theft arrest

Retail theft continues to plague Delaware businesses

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

While retail theft continues to increase in Delaware, according to state police records, it doesn’t seem to be happening at the level reported in some cities. “I am not aware of any widespread looting or any type of cases where there’s just been storming, just an overpowering into an establishment,” said Jason Hatchell, public information officer for the Delaware State …

Catalytic converter theft

Catalytic converter theft focus of newly filed bill 

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

A new bill filed in the General Assembly aims to put a dent in the sale of stolen catalytic converters by changing rules and increasing the penalty for stealing them. House Bill 78, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, would update the definition of catalytic converters, limit who is able to buy and sell them, increase the penalties for taking …

Delaware state police officers could soon have the option to have special license plates honoring the division's 100th year. Photo by Delaware State Police.

State police may get special tags to mark 100th anniversary 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

A bill that would create a special license plate for the Delaware State Police to celebrate the division’s 100th anniversary was sent to the House floor Wednesday. House Bill 100, deliberately named for the anniversary, unanimously passed the House Administration Committee.  The plates would be granted only to active Delaware State Police officers at the discretion of the Col. Melissa …

A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting at William Penn High School last week. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

16-year-old male charged for shooting at William Penn High

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

A 16-year-old male from Wilmington has been arrested in connection to a shooting at William Penn High School Tuesday that shut the school for the rest of the week. “We’re all relieved and we’re hoping the school community and the community as a whole can move forward and heal,” said William Penn High School Principal Lisa Brewington. “This was a …

dog fighting

5 men charged in Seaford dog fighting; 14 dogs rescued

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

Five men have been arrested in Seaford and charged with three felonies each for dog fighting. In the process, 12 dogs were rescued, according to a press release from the state Office of Animal Welfare. The charges came after that office and Delaware State Police raided a residence in the 26000 block of Lonesome Road in Seaford Sunday at 2 …

William Penn High School will close for the rest of the week. (William Penn High Facebook)

William Penn cancels classes to investigate Tuesday shooting

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

William Penn High School will close the rest of the week to allow the Delaware State Police to investigate an incident Tuesday in which a gun was fired. Friday, Jan. 13th is a professional development day, so students were already scheduled to have the day off.  Classes won’t be held virtually Wednesday or Thursday, and the Colonial School District has …

Over the last decade, many Delaware school districts have hired constables to help ensure school safety. (Getty Images)

Constables: What are they; why so many are being hired

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Christina School District is the latest Delaware district to hire constables to help ensure student safety, a trend that has been spreading statewide.  Since the start of the school year, Christina has hired three at the elementary level. School board member Don Patton expects Superintendent Dan Shelton to push for constables at secondary schools next. “I’m against that and I’m …

Paul Anthony, left, and B. Scott Gray, started their first day Monday as constables at the Seaford School District.

Seaford hires 2 constables to ensure school safety

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Seaford School District has hired two constables to patrol its schools and help keep students safe, it announced Monday. The system was inspired to take extra security measures partly as a response to school shootings in the last year, including the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, said Gary Zoll, director of student services at Seaford. …

Townsend 6

Townsend to restart police department, with Milford man as chief

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Robert “Bob” Longo will help Townsend restart its own police department. After decades without a police force, the town of Townsend, Delaware will once again have its own officers patrolling its streets.  The town council authorized a measure to reactivate Townsend’s police department at a recent council meeting.  Even though the town is only in the preliminary stages of establishing …

Route 1 in Sussex County. DelDOT photo

Delaware clears up after wind, rain and high tide

Ken MammarellaGovernment

Route 1 in Sussex County on Friday. DelDOT photo By noon Saturday, it appears that the worst was over from the miserable conditions on Friday — high winds, heavy rain and tidal surges — that closed roads throughout Delaware. That said, “motorists are urged to drive with caution because standing water may still be present” on shoulders, Delaware State Police warned. …