Delaware News

Delaware State Police Arrest Suspect in January Tobacco Store Armed Robbery

Delaware State Police Apprehend Suspect in January Tobacco Store Robbery

**Newark, DE** – Delaware State Police have detained Unique Priestley, 26, of Newark, in connection with an armed robbery in January at the Four Seasons Tobacco Outlet.

On January 25 at approximately 10:35 a.m., authorities responded to the scene located at 638 Plaza Drive. A suspect, described as a black male, entered the establishment, confronted an employee with a knife, and took tobacco products. Before fleeing, the suspect physically struck the employee, though no injuries were reported.

The criminal investigation by Troop 2 Detectives led to the identification of Priestley as the offender. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Detectives located and arrested Priestley Monday without incident. He was transported to Troop 2 and arraigned on a charge of Robbery 1st Degree. Priestley is currently held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $35,000 cash bond.

Felton house struck by bullets in late-night shooting

Delaware State Police Probe Felton Shooting Incident

**Felton, DE** – Delaware State Police are conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that resulted in damage to a residence in Felton.

On Wednesday, at approximately 1:53 p.m., officers arrived at the 100 block of Crowberry Drive following a report of damage to a home. Upon arrival, they found that two bullets had struck the residence, causing interior damage. Fortunately, no one was present in the home during the shooting.

Initial investigations indicate that the shooting may have occurred on Tuesday night. The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit is actively looking into the case.

Law enforcement officials are seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective I. Hitchens at 302-698-8426 or provide information through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. The police also remind witnesses and victims of the availability of the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, accessible 24 hours a day via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1, or via email at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Fatal Collision in Middletown Under Police Investigation

Fatal Collision in Middletown Under Police Investigation

**Middletown, DE** – Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Friday in Middletown.

On Friday, at approximately 8:09 p.m., a Toyota Prius and a Ford Mustang collided on Dupont Parkway (US-13), just north of Marl Pit Road. The Prius was traveling northbound while the Mustang was heading southbound, leading to a near head-on collision impacting their front left sides.

The driver of the Toyota Prius, a 58-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His identity is being withheld pending family notification. A 24-year-old passenger from Smyrna, Delaware, in the Ford Mustang, and the Mustang’s driver, a 20-year-old from Hartly, Delaware, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; the driver has been released.

The crash resulted in a five-hour closure for investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. The investigation continues, and witnesses or anyone with information is encouraged to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (302) 365-8417, or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers. Additionally

Delaware State Police Apprehend Suspect After Multi-Jurisdictional Pursuit

handcuffs

Delaware State Police Apprehend Suspect After Multi-Jurisdictional Pursuit

**Frederica, DE** – Delaware State Police arrested Thomas Casey, a 22-year-old from West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday following a pursuit involving several jurisdictions.

On February 14, troopers were alerted around 12:45 p.m. about a chase by New Castle County Police of a black BMW with Pennsylvania tags, which was seen traveling on a bare rim over the Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge. Troopers joined the pursuit as the vehicle continued on State Route 1 into Middletown and Townsend, ignoring police commands to stop.

During the chase, vehicle debris created hazards for other motorists. A metal component struck a police vehicle’s hood, causing damage, and a brake caliper hit another vehicle’s windshield, narrowly missing a trooper.

Near Dover, the vehicle’s speed increased, prompting a trooper to deploy stop sticks near Frederica. After hitting the stop sticks, the BMW swerved towards a trooper, who avoided being hit. Near Bowers Beach Road, another attempt with stop sticks also resulted in evasive action by a trooper.

The vehicle eventually ran off the road near Exit 86 toward Freder

Georgetown driver faces seventh DUI charge after late-night crash

Delaware State Police Arrest Man for Seventh DUI After Crash

**Dover, DE** – Delaware State Police have arrested Luis Rivera, 52, of Georgetown, Delaware, for his seventh DUI offense following a crash investigation early Monday morning.

At approximately 12:39 a.m. on Monday, troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Bay Road, near Milford Neck Road. The crash involved a Ford F-250 with visible damage and deployed airbags.

The investigation indicated that the vehicle left the northbound lane of Bay Road, entered a residential yard in the 3000 block, and collided with an electrical box, mailbox, and a large tree before coming to a stop. Officers found Rivera in the vehicle exhibiting signs of impairment.

Rivera was transported to a hospital for evaluation by Emergency Medical Services. At the hospital, the presence of alcohol was detected on his breath and field sobriety tests indicated further impairment.

A background check showed Rivera had six prior DUI convictions. An inventory of his vehicle revealed an empty bottle of alcohol. Once medically cleared, Rivera was charged at Troop 4 with a seventh DUI offense, malicious mischief by motor vehicle, and failing to remain in a single lane. He was arraigned and committed to