Teenager Arrested for Attempted Carjacking

A Delaware Natural Resources Police investigation has lead to the arrest of a 16-year-old male of Wilmington, DE, on a charge of attempted carjacking at Bellevue State Park.

On Thursday, Sept. 07, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the main parking lot of Bellevue State Park following 911 calls reporting an attempted carjacking. When officers arrived, they learned that the 67-year-old victim of Wilmington, Del., was approached by a teenage male. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded the keys to their vehicle, at which time the victim complied and dropped the keys. The suspect then entered the vehicle, but quickly fled on foot after the victim began yelling for help. Officers from Delaware Natural Resources Police, Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. During the investigation, the suspect was found to have been captured on security cameras in the area. These images assisted officers in positively identifying the suspect.

An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect with the following crimes:

  • Robbery First Degree (Class B Felony)
  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Class B Felony)
  • Possess, Purchase, Own or Control a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously Convicted of A Violent Felony (Class C Felony)
  • Aggravated Menacing (Class E Felony)

On Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, the suspect was located and taken into custody by Wilmington Police officers following a traffic stop. The suspect was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Ferris Juvenile Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Captain John McDerby, john.mcderby@delaware.gov

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DelDOT Reminds Public to Travel Safely this Holiday Weekend

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, DelDOT is reminding the public to expect crowded roads as AAA projects more than 42 million people nationally will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend.

“Thousands of people will be visiting Delaware’s beaches and parks or traveling to see family and friends and we encourage everyone to put safety first whether traveling by car, bike, or on foot,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

There have been 63 fatalities on Delaware roads to date this year, an increase of nearly 10 percent from the same time last year. In 2022, there were three fatalities on Delaware roads over Memorial Day weekend and more than 100 people were injured because of crashes.

The Delaware State Police will be actively enforcing traffic laws throughout the holiday weekend. Motorists should anticipate more traffic volume on the roads and buckle up, slow down, drive sober and attentively and be cautious for motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should wear helmets and follow the rules of the road, and pedestrians should only cross roads at designated areas and wear reflective items if walking at night.

Travelers looking to take a break can visit the Biden Welcome Center on I-95 in Newark and the Chauncey O. Simpson Memorial Rest Area adjacent to Route 1 and Route 13 in Smyrna which will both be open to visitors.

At the Delaware Beaches, DART First State’s Beach Bus routes are now operating daily with increased frequencies, early morning to late night, through Sunday, Sept. 10. The routes serve Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, Md., Millsboro, and Georgetown. All buses are ADA-accessible and equipped with bike racks. Information on these the Beach Bus routes can be found here.


State and Local Agencies Respond to Severe Weather and Tornado Damage

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, DelDOT, and numerous volunteer organizations are mobilizing resources and personnel to respond to yesterday’s statewide damage from severe storms and likely tornado in Sussex County. Officials confirmed a fatality at a collapsed structure along Tuckers Road southeast of Greenwood, Sussex County. It’s the first confirmed death from a tornado in Delaware since 1983 according to the National Weather Service. Delaware State Police are currently investigating the death, as well as helping displaced residents and monitoring for criminal activity. Houses have also been reportedly damaged by the storm in New Castle County.

Initial reports indicate the tornado cut a 14-mile path of destruction from Bridgeville to Ellendale with widespread damage reported throughout western Sussex County. Preliminary assessments show at least two to three dozen home impacted in Sussex County.

Spring Storm 2023

 

State officials are mobilizing volunteers including the Delaware VOAD and using drones to conduct preliminary damage assessments as of Sunday morning. The National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mt. Holly also plans to conduct storm surveys on Sunday at locations in New Castle County and Sussex County, Delaware, as well as affected areas in New Jersey.

The American Red Cross is providing aid. The DHSS Office of Preparedness also set up two reception centers. DHSS is activating a call center for those affected by severe weather and in need of shelter, food, medical, or other assistance. The call center will be open from 9:30 am to 5 pm EDT Sunday, April 2, 2023. Call 1-866-843-7212.

Many areas are closed to traffic as officials conduct investigations, assess damage, and respond to the incident. Displaced residents returning to their homes are asked to be prepared to show identification.

