Delaware
Ex-Delaware officer sentenced to probation on assault conviction
WILMINGTON, Delaware — A former Delaware police officer convicted of assault and other charges in connection with a 2021 arrest has been sentenced to probation.
A jury last year convicted former Wilmington officer Samuel Waters of misdemeanor assault, official misconduct and evidence-tampering in the arrest that led to demonstrations after videos were posted on social media. He was acquitted of felony perjury in the case as well as another assault charge in connection with a separate arrest days earlier.
DelawareOnline reports that prosecutors sought a six-month jail sentence Friday, but defense attorneys successfully argued that since Waters was fired in January 2022 and still faces a federal lawsuit, probation would be more appropriate.
Authorities said Waters confronted a man in a south Wilmington convenience store in September 2021 after police were told that employees of a nearby day care facility were being harassed. Waters is seen on surveillance video approaching the man and speaking to him briefly, then grabbing his arm and turning him toward a plexiglass panel and ultimately shoving him against the panel and slamming his head into it twice before both fall to the floor.
A Wilmington officer who trains others on the use of force testified at trial that department training and policy generally do not endorse bouncing a suspect’s head off a wall. Force to the face, neck and back area are regarded as “red zones” due to the potential for serious injury, and “there was nothing that was going on” to justify that level of force, he said.
Deputy Attorney General Dan McBride, who heads the state attorney general’s office of civil rights and public trust, argued the use of force came within seconds of the encounter and described it as “almost an ambush.”
Judge Francis Jones, however, said he didn’t believe Waters is an ongoing threat to public safety, calling the events “a one-off,” before imposing a sentence of probation. Waters’ attorney said his client intends to appeal his conviction.
Copyright © 2024 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Salesianum’s James Dempsey breaks down win in NCCo boys 1,600
Dempsey won in 4:11.24, which moved him to third on the state all-time performance list.
The Padua and Tatnall girls and the Middletown and Saint Mark’s boys will defend their state titles at the 2026 DIAA Track and Field Championships on May 15 and 16 at Dover High.
Here is a look at the history of the meet with the most recent champions.
Which school has won the most Delaware outdoor track and field state championships?
With 21 Division I titles, Salesianum has won the most boys outdoor track and field state championships. Padua has won 25 state championships, including 23 Division I titles.
Who are the winningest Delaware high school outdoor track and field coaches?
Tatnall’s Patrick Castagno has led the most state championship teams with 12 girls titles and four boys titles. Padua’s Marnie Giunta has won 13 girls state titles.
Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
Buffalo woman pleads guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park in October 2025.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that 40-year-old Stacy M. Matthews pleaded guilty before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town to one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Erie County District Attorney’s Office
According to the DA, on October 16, 2025, Matthews drove six juveniles under her care to a business on Lincoln Parkway, and the juveniles, between the ages of 10 and 16, intentionally vandalized outdoor furniture and windows, causing approximately $2,000 in damage to the property.
The DA said that as a condition of the plea, Matthews signed a Confession of Judgment to pay $2,000 in restitution to the victim. Matthews faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when she is sentenced on June 9, 2026 and a temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the property owner, remains in effect.
7 News spoke with Mike Shatzel, co-owner of The Terrace at Delaware Park, where the vandalism occurred, last October.
“It’s just disturbing that people have nothing better to do than come and just destroy things,” Shatzel said in October.
You can watch our previous story below.
WATCH: The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:58AM
RADNOR TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A multimillion-dollar home went up in flames in Delaware County.
Heavy flames burned through the house along the 800 block of Lesley Drive in Radnor Township.
Action News has been told that everyone inside the home made it out safely.
The fire appeared to start in the attic, and went to three alarms, as smoke and flames continued to pour from the roof.
It took over two hours to get things under control.
The home is said to be a total loss.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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