle Break Ins In Harrington

    Pair Arrested For Vehicle Break Ins In Harrington

    Harrington: On August 2, 2022, the Harrington Police Department arrested Robert McKewen, 25 of Dover, and Gavin Kulhanek, 27 of Felton after an investigation of vehicle break ins at an area hotel.

    .

    Officers were contacted about the incident by hotel staff after they observed two males entering unlocked vehicles in the parking lot during the early morning hours. Officers were able to identify the suspects by security footage from the building and tracked them to a rented room in the hotel. Upon contact, they were taken into custody without incident. They were transported to Harrington PD and charged with the following:

    .

    Burglary 3rd Degree, Vehicle (F Felony)
    Conspiracy 2nd Degree (G Felony)
    Theft under $1500 (A misdemeanor)

    .

    They were presented via Video Phone to Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Lewes. Mr. Kulhanek was released on OR bond. Mr. McKewen was committed to Sussex Correctional in lieu of $3000 cash bond.

  • State Police Arrest Subject for Assaulting Trooper

    State Police Arrest Subject for Assaulting Trooper

    28-year-old Wade Wilson of Millsboro, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 28-year-old Wade Wilson of Millsboro, DE for felony assault and other charges following an investigation that began on Monday afternoon.

    .

    On August 1, 2022, at approximately 12:07 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Webbs Lane in Dover regarding a stolen motor vehicle. Troopers were advised that a gold 2009 Ford Crown Victoria was at this location, which had been reported overnight as stolen. A trooper contacted the occupant of the parked sedan, who was later identified as Wade Wilson. Wilson refused to comply with the trooper’s commands, and he subsequently placed the vehicle in drive and began accelerating forward. Wilson dragged the trooper with his vehicle until the trooper struck a tree. The vehicle then collided with a sign and came to a stop in a grassy area. Wilson exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The trooper was treated at an area hospital for several physical injuries sustained during the encounter.

    .

    Wilson was later apprehended and taken into custody by Dover Police Department on Monday evening after officers responded to a report of a suspicious person on Mimosa Avenue. Wilson was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Assault Second Degree (Felony)
    • Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
    • Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)

    Wilson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000 cash bond.

  • NASA Launching Student Spaceflight Technology Projects from Wallops Next Week

    NASA Launching Student Spaceflight Technology Projects from Wallops Next Week

    RockSat-X Launch

    Community college and university teams from across the United States will descend on NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Aug. 9 to launch experiments that they designed and built into space.

    .

    The student experiments will launch on a 44-foot-tall Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket. Launch is scheduled between 5:30 and 9 p.m. EDT, with live coverage scheduled to begin at 5:10 p.m. on the Wallops YouTube site. The NASA Wallops Visitor Center will be open to the public for viewing the flight, which is expected to be visible from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland and southern Delaware. The backup launch dates are Aug. 10 and 11.

    .

    After flying to around 91 miles altitude, the payload carrying the experiments will descend by parachute and is expected to land in the Atlantic Ocean, about 64 miles off the Virginia coast, 15 minutes after launch. The students will receive their flown experiments and any stored data after the payload is recovered from the ocean.

    .

    The student projects focus on technology development for sounding rockets and spacecraft. The onboard payload includes a device to help payloads descend autonomously after an electrical failure; a sublimation-fueled motor for spacecraft; machine-learning applications for space robotics; a deployable boom for capturing high-definition, 360-degree video of a rocket’s experiments; a probe for measuring electrical currents in the ionosphere; and an ejection system for returning small spacecraft to Earth.

    .

    The experiments are being flown through the RockSat-X program in conjunction with the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. RockSat-X gives students at secondary institutions the experience of building experiments for space flight.

    .

    “RockSat-X provides students an opportunity to improve their skills through experiment development and then analyzing their data following the launch,” said Giovanni Rosanova, chief of the Sounding Rockets Program Office at Wallops. “Programs like these are vital in preparing students for careers after graduation.”

    .

    Approximately 75 of the 120 students participating in this year’s RockSat-X program will be at Wallops to support the final integration their experiments into the rocket and view the launch.

    .

    RockSat-X is part of NASA’s three-phase sounding rocket program for students. RockOn launches are at the entry level, RockSat-C projects are at the intermediate level, and RockSat-X is the most advanced. RockSat-X experiments are flown approximately 20 miles higher in altitude than those in the RockOn and RockSat-C programs, providing more flight time in space. The whole experience requires students to expand their skills to develop and build more complex projects as they progress through the programs.

