Delaware’s Fifth Annual Health Care Benchmark Trend Report Shows 9.1% Increase

NEWARK — A high-speed crash involving a stolen U-Haul truck left one person dead and several others injured Monday evening in downtown Newark. The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when Newark Police located a U-Haul vehicle reported as unauthorized after it was not returned on its scheduled due date of March 18. The truck, occupied by two individuals, was found in a parking lot in the 200 block of East Main Street. As officers moved in to arrest the suspects, the vehicle sped off, striking a marked police car in the process. Police say they did not pursue the vehicle, which exited the lot at a high speed. Just minutes later, around 4:35 p.m., the truck was traveling westbound on East Main Street when it struck two pedestrians standing beside a parked car. The vehicle continued on, hitting multiple parked cars before becoming disabled farther down the road. First responders arrived quickly to render aid. One pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. READ: Delawareans: participate in nation’s largest one-day food drive May 10 A second victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The driver of the U-Haul also sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. Both the driver and passenger were detained by police at the scene. According to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, three additional people were transported to a nearby emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries, while three others were treated on site and declined further medical care. The Newark Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. East Main Street remains closed near South Chapel Street, and authorities expect the closure to continue for several hours. Police emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Further details will be released as the investigation continues. “Just before 5 p.m. today, University leadership was made aware of a serious incident on Main Street, east of Academy Street,” University of Delaware stated in social media posts. “There is no ongoing danger to the campus community, though East Main Street is closed starting at South Chapel Street. More information will be shared if and when it is appropriate to do so. Please avoid the area and follow all instructions from the police.” At 10:07 p.m. Tuesday night, Newark Police notified the public that road closures were lifted.

MILFORD — A man was found dead Wednesday afternoon after a large outdoor fire broke out behind a residence in Milford. The fire was reported shortly after 1 p.m. in the 3000 block of Big Stone Beach Road. According to the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal, crews from the South Bowers Volunteer Fire Company, along with other assisting departments, arrived to find a fire spreading rapidly through a wooded area behind a home. READ: Delaware Education Secretary appoints key leaders ahead of major school funding overhaul While battling the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of a deceased man within the burned area. His identity and cause of death are pending an investigation by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Deputy fire marshals launched an investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause, which remains undetermined as of Wednesday evening. No other injuries were reported, and damage is estimated at $250. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and the man’s death.

NEWARK – The Newark Police Department, in collaboration with the Newark Police Athletic League (PAL), is set to unveil its brand-new community policing mascot in an effort to strengthen connections between local youth and law enforcement. The unveiling event is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at Downes Elementary School in the Christina School District. The mascot, which draws inspiration from the eagle featured on the Newark Police Department’s uniform patch, is a unique addition to the department’s community outreach programs. READ: Former Indian River principal arrested on multiple charges related to falsified payments Goal for new mascot This mascot is crafted by the professional mascot company, Character Translations, who are known for creating iconic figures like “Gritty” of the Philadelphia Flyers. The department hopes the new character will play a key role in fostering positive relationships between Newark’s young people and its law enforcement officers. The project was made possible through a grant from the Delaware Criminal Justice Council, awarded to the Newark PAL. This funding underscores Delaware’s ongoing commitment to innovative strategies for youth engagement and community policing. Approximately 2,000 local elementary school students were involved in the naming process, submitting their ideas for what the mascot should be called. A committee of Newark Police officers and members of the Newark PAL Board of Directors selected the winning name, which will be revealed at the pep rally. The mascot’s name and the student who helped select it will be announced at the rally. Lieutenant Gregory D’Elia, the department’s Public Information Officer, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the mascot represents more than just the police department – it embodies a commitment to building positive, lasting connections between officers and the community. The Newark Police Department states it’s hoping to take a step forward in its mission to enhance community bonds through innovative policing strategies.