Joe Thomas, Director of Sussex County EOC said reports of a tornado came in early last evening in the area from Bridgeville to Greenwood and Ellendale. Along with multiple requests for closed space rescue, county emergency officials and first responders conducted search and rescue operations last evening before another severe thunderstorm came through and halted operations.

Power outages peaked at 6,000 customers but have mostly been restored and numbered in the low hundreds as of Sunday morning. DelDOT reported its Area 2 Yard at Newton Road sustained severe impacts and many buildings were heavily damaged. Newton Road is currently closed in that area and won’t be reopened until tomorrow.

ABOUT DEMA
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram


Governor Carney Announces Roadway Safety Initiatives

Six pieces of legislation aim to improve safety on Delaware’s roadways

SMYRNA, Del. – Governor Carney on Wednesday joined the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), members of the General Assembly, and advocates to announce a package of new initiatives and legislation designed to improve safety on Delaware’s roadways.

Today’s legislative package includes bills to:

  • Curb reckless driving
  • Prohibit open containers of alcohol in most vehicles
  • Expand “Move Over” protections
  • Require helmets in the first two years of a motorcycle license
  • Strengthen child safety seat requirements
  • Enable green lights on snow plows to increase visibility

“Last year, Delaware tied its record for traffic fatalities with 165 lives lost on our roadways. We have a crisis on our roadways and we need to act now,” said Governor Carney. “This package of legislation, along with the current activities and protection measures, will expand safety measures for all Delawareans and travelers.”

“We continue to see an alarming number of fatalities on Delaware roads with 165 last year and more than 30 already in 2023. Our top priority is safety, and these legislative proposals can help make our roads safer,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

“The number of fatalities on our roads continues to be too high and is of genuine concern. This trend is sobering. We’re striving to address the problem. While working collectively, we hope that additional resources, proposed legislation, and safety measures will reduce traffic fatalities and injuries on our roadways, said Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

Safety is a priority for Governor Carney’s administration, and the pieces of legislation announced today add to efforts already underway. Current actions by the Delaware State Police and DelDOT to address traffic safety include:

  • Increased enforcement for speeding and distracted drivers;
  • Increase multi-modal safety investments statewide;
  • Increased enforcement of illegal truck parking;
  • Pilot of a wrong way driver notification system;
  • And increased intersection safety measures including don’t block the box and red light running.

Governor Carney’s Fiscal Year 24 recommended budget also includes funding to create  a Traffic Education and Enforcement Unit. This new unit of 11 officers will patrol Delaware’s highest incident roadways to help curb excessive speeding and prevent accidents.

As part of the legislative package, reckless driving legislation, which will be introduced by Senator Kyra Hoffner and Representative Franklin Cooke, would establish any speeding violation of 90 miles per hour or more as a Reckless Driving offense. Speeding was a contributor to 26 fatal crashes in Delaware from 2020 – 2022.

“Delaware is among the states who have the highest amount of traffic fatalities — many of which involve or are the direct result of a driver speeding,” said Senator Kyra Hoffner. “By penalizing drivers who travel at extreme speeds, we can hopefully change behaviors and help to save lives.”

“During my career as a police officer I witnessed far too many motor vehicle crashes and roadway fatalities,” said Representative Frank Cooke. “We know that speeding is often a contributing factor. This bill would add a reckless driving offense if a driver is operating a vehicle at 90 miles per hour, or more, on any roadway.”

Open container legislation, which will be introduced by Representative Tim Dukes and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, would ban open containers in passenger vehicles. The legislation would not affect buses, taxis and limousines, or the living quarter sections of motor homes or trailers. Uber and Lyft rules do not allow open containers in their vehicles already. Delaware is one of just five states that has not prohibited open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Alcohol was a factor in 26% of Delaware’s fatal crashes in 2021.

“Currently, Delaware is in direct violation of federal regulations because we don’t have an open container law,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. “It’s time we correct this misstep and ban open containers of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles.”