    .

    The most recent RockOn/RockSat-C mission occurred on June 24, 2022.

    .

    “This will be the 13th flight of a RockSat-X payload,” said Chris Koehler, director of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. “Hundreds of students have participated in the RockSat-X program prior to careers with government, education, or commercial organizations.”

    .

    Participating institutions in the 2022 RockSat-X flight are the Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado; Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado; College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California; Virginia Tech in Blacksburg; Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho; Kauai Community College in Līhuʻe, Hawaii; and the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

    .

    NASA’s Sounding Rockets Program is managed at the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility, which is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. NASA’s Heliophysics Division funds the Sounding Rockets Program for the agency.

    .

    RockSat-X 2022 flight projects:

    College of the Canyons

    The team is developing an autonomous autorotational device that will provide a reusable descent method for a payload vehicle in the event of an electrical systems failure. Utilizing aerodynamic design and telemetry data collection, the team will investigate how a payload’s velocity involved in assisted pitched blade design will maximize autorotation upon re-entry into an atmosphere.

    .

    University of Hawaii Community Colleges 

    The team is conducting research on the feasibility of using a sublimation–fueled motor for providing low-power vernier thrust. The specific impulse of the sublimate camphor will be determined by a static ground test and by deploying the rocket from the sounding rocket at apogee. On board cameras will record the sublimation rocket’s flight parameters. This data will be supplemented by an inertial measurement unit and a multi-axis accelerometer that will provide a baseline for the payload’s flight trajectory.

    .

    Northwest Nazarene University 

    The team will investigate that Deep Meta Reinforcement Learning is a viable method for adaptive astro-robotics and demonstrate a viable soft robotic fluid for future space applications.

    .

    Community Colleges of Colorado

    The team seeks to improve on a legacy deployable boom arm by changing the mechanism used to generate torque with interlocking gears, use a 360-degree camera to shoot high-definition video with a clear view of the rocket and experiments, and create an experiment that will test bit flips caused from high energy radiation.

    .

    Virginia Tech   

    The team is developing a Langmuir probe system capable of recording and recovering current-voltage curve characteristics while in flight between the E and F layers of the ionosphere.

    .

    University of Kentucky The team seeks to demonstrate the successful ejection of a capsule from an altitude of 93 miles and to gather and transmit data from an instrumented capsule throughout its flight. The method of ejecting the capsule is planned to be used for a future International Space Station mission.

  • TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM

    TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM

    Dontwain Cornish

    On Sunday, July 31, 2022, at approximately 1:30 AM, officers from the Dewey Beach Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Coastal Highway, in the area of King Charles Avenue, for a motor vehicle violation. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Dontwain Cornish (24 of Milford, DE). During the investigation marijuana was observed in plain view and Cornish admitted to having a concealed firearm in the vehicle. The officers recovered a SAR 9 mm handgun which was fully loaded; another fully loaded magazine was also recovered. Cornish was placed into custody and taken to the Dewey Beach Police Department. He was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon and was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court #3 located in Georgetown Delaware. He was released on his own recognizance. Cornish was also cited on traffic charges related to this incident.

  • Troopers Arrest Two Subjects for Assault First Degree, One Remains At Large

    Troopers Arrest Two Subjects for Assault First Degree, One Remains At Large

    Justin Locke
    Jeffrey Labarge
    Tyler Simpson

    Delaware State Police have arrested Justin Locke, 20, and Jeffrey Labarge, 22, both of Claymont, DE for Assault 1st Degree after an incident last weekend.

    .

    On Saturday July 23, 2022, at approximately 11:41 pm, the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit began investigating a felony level assault at the Claymont Auto Repair located in the 3500 block of Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE. Due to the suspicious circumstances of the initial investigation, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit began to assist with the investigation. During this joint investigation, it was determined that three subjects attacked a 56-year-old victim of Claymont in the area of Claymont Auto Repair as the victim was walking south along the sidewalk. After the assault, the three assailants left the victim lying motionless on the ground of the parking lot, where the victim remained for over 25 minutes. A vehicle then pulled into the same parking lot, and subjects were observed loading the victim into the rear of an SUV. This behavior was witnesses by a passing motorist, who called 9-1-1 to report the suspicious activity.

    .

