Delaware

2 Del. beaches closed to swimmers after medical waste washes ashore, state urges caution

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2024

2 Del. beaches closed to swimmers after medical waste washes ashore, state urges caution

At least two Delaware beaches, as well as other Delmarva beaches, closed to swimmers Sunday after medical waste washed ashore.

Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island officials made their announcements Sunday afternoon on social media and in email blasts.

When asked for information, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control spokesman Michael Globetti said his agency is investigating and “advising beachgoers to leave the beach and refrain from swimming in the ocean.”

“The source of the medical waste is still under investigation, and DNREC continues to monitor the situation closely,” Globetti said.

Ocean City, Maryland, announced its closure to ocean swimmers Sunday, and Maryland State Parks issued a statement announcing Assateague State Park’s prohibition of swimming, wading, surfing and other ocean activities. Assateague Island National Seashore, in Maryland and Virginia, issued a similar announcement.

A reporter visited Assateague State Park, Fenwick Island and Dewey beaches Sunday and observed many small pieces of plastic waste along the wrack lines.

Signs at Assateague urged visitors to wear shoes because needles had been found on the beach, and only in Assateague did the reporter find anything identifiably medical, including a syringe without a needle.

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If you find suspected medical waste on the Delaware beaches, report it immediately by calling DNREC’s Environmental Hotline at 1-800-662-8802.This is a breaking story that will be updated.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

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Delaware

Gunshot victim flags down school bus for help in Delaware

Published

6 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Press Room

Gunshot victim flags down school bus for help in Delaware

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 5:01AM

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) — A gunshot victim jumped on a school bus full of students on Tuesday while trying to seek help in New Castle, Delaware.

The shooting happened just before 4 p.m. on Old Forge Road, near Appleby Road.

The bus driver called 911 to report the incident.

Police say the victim is hospitalized at Christiana Hospital. There was no word on his condition.

No other injuries were reported.

Further details on the shooting have not been released.

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Delaware

Man arrested after allegedly attacking Delaware police officer

Published

14 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

Man arrested after allegedly attacking Delaware police officer

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 1:05AM

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. (WPVI) — Twenty-eight-year-old Zachary Yeldell is being accused of attacking an officer in New Castle County, Delaware.

It happened around 11:14 p.m. Monday when police responded to a disturbance at Midway Plaza Apartments, which is located on the 4800 block of Old Capitol Trail.

Police say officers responded following reports of an individual yelling in the hallway and kicking an apartment door.

When officers arrived, authorities say Yeldell hit an officer repeatedly before another officer arrived and helped detain the suspect.

The injured officer was treated at a local hospital and released.

Yeldell is facing several charges, including resisting arrest with violence.

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Delaware

Delaware County man sentenced to four and half years in state prison

Published

21 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

Delaware County man sentenced to four and half years in state prison

MARGARETVILLE, N.Y. (WBNG) —Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced a Margaretville man has been sentenced to State Prison for drug crimes.

The District Attorney’s Office said Dennis Fickeria, 43, of Margaretville, NY has been sentenced to four and half years in prison. Fickeria was originally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

On Jan. 3rd, according to Senior Investigator Christopher Erwin and other members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, they executed a search warrant at 1542 Jones Hollow Rd., Fickeria’s residence. As a result of the search, deputies found controlled substances and firearms.

On Oct. 28, the office said Fickeria appeared in court where he pled guilty to his charge. Fickeria admitted that he had possessed fentanyl intending to sell it. The office said the guilty plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition.

In addition to the sentencing, the office said Delaware County Court Judge John Hubbard ordered Fickeria to be supervised by the Department of Parole for one year following his release.

The office said the court also forfeited the U.S. currency seized from Fickeria’s residence which it will use to fund law enforcement efforts in Delaware County.

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