“For too long, Delaware has been behind the curve on this very important public safety issue. Prohibiting passengers from having an open container in the vehicle they are riding in is another way to protect the motoring public at large. Whether you are the driver of a vehicle or the passenger, with this new bill, we are saying that it is against the law to have an open container of alcohol in the car. If it dissuades even one person from engaging in reckless or drunken driving, then we’ve accomplished our goal of protecting our roadways,” said Representative Tim Dukes.

“Move over” legislation, which will be introduced by Representative William Carson, Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth Lockman, and Senator Stephanie Hansen, would require drivers to change lanes or reduce their speed while approaching any stationary vehicle on the shoulder or in the roadway displaying warning signals. Warning signals may include vehicle hazard warning lights, road flares, traffic cones, cautions signs, or any non-vehicular warning signs. Currently, Delaware’s move over law only applies to emergency vehicles or tow trucks. In 2022, 13 people were killed in Delaware while in or near stopped vehicles.

“Those of us who drive every day for work and for other obligations often take for granted what a big responsibility highway driving is, and how careful we need to be when doing it,” said Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth Lockman. “This bill merely codifies something of a social contract that we already have — or should have — with other drivers. When a disabled vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, we should be courteous and get out of their way. It’s as simple as that.”

“More than three years ago, I began working with the State to create a public dashboard for Delawareans to access data about car accidents across our state. In doing that work, I have spoken with a lot of highway safety experts and have learned a great deal about what causes car crashes. Two of the top contributors are speeding and distracted driving — both of which can cause serious problems when there’s a disabled vehicle on the side of the road,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen. “That’s why I am sponsoring House Bill 92, which requires drivers to move over and do their part to prevent an accident from happening.”

“The goal is to provide extra space and mitigate accidents from happening along our roadways,” said Representative William Carson. “It’s important to consider everyone’s safety. This bill enhances Delaware’s existing Move Over Law, which focuses on law enforcement and first responders, adding others who may be working along our roadways.”

Graduated motorcycle helmet legislation, which will be introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, Representative Sean Lynn, and Representative Danny Short, would require all riders to wear a helmet in their two years of having a motorcycle endorsement. Statistics from the Delaware Department of Transportation show that 25 percent of serious injury and fatal accidents occurred among Delaware licensed motorcycles riders within their first two years of obtaining a license. It would also extend the graduated helmet requirements to mopeds and tripeds. Over the last five years, 35 motorcyclists were killed and 143 were seriously injured on Delaware roadways while not wearing helmets.

“We have learned from our Graduated License Law that there is an undeniable safety benefit from having more restrictions early in one’s time on the road, and then adding privileges with more driving experience,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola. “By law, we require motorcyclists to have a helmet on their bike; let’s finish the job and make sure that these helmets are actually being put to use and keeping people safe.”

“Last year we lost 12 people to motorcycle fatalities,” said Representative Sean Lynn. “Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent. This bill will help us to ensure that conditions are safer for those operating and riding a motorcycle by requiring everyone who obtains a new endorsement, or are riding with a new rider, wear a helmet and eye protection.”

“I’ve been on the scene of a lot of motorcycle accidents, and I’ve repeatedly witnessed the benefits of wearing a helmet,” said Representative Danny Short. “My bill requires new riders to wear a helmet for the first two years after getting their endorsement.  These riders are at the greatest risk of a mishap and this law will help protect them when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Child safety seat requirements legislation, which will be introduced by Senator Kyle Evans Gay and Representative Krista Griffith, would require children under two and under 30 pounds to be in a rear-facing seat with a 5 point harness, and those under 4 and under 40 pounds would need to be in either a front- or rear-facing seat with a 5 point harness. From age 4-16, it would be required to use a booster to the maximum height and weight limits, then use a seatbelt. Enforcement would not take place until after a year-long awareness campaign. This proposed revision to Delaware’s child safety seat requirements adds specificity to the law, which currently only requires an “appropriate” car seat or booster.

“To keep children safe on the road, adults need to know how to properly secure children in car seats and booster seats,” said Senator Kyle Evans Gay. “This bill achieves that goal by updating the law to reflect modern safety guidelines, and by prioritizing education, so that any person responsible for a child’s well-being is best prepared to keep that child safe.”

“We know that seat belts and other safety measures work,” said Representative Krista Griffith. “This bill ensures that those driving a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways are taking responsibility for every passenger, correctly and consistently ensuring everyone is buckled up and secured properly.”

“Nemours Children’s Health is committed to creating the healthiest generations of children by going well beyond medicine. Developing and influencing legislation that prevents injury and protects children outside of the traditional healthcare setting is essential to this goal,” said Kara Odom Walker, MD, MPH, MSHS, Executive Vice President, Chief Population Health Officer, Nemours Children’s Health. “Nemours Children’s is proud to partner with the State of Delaware, Governor Carney, Senator Gay, and the Office of Highway Safety to introduce important changes to child car seat and booster seat requirements to ensure our children are as safe as possible on Delaware’s roadways.”

Additionally, legislation to allow state-owned and operated snow plows to use a revolving or flashing green light will be introduced by Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and Representative William Carson. Green lights have been found to be better seen in snowy conditions than white or amber lights due to the increased contrast, and have been adopted for plows in recent years by states including Michigan and Ohio. Flashing or revolving lights on vehicles must be authorized through legislation.

“While it’s important to have adequate lighting on every vehicle, it’s especially critical to ensure that snow plows — which are only ever on the road during harsh weather conditions — are equipped with the lights they need to be visible,” said Senator Spiros Mantzavinos. “This simple bill will have a profound impact on road safety.”

“Snowstorms and other wintery conditions can make it challenging for others to see during winter weather operations,” said Representative William Carson. “Using green lights creates a greater contrast and improves visibility, making state owned vehicles more identifiable to other motorists, especially during snowstorms and other storm conditions. This bill will also ensure we are meeting National Highway Safety standards.”

“Emergency responders and roadside workers put themselves at risk every day to help people who are in need of emergency assistance or whose vehicles are broken down,” says Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Expansion of Delaware’s Move Over Law to include disabled vehicles displaying proper warning signals, including vehicle hazard lights, protects these vulnerable road users waiting at the roadside for assistance. As an organization committed to traffic safety, AAA asks motorists to slow down and move over when they see emergency vehicles or disabled motorists stopped at the side of the road. Their lives are on your shoulders.”

Additional information about the legislative package can be found at de.gov/trafficsafety

Video of the event can be found on Governor Carney’s YouTube.

Photos of the event can be found on Governor Carney’s Flickr.

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DelDOT Pilots Wrong Way Driving Alert System

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has recently installed a wrong way driving detection and alert system on the Exit 95 off-ramp from SR 1 northbound to Bay Road and SR 10 (E Lebanon Road) near the Dover Air Force Base North Gate. The alert system is the first of its kind in Delaware to alert and correct wrong way drivers before they enter the highway.

When a wrong way vehicle is detected, red lights will flash on the Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs facing the wrong way driver. The flashing lights are intended to alert the driver that they are traveling in the wrong direction and should turn around immediately. The two cameras included within the system will allow DelDOT’s 24/7 Transportation Management Center to dispatch Delaware State Police and post messages on variable message signs to alert motorists on northbound SR 1 to a possible wrong way driver.

In 2022, Delaware experienced a sharp increase in fatal wrong way driving crashes from years prior, with seven fatal crashes claiming 12 lives. As such, DelDOT has been working to implement improvements statewide to deter wrong way entries onto highways, including enhanced signing and pavement markings at freeway entrance ramps to provide ample warning of wrong way travel.

The project at this location is a pilot to test Intelligent Transportation System equipment designed to deter wrong way entries onto highways. DelDOT will monitor this system to determine the number of detected wrong way entry attempts and determine its effectiveness.

“We are working every day to make our roads safer. Every second counts when a vehicle enters a road and travels in the wrong direction and we will look to expand this system to other locations across the state should it prove to be a successful deterrent,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

Colonel Melissa Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police added, “Collisions resulting from wrong-way drivers are often catastrophic and deadly. The Delaware State Police are not strangers to these dangers as our agency has investigated numerous collisions, and tragically lost troopers stemming from wrong-way drivers. I’m thankful for our partnership with DelDOT, as we employ technology to increase highway safety in Delaware.”