    Through various investigative leads, the suspect vehicle and three persons of interest were identified as Justin Locke, Jeffrey Labarge, and Tyler Simpson, but there was no immediate report of an assault victim or missing person.  As investigators continued to work the investigation, further information was obtained that assisted law enforcement in identifying potential areas to search in the Claymont area for the unidentified assault victim. Through these steps, the body of a deceased white male was located on the property of Citisteel USA, located north of the assault location. Following an autopsy of the victim, his manner of death was ruled a homicide. Identification of the victim is not being released at this time.

    .

    During the week of July 25th, the Delaware State Police apprehended two of the three identified suspects. On July 28, 2022, Justin Locke, was arrested on charges of Assault 1st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree, arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to Delaware Corrections on a $1,00,000 cash bond. On Thursday July 28, 2022, Jeffrey Labarge was apprehended by Delaware State Police and arrested on charges of Assault 1st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree, arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11, and committed to Delaware Corrections on a $1,000,000 cash bond.

    .

    Locke and Labarge, who are currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections, will be charged with Murder 1st Degree. Arraignment information will be forthcoming.

    .

    The third suspect, Tyler Simpson, 22, of Wilmington, DE is still outstanding on charges of Murder 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree.

    .

    The Delaware State Police would like to ask for the public’s assistance in locating Tyler Simpson and cautions the public that Simpson should be considered armed and dangerous.

    .

    The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Dover Man Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit

    Dover Man Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit

    Jemeire Perry

    The Dover Police Department arrested an 18-year-old male early Monday morning following a brief vehicle pursuit. At approximately 12:17 a.m., officers responded to the area of Lexington Place and Nicholas Drive in reference to several subjects being loud. Officers attempted to contact the group at which time the subjects began entering vehicles and attempted to leave. When officers attempted to contact Jemeire Perry, he fled in his vehicle, nearly striking one of the officers on scene. Perry was taken into custody without incident at the conclusion of a brief vehicle pursuit. After speaking with Perry it was determined that he was under the influence and a blood search warrant was obtained and executed at Bayhealth Kent Campus.

    .

    Perry was released on an O.R. Bond on the following charges:
    -Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree
    -Reckless Driving
    -Driving Under the Influence
    -Disregarding a Police Signal
    -Multiple Traffic Offenses

    .

    In addition to Perry’s charges a female passenger was given a civil citation for possession of a small amount of marijuana. Two other occupants were released with no charges.

  • *Update – Victim Identified* Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Conducting Criminal Investigation

    *Update – Victim Identified* Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Conducting Criminal Investigation

    Staytonville Road west of North Union Church Road

    UPDATE: 8/3/2022

    Delaware State Police have identified the victim who was found deceased in Lincoln on July 31, 2022 as Jose Santiago-Zamora Jimenez, 40, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

    .

    The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a criminal investigation in the Lincoln area that began on Sunday morning.

    .

    On July 31, 2022, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers responded to the area of Staytonville Road west of North Union Church Road for a report of a subject lying near the roadway. Troopers arrived on-scene and discovered an unknown male subject deceased at this location. The male subject has yet to be identified, and the investigation is still ongoing at this time.

    .

    The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision In Milton

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision In Milton

    Milton Ellendale Highway approaching the intersection at Mulberry Street

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in Milton on Saturday morning.

    .

    On July 30, 2022, at approximately 7:04 a.m., a silver 2014 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on Milton Ellendale Highway approaching the intersection at Mulberry Street. At the same time, a gray 2016 Chevrolet Colorado was traveling westbound on Milton Ellendale Highway approaching the same intersection. The Colorado began turning left onto southbound Mulberry Street and entered the path of travel of the Corolla. As a result, the front left of the Chevrolet struck the left side of the Toyota in the intersection. This caused both vehicles to rotate counterclockwise, with the Corolla coming to rest in a grassy area off the south edge of the roadway and the Colorado coming to rest in the eastbound lane of Milton Ellendale Highway.

    .

    The operator of the Colorado, a 24-year-old male from Lewes, DE, was properly restrained and was not injured during the collision. The driver of the Corolla, a 20-year-old female from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained. She was transported via ambulance to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. The front-right passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old male from Hyattsville, Maryland, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The rear-left passenger of the Corolla, a 19-year-old female from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained and was airlifted via helicopter to an area hospital in serious but stable condition. The rear-right passenger of the Toyota, a 20-year-old male from Woodbridge, Virginia, was properly restrained and was not injured.

