PRESS RELEASE
| Sergeant Paul Shavack Email: Paul.Shavack@state.de.us |
STATE POLICE ON SCENE OF BARRICADED SUBJECT
|
State Police on Scene of Barricaded Subject
Dover, De-Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a barricaded subject inside a room at the Shamrock Motel located at 2171 S DuPont Highway Dover Delaware.
The person inside the hotel room is believed to be robbery suspect William S. Sells, 29 of Newark Delaware. Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team and additional support units are currently on scene attempting to negotiate Sells’ surrender.
Due to the exigent circumstances surrounding this incident US 13 north and southbound from SR 10 up to the area of the Shamrock Motel has been closed. As soon as I obtain additional road closure information it will be disseminated.
Cpl/3 Bruce Harris will be the on scene PIO for this incident. I am attempting to establish a media staging area.
Photo Attached
Release Update 09/06/11 10:45 a.m. ===================================================
***UPDATE- SECOND SUSPECT NAMED***
DSP News Release: Detectives Name Second Robbery Suspect
Locations and Dates of Occurrences:
-First National Bank of Wyoming, 105 Irish Hill Road, Felton, DE (Friday, August 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m.)
-Royal Farms, 6538 Halltown Road, Hartly, DE (Friday, August 19, 2011 at 5:00 a.m.)
Suspect:
-William S. Sells, 29, Newark, DE (also has ties to Wilmington and Bear, DE) -6’03” tall, 190 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
Charges:
First National Bank
-Robbery 1st Degree -Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited -Aggravated Menacing (8 counts) -Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony -Theft -Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Royal Farms
-Robbery 1st Degree -Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited -Aggravated Menacing (4 counts) -Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony
Resume: Felton, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have identified the second suspect involved in the August 16 bank robbery of the First National Bank of Wyoming in Felton, DE. Detectives have identified William S. Sells, 29, of Newark, DE and have obtained warrants charging him for his part in the robbery of the bank.
The incident began as a male suspect entered the bank displaying a handgun. He then jumped the bank teller’s counter and demanded money from their drawers. Once the suspect received an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled from the bank and was last seen entering the passenger side of a black SUV with a NJ registration. The SUV, later identified as a Ford Explorer, then fled and was last seen traveling westbound on Irish Hill Road. None of the bank employees were injured.
A general broadcast of the suspect vehicle was then transmitted to responding police units. As this occurred, an officer from the Harrington Police Department advised that he was currently directly behind the suspect vehicle. As other officers arrived in the area, the suspects realized that they were being followed. It was at this point that the suspect seated in the front passenger seat of the SUV began shooting at the pursuing patrol vehicles, striking three of them.
Officers from numerous police agencies including the Delaware State Police, Harrington Police Department, and the Felton Police Department, continued to pursue the suspect vehicle until it crashed into a ditch in the 500 block of Steele’s Ridge Road in Camden-Wyoming, DE. The suspects then fled from the vehicle on foot with the officers chasing them. At one point during the foot pursuit, a Delaware State Trooper discharged a round from his divisional issued weapon striking one of the suspects, later identified as Russell M. Grimes, in the lower portion of his body. Russell Grimes was then taken into custody. He was transported by EMS to the Kent General Hospital where he was treated and released for his injury. He was subsequently arrested and charged for his part in the incident.
A perimeter was then set up and a search of the area was conducted for the second suspect. The suspect was not located however, and after approximately four hours, the search was discontinued.
After further investigation, detectives were able to identify Sells as the second suspect. Detectives have obtained warrants for William Sells as being the suspect who committed the armed robbery of the Royal Farms Store located in the 6500 block of Halltown Road in Hartly, DE on August 19, 2011 at approximately 5:00 a.m.
The robbery occurred as a black male suspect entered the convenience store brandishing a handgun and demanding money. He then fired several shots inside the store in the area of 5 store employees. None of the victims were injured. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of money and 20 cartons of Newport cigarettes before fleeing the store and entering a silver passenger car. The vehicle then traveled northbound on Pearson’s Corner Road to an unknown destination.
Detectives are warning the public that William S. Sells should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. If anyone spots Sells, they are asked to not approach him but should contact the 9-1-1 call center immediately. The public may also contact Sgt. Millard Greer of the Delaware State Police at 302-922-0190 or Detective Philip Jackson at 302-741-2812.Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
William S. Sells
Released Friday, September 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Original releases below
***UPDATE***
DSP News Release: Bank Robbery, Shooting in Felton
Location: First National Bank of Wyoming, 105 Irish Hill Road, Felton, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, August 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m.
Victims:
-53 year old female employee -44 year old female employee -52 year old female employee -27 year old female employee -41 year old female employee -33 year old female employee -50 year old female employee -54 year old female employee
Defendant:
-Russell M. Grimes, 40, Wilmington, DE
Charges and Arraignment Information:
-Robbery 1st Degree -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Theft -Aggravated Menacing (8 counts) -Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony -Criminal Impersonation -Forgery Second Degree
-Arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the James Vaughn Correctional Institution for lack of $94,000.00 cash bail.
Suspect: Black male, 6’00” tall, thin build, with a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and gray pants. This suspect may also be armed and should be considered dangerous.
Resume: Felton, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested one suspect and are looking for a second following a late afternoon bank robbery in Felton, DE yesterday.
The incident began at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 26, as a male suspect entered the First National Bank of Wyoming, located in the 100 block of Irish Hill Road, Felton. The suspect, who was displaying a handgun, jumped the bank teller’s counter and demanded money from their drawers. Once the suspect received an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled from the bank and was last seen entering the passenger side of a black SUV with a NJ registration. The SUV, later identified as a Ford Explorer, then fled and was last seen traveling westbound on Irish Hill Road. None of the bank employees were injured.
A general broadcast of the suspect vehicle was then transmitted to responding police units. As this occurred, an officer from the Harrington Police Department advised that he was currently directly behind the suspect vehicle. As other officers arrived in the area, the suspects realized that they were being followed. It was at this point that the suspect seated in the front passenger seat of the SUV began shooting at the pursuing patrol vehicles, striking three of them.
Officers from numerous police agencies including the Delaware State Police, Harrington Police Department, and the Felton Police Department, continued to pursue the suspect vehicle until it crashed into at ditch in the 500 block of Steele’s Ridge Road in Camden-Wyoming, DE. The suspects then fled from the vehicle on foot with the officers chasing them. At one point during the foot pursuit, a Delaware State Trooper discharged a round from his divisional issued weapon striking one of the suspects, later identified as Russell M. Grimes, in the lower portion of his body. Russell Grimes was then taken into custody. He was transported by EMS to