Newark Police Announce the 2026 Awards Ceremony
On April 24, 2026, the Newark Police Department hosted a special ceremony to celebrate and recognize over 15 officers for their significant contributions over the past year.
The event was held at the Courtyard by Marriott Newark-University of Delaware and brought together officers, civilian personnel, representatives from partner agencies, and members of the public. Present for the ceremony were Chief Mark Farrall, City Manager Tom Coleman, Deputy Mayor Marge Hadden, as well as friends and family members of Newark Police officers.
Also present were members from the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Newark Rotary Club, who all sponsor awards.
Awards conferred during the ceremony:
- Lions Club Officer of the Year: Cpl. N. Graber
- VFW Investigator of the Year: Cpl. J. Lee
- Newark Rotary Club Officer of the Year / Core Values Award: Cpl. C. Spencer
- Knights of Columbus Officer of the Quarter Award, 1st Quarter: Cpl. N. Graber
- Knights of Columbus Officer of the Quarter Award, 2nd Quarter: Cpl. J. Lee
- Knights of Columbus Officer of the Quarter Award, 4th Quarter: Sgt. G. Micolucci
- Life Saving Award: PO A. Cook, PO A. Cacciavillani, PO E. Brown
- Citation of Merit: Cpl. C. Spencer, M/Cpl. C. McKennon, Martin
- Unit Citation: M/Cpl. A. Whitt, PO A. Cook, PO X. Glanzel, PO C. Jones,
- Unit Citation: Cpl. A. Maiura, and Cpl. P. Klein
- DUI Enforcement Ribbon: PO C. Jones, PO E. Brown, PO A. Cacciavillani
- Letter of Commendation: M/Cpl. D. Bystricky
The Newark Police Department is proud to honor these individuals for their exceptional commitment and service to the community, with special thanks to all who attended, especially our Newark Police Chaplain Pastor Dr. Lonnie E. Rector, and to the Courtyard by Marriott for hosting us.
Newark Man Arrested After Slashing Victim’s Neck During East Main Street Altercation
On Friday, April 24, 2026, at approximately 2:57 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at a church parking lot located on the 300 block of East Main Street.
The investigation determined that Eric Pitts, 54, of Newark, had been involved in an earlier altercation with an acquaintance at a separate location on East Main Street. Hours later, the disagreement resumed at the 300 block location and escalated.
During the incident, Pitts produced a box cutter-style knife and slashed the victim’s neck, causing serious injuries. Responding officers immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital via ambulance, treated for serious injuries, and later released.
Pitts fled the scene prior to police arrival. Officers quickly located him a short distance away at a nearby bus stop, where he was taken into custody without incident. The weapon was subsequently recovered after Pitts discarded it.
Pitts was transported to Newark Police Department headquarters and charged with the following:
- Assault 1st Degree
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
He was arraigned before a judge at the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after being issued $30,000 secured bail.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant james Skinner at 302-366-7110 ext. 3135 or at jskinner@newark.de.us
Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
Pitts, Eric