    .

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

  • DNREC Seeks Volunteers for Delaware Coastal Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 17

    DNREC Seeks Volunteers for Delaware Coastal Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 17

    The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is hosting the 35th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at 41 sites statewide to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways free of trash. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for the one-day coordinated event when online volunteer registration opens on Monday, Aug. 1.

    .

    In addition, Delawareans and visitors are invited to join the month-long campaign starting Sept. 1 to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways throughout the state on days, times and at locations of their choice. The coordinated event and month-long campaign support Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

    .

    “In 2019, we launched the Keep DE Litter Free initiative with the goal of building stronger communities and working together to keep our state beautiful by keeping our coastlines and outdoor spaces clear of litter,” Governor Carney said. “I thank our other state and local partners who plan and support the Delaware Coastal Cleanup, and I encourage all Delawareans to participate on cleanup day – and all year round.”

    .

    “DNREC encourages all Delawareans and visitors to make time to help keep our beaches, waterways and wetlands clean and free of trash throughout the year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The Coastal Cleanup is a great reminder that volunteers of all ages can make a difference, whether they sign up for the Sept. 17 statewide cleanup event or choose their own time, date and place to pick up trash.”

    .

    For the Sept. 17 coordinated cleanup, volunteers should sign up by Wednesday, Aug. 31 for their choice of sites through the Coastal Cleanup page at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Site captains with supplies will be on site to sign in volunteers and provide trash bags and directions. Although gloves, paper data cards and pencils will be available upon request, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and to use the online Coastal Cleanup reporting tool, when it goes live Sept. 1, to share their findings. Walkups are not encouraged due to volunteer site capacity limitations.

    .

    Find ideas about how to get involved in the 2022 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers in both the coordinated event on Sept. 17 and the month-long campaign can post photos on facebook.com/DelawareDNREC for a chance to win a 2023 Delaware State Parks pass and a prize bag. Volunteers can post photos as often as they like throughout the month, with each photo counting as a one entry. All volunteers should also report their findings and are invited to share photos through the Coastal Cleanup page. Results will be updated during all month long and will appear on an interactive map.

    .

    Last year, nearly 600 volunteers filled about 400 bags, cleaning up 5,500 pounds of trash from waterways, wetlands and other natural areas. The top five trash items collected were: 7,671 cigarette butts; 2,921 plastic and glass beverage bottles and cans; 1,785 food containers; 846 plastic bags; and 381 balloons.

    .

    Cleaning up locally makes a big difference statewide and keeps trash from entering waterways and making its way to beaches and beyond. DNREC suggests several ways to help make a difference all year long:

    • Be proactive by picking up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
    • Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, DNREC wildlife areas, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve locations, and county or local parks.
    • Pack a bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
    • Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

    DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities, and follow all recent public area protocols, including the most current COVID-19 guidance.

  • Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Millsboro area on Wednesday afternoon.

    .

    On July 27, 2022, at approximately 3:14 p.m., a white 2019 Kia Optima was traveling eastbound on Mount Joy Road approaching a moderate left curve east of Cannon Road. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Kia failed to negotiate the curve, and the Kia exited the south edge of Mount Joy Road and continued traveling eastbound until it struck a utility pole off the roadway. After striking the pole, the Kia overturned onto its roof and caught fire.

    .

    The operator of the Optima, a 27-year-old male from Milford, DE, was not properly restrained. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the vehicle sustained extensive thermal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim was turned over to the Office of the Medical Examiner for identification confirmation.

    .

    No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.

    .

    The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal J. Smith by calling 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police, by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Shooting at Cannon Mills Apartment Complex Wed Night

    Shooting at Cannon Mills Apartment Complex Wed Night

    The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured a 25-year-old male on Wednesday evening. At approximately 9:58 p.m., officer responded to the Cannon Mills apartment complex on Katrina Way for a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located the male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported by ambulance to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment for non-life threatening injuries. The victim advised detectives that he was walking to his vehicle from his apartment when he was approached by an unknown black male that was wearing a black ski mask. The suspect displayed a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim in the back of his leg. The victim stated that the suspect fled in a blue Chevrolet Silverado.

    .

    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 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

  • Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

    Delaware State Police Arrest Subject for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

    Delaware State Police have arrested Francis Phillips (no photograph available), 31, for theft of a motor vehicle following an incident Tuesday night.

