(Newark, DE 19713) – On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 5:14 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 100 block of Melodic Drive in the community of Harmony Woods for a report of a flatbed tractor-trailer that had struck multiple parked vehicles.

Upon arrival, officers located the driver, identified as 53-year-old Brian Johnston of Newark, who was displaying signs of impairment. Officers administered standard field sobriety tests, which indicated that Johnston was impaired.

As officers continued their investigation, they recovered illegal narcotics, including crack cocaine and fentanyl, as well as prescription medications and drug paraphernalia from inside the tractor-trailer.

The investigation revealed that Johnston was driving a white International tractor-trailer on Medley Drive when he struck two parked vehicles. He continued onto Duet Drive, where he struck three additional vehicles. Johnston then turned onto Melodic Drive, where he struck two more vehicles, before turning onto Acapella Court, where he struck five additional vehicles. During the incident, Johnston also struck a street sign and four mailboxes.

Johnston eventually stopped the tractor-trailer and exited the vehicle. Officers and emergency medical personnel were notified and arrived shortly thereafter, locating Johnston on Melodic Drive.

Johnston was taken into custody without further incident and transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• Twelve Misdemeanor Counts of Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision

• Twelve Misdemeanor Counts of Failure to Provide Information at a Collision Scene

• Three Misdemeanor Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance

• One Misdemeanor Count of Operating a Commercial Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs

• One Misdemeanor Count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Twelve Violations of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving a Commercial Motor Vehicle

• Twelve Violations of Failure to Report a Collision to a Police Agency

• One Violation of Inattentive Driving

Brian Johnston was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $3,825 secured bail.

Brian Johnston – 53

(Wilmington, DE 19805) On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 9:11 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the unit block of South Cleveland Avenue in Wilmington for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers and Emergency Medical Services located 32-year-old Donald Nave suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and immediately began life-saving measures. Nave was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the Division’s Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

As detectives continued their investigation, they developed information identifying a possible suspect and a Chevrolet Sonic believed to be the suspect vehicle. Detectives utilized Automated License Plate Reader technology to identify the vehicle and obtain its license plate number. The vehicle was subsequently determined to be registered to 31-year-old Hector Sanchez of Wilmington.

Detectives also determined that Sanchez and Nave had previously been involved in a Traffic-related altercation in August 2026.

Detectives later located Sanchez’s vehicle in the 800 block of Market Street in Wilmington. Detectives subsequently applied for and obtained a search warrant for Sanchez’s residence. With assistance from the New Castle County Police Crisis Management Group, detectives executed the search warrant and took Sanchez into custody at approximately 6:56 p.m. on September 6, 2026.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered evidence connecting him to the investigation.

Sanchez was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Murder in the First Degree

• One felony count of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony

Hector Sanchez was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $1,000,000 cash bail.

Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Bruhn at (302) 395-8120, via email at Thomas.Bruhn@newcastlede.gov, or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.

Hector Sanchez – 31

Delaware Law Enforcement Thank You Ride 2026

WHAT: The Delaware Law Enforcement Thank You Ride 2026 is a two-day bicycle ride and charity event that raises awareness and gratitude for law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families throughout Delaware.

Riders and supporters include active and retired law enforcement officers, first responders, their families, and survivors.

The riders will make a scheduled stop at the New Castle County Department of Public Safety, where a special recognition will take place during their visit.

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Estimated Arrival: 9:35 a.m.

Estimated Departure: 10:10 a.m.

WHERE:

In the parking lot in front of the Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building

3601 North DuPont Highway

New Castle, DE 19720

Members of the media are invited to attend the riders’ arrival, special ceremony, and departure.