Day: July 8, 2021

The Dover Police Department will once again bring the National Night Out to the Dover community on Tuesday, August 3rd from 6-8pm.  The event brings the Dover Police Department, along with several emergency agencies and military personnel to one place where the public can bring their families to meet and greet local heroes and see the equipment used in their jobs while forming a positive relationship with the community.  In addition to appearances and demonstrations by these agencies, Night Out will feature fun activities for all ages along with food and beverages for all while supplies last.  The venue for the event has been moved to the Dover High School at 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, DE.  This is the first National Night Out event since 2019.  The 2020 event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The National Night Out  provides a variety of agencies with an opportunity to show our citizens what services they provide, the vehicles and equipment they use, and a chance to interact with personnel in a relaxed atmosphere.  

The Dover Police Department requests that political candidates/officials do NOT campaign, distribute handbills, or other materials at this event.

If you would like more information or wish to register your agency/organization to set up a display at the event, please e-mail: contact@doverpolice.org

MEDIA:  Media are welcome to attend the event. Requests for images from previous events should be made through Sgt. Mark Hoffman by email at: mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Incident Number: 50-21-19726

Date/Time:  Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at 5:06 p.m.

Location: Intersection of POW-MIA Parkway and Wyoming Mill Spur, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating a three vehicle collision that resulted in the death of an 88-year-old man.  On Wednesday, July 7th at approximately 5:06 p.m., a 2002 Honda Odyssey operated by Richard Chappell (88), of Camden, was traveling south on POW-MIA Parkway as he approached the Wyoming Mill Spur.  At the same time, a 2017 Infinity QX80 was traveling north on POW-MIA Parkway, approaching the same intersection.  A 2004 Nissan Maxima was facing eastbound on the Wyoming Mill Spur, preparing to turn left onto the northbound side of the POW-MIA Parkway.  The operator of the Nissan Maxima entered the intersection, directly in the path of the Honda Odyssey, causing the Odyssey’s front end to strike the front driver’s side of the Maxima.  The impact caused both vehicles to travel in a southeast direction and partially into the path of the Infinity that was traveling northbound, striking the driver side of the Infinity.  

Chappell, who was properly restrained, succumbed to his injuries after he was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital.  An 86-year-old passenger in the Honda Odyssey was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for major injuries and later airlifted to UPenn Hospital in Philadelphia, where she remains in serious condition.  The 20-year-old female driver and two passengers (ages 15 and 17) of the Nissan Maxima were treated and released from Kent General Hospital with minor injuries.  The 48-year old male driver of the Infinity refused medical treatment.  

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.