    .

    On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:04 p.m., troopers responded to Traders Joe’s located at 5605 Concord Pike, Wilmington for a stolen vehicle. Investigation determined the victim dropped her key fob to her 2020 Buick Enclave in the parking lot as she entered the store. Upon returning to her vehicle, it was no longer in the parking space. The suspect located the dropped key fob and fled the parking lot in the stolen vehicle. Through investigative means troopers located the stolen Buick Enclave on Kennett Pike in the area of Valley Way, Wilmington and initiated a traffic stop. The operator and sole occupant identified as Francis Phillips was taken into custody without incident.

    .

    Phillips was transported back to Troop 1 and charged with the following crimes:

    • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)

    Phillips was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and released on his own recognizance.

  • DNREC Set to Begin Emergency Dredging ProjectRestoring Navigability in the Murderkill River

    DNREC Set to Begin Emergency Dredging Project
    Restoring Navigability in the Murderkill River

    An emergency dredging project is set to begin and be completed by the end of August to restore navigability in the Murderkill River, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Permitted by and with modification approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC regulators, the project calls for removing approximately 52,000 cubic yards of sediment from the river’s navigation channel. DNREC will then make beneficial reuse of the dredged sand to nourish up to 1,000 feet of eroding shoreline at South Bowers Beach.

    .

    Funding for the $2.3 million project comes from appropriations to DNREC made under fiscal year 2022 and 2023 Bond Bills, both of which named the Murderkill River as a dredging priority.

    .

    “This important state-funded dredging project in the Murderkill River will restore navigability of the channel while bolstering shoreline resiliency in South Bowers,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “It’s a win-win in two critical DNREC areas of responsibility: navigable waterways and infrastructure support. Thanks to our partners – the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the town of Bowers and the South Bowers Volunteer Fire Company – for working with us to bring a much-needed dredging project to fruition.”

    .

    U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure this project could begin.

    .

    “After working to secure the necessary federal permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, I’m so glad that this project will now be able to begin and restore the Murderkill River to its full potential,” said Senator Carper. “In the Senate, I’m leading the effort to pass bipartisan legislation that would support navigability in our waters for years to come. Enacting this legislation will ensure towns across our state can better access the help they need to maintain their infrastructure.”

    .

    The Murderkill River is a federally-authorized navigation project that requires periodic dredging to maintain the safety and navigable access to the river, critically important to commercial and emergency vessels as well as recreational boating. The river forms the southern boundary of the Town of Bowers – a popular boating area with its docks, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife-owned boat launch and large parking area – before flowing into the Delaware Bay.

    .

    In early 2022, DNREC removed sand from the Murderkill Inlet’s navigation channel but was limited by having to use a land-based excavator, and navigation continued to be challenge at low tide, especially in the mile-long approach channel to the Inlet. Nautical dredging equipment to be deployed next month will deepen the channel. An onshore staging area, made possible through a temporary construction easement agreement between DNREC and the South Bowers Volunteer Fire Company, will help facilitate the project. Dredging will be carried out by Cottrell Contracting Corp. of Chesapeake, Va., with almost a century-long record of Eastern Seaboard infrastructure dredging.

    .

    “Nourishing the South Bowers shoreline is a vitally important defense of the coastal community against extreme weather, an impact of climate change,” said Jesse Hayden, DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management Section administrator. “The beach-quality sand from this latest dredging project will be used to extend the area of an earlier beach replenishment project that also utilized dredged sand from the Murderkill’s navigation channel.”

    .

    With the project expected to start on or about Aug. 1, the U.S. Coast Guard soon will give notice for mariners to exercise caution and maintain safe distance from the dredging activity – to include floating and submerged pipelines in the Murderkill, and the dredge and support vessels in the area. The USCG also advises that commercial fishing nets, crab pots and other structures removed from the dredging area before work begins.

  • Traffic Stop Leads to Gun Arrest In Dover

    Traffic Stop Leads to Gun Arrest In Dover

    Elyas Tilghman (22) Of Dover, DE

    The Dover Police Department arrested Elyas Tilghman (22) on firearms offenses during a traffic stop on Sunday night. At approximately 11:03 p.m., officers stopped Tilghman in the area of North DuPont Highway and College Road for a motor vehicle violation. During the stop, officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Tilghman told officers that there was marijuana in the vehicle and later admitted to having a handgun inside of the vehicle as well. During a search of the vehicle, officers located 4.3 grams of marijuana and a .38 caliber revolver under the drivers seat of the vehicle.

    .

    Tilghman was released on a $6,040 unsecured bond on the following offenses:
    -Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (drug possession)
    -Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon
    -Possession of Marijuana (civil)
    -Drug Paraphernalia
    -Traffic Offenses

  • Governor Carney Signs Multiple Pieces of Legislation Related to Maternal and Infant Health

    Governor Carney Signs Multiple Pieces of Legislation Related to Maternal and Infant Health

    Governor Carney signed multiple pieces of legislation on Monday related to maternal and infant health aimed at decreasing infant and maternal mortality and expanding services to communities across the state. The series of legislation will improve health outcomes for families and infants throughout Delaware.

    .

    “This package of legislation is important for our community,” said Governor Carney. “Every child deserves a first chance to succeed and every mother and family should feel supported throughout and after a pregnancy. These bills will help address infant and maternal mortality in our community and expand services to families across the state. Thank you to Representative Minor-Brown, Senator Pinkney and other members of the General Assembly for their leadership on these pieces of legislation. Thank you to the health care providers and the advocates for the work they do every day.”

    .

    The United States has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries and wide disparities by race that have been documented since rates separated by race were first published in 1935.

    .

    “As a nurse and a Black woman, I am extremely aware of the maternal and infant health issues affecting Delaware families, particularly Black mothers and babies. I personally experienced preventable complications during both of my pregnancies, as an 18-year-old and as a 30-year-old registered nurse,” said Representative Melissa Minor-Brown, who was the lead House sponsor of all six bills. “Black women made up one of every four women giving birth in Delaware between 2011 and 2018, but they made up half of the mothers who died in childbirth. These are more than statistics; they are mothers and children who leave behind loved ones. These new laws are designed to help all Delaware mothers and infants, to improve their outcomes and increase their chances for a successful and healthy pregnancy, birthing process and postpartum. Taken together, these laws will make a huge impact on Delaware families across the state by breaking down barriers to vital healthcare treatment and removing other obstacles that mothers and families have faced.”

    .

    “I am incredibly proud of this package of legislation, both as a Black woman and as a social worker. All too often, I see patients without adequate insurance who can’t afford to keep up with their recommended care plans once they are discharged,” said Senator Marie Pinkney. “I have seen patients who have been discriminated against based on their race, their gender identity and their substance use. I have seen the difference in outcomes between birthing mothers who had access to a doula and those who did not. As lawmakers, we must do everything in our power to make it easier for new mothers to focus on birthing healthy children and then to advocate for their prenatal and postpartum needs. These bills will remove barriers and reduce disparities for all future generations of Delaware mothers.”

    .

    House Bill 340 revamps the Child Death Review Commission to include more focus on maternal concerns. The commission will be renamed the Maternal and Child Death Review Commission to reflect its existing dual focus. The definition of “maternal death” will also be updated and the Commission would reflect diverse membership that would include a midwife and one maternal and one child advocate from statewide non-profit organizations. In an effort to be transparent, the group will be required to publicly post its draft report and accept written public comment.

    .

    “The Child Death Review Commission is a critical function of our state’s judiciary,” said Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend. “By expanding its scope to focus on maternal issues, we may better understand some of the social determinants of health that affect pregnancy and the following months of postpartum recovery.”

    .

    House Bill 344(S) requires the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative to establish a subcommittee to develop bias and cultural competency training for healthcare employees. The subcommittee will develop training guidelines designed for use in all healthcare fields and shall release the initial guidelines by July 1, 2023. The subcommittee will review data every year thereafter and revise the guidelines as necessary.

    .

    “Delaware has world class health care providers, but they are also human. The only way to build a health care system that works for everyone is to ensure that our providers are provided the opportunity to grow, to fill knowledge gaps, and to address biases that they may not even be aware they hold,” said Senator Sarah McBride. “I’m proud to have supported the entire Momnibus package, but I’m particularly thrilled to have joined with Rep. Minor-Brown on HB 344 to empower more providers with the information and resources they need to alleviate patient fears and offer the best possible care to every patient no matter their background.”

    .

    House Bill 342 expands existing restrictions on the use of restraints on women who are giving birth or in labor to include pregnant women and those in the 13-week post-partum period.

    .

    House Bill 345 ensures pregnant women or women who have given birth within the past six weeks who are subject to the custody of the Department of Corrections at Level IV or V have access to midwifery and doula services by requiring the department to make reasonable accommodations for provision of available midwifery or doula services.

    .

    House Bill 343 requires the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to present a plan to the General Assembly by November 1 for coverage of doula services by Medicaid providers. The services will be provided by a trained doula designed to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant and birthing persons before, during, and after childbirth. This will include support and assistance during labor and childbirth, prenatal and postpartum support and education, breastfeeding assistance, and parenting education.

    .

    House Bill 234 requires the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months from the end of pregnancy through the state plan amendment option created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

  • Victim Identified* Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash

    Victim Identified* Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash

    UPDATE: Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died during a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on July 24, 2022, in the Dewey Beach area as Sidney Wolf, 43, of Clarksburg, Maryland.

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Sunday morning on southbound Coastal Highway (Route 1) in the area of Anchors Way, Dewey Beach, DE.

    On July 24, 2022, at approximately 1:44 a.m., the victim and five of his friends hired a “Lyft” driver to pick them up in Dewey Beach and transport them back to their residence in Bethany Beach. As the group was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway all in the same vehicle, a disagreement occurred between the group and the Lyft operator. The Lyft operator terminated the ride and stopped in the middle of the southbound left lane and demanded all six passengers exit the vehicle. At this time, a 2016 Toyota Corolla, operated by a 27-year-old male was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway in the left lane approaching the stopped Lyft vehicle (possibly a white Honda Pilot). As the operator changed lanes to avoid striking the rear of the Lyft vehicle, he failed to see the pedestrian who had just exited the right rear passenger seat and was standing in the roadway. As a result, the left front of Corolla struck the pedestrian. After impact, the Corolla immediately pulled over on the southbound shoulder and came to a controlled stop. The Lyft vehicle fled southbound on Coastal Highway immediately after the crash.

    The 43-year-old male pedestrian victim of Clarksburg, MD was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

    The other 5 passengers were not injured after exiting the Lyft vehicle.

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

    The operator or the Lyft vehicle has not been identified yet and remains under investigation

  • First 2022 Delaware Evidence of West Nile Virus Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

    First 2022 Delaware Evidence of West Nile Virus Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

    West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware the first time for 2022 in a sentinel chicken, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. This initial finding was from a sentinel chicken station in southern New Castle County sampled by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Mosquito Control section and confirmed by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory on July 19. While there have been no reported WNV cases in humans this year in the state, Delawareans are reminded that the possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), will continue until colder autumn temperatures in mid-October or later.

    Blood samples are collected by the Mosquito Control section each week from early July into October from the state’s outdoor-caged sentinel chickens that are humanely housed and handled at 20 monitoring stations statewide. The blood samples are tested for WNV and EEE antibodies by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. Sentinel chickens bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV or EEE develop antibodies to these diseases but are otherwise unaffected. Mosquitoes can transmit both WNV and EEE to humans and horses.

    Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but about 20% can develop a mild illness, including fever, body and muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash symptoms. A small number of people can develop serious illness involving neurological problems, paralysis, and possibly death. EEE is not as prevalent as WNV but can present more severe symptoms in humans and horses.

    The public is reminded to take common-sense precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) in accordance with label instructions, and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and at times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.

    According to the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), there were no equine cases of WNV or EEE in 2021. With the detection of WNV in a sentinel chicken this early in the season, the state veterinarian urges horse owners to contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to vaccinate horses and other equines against WNV and EEE. Both vaccines are highly effective in minimizing disease and may be the reason why Delaware had no equine cases in 2021. Horses that have been vaccinated in the past will need an annual booster shot. Neither disease has a specific drug treatment, and infections in horses are fatal in 70 to 90% of EEE cases and 30% of WNV cases.

    Spraying to reduce mosquito populations in areas where WNV or EEE is detected may be initiated by the DNREC Mosquito Control section as warranted, based on factors to include mosquito population levels and mosquito species present in affected areas. To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and chances of disease transmission, residents should drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, unprotected rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders, and unused swimming pools.

    Horse owners can take several additional steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites. Horses should be kept inside at dawn and dusk, peak hours for mosquito activity. Topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses may be applied. Wind generated by fans installed in horse stalls can also help deter mosquitoes. Water troughs or buckets should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled every 2-3 days to remove mosquito eggs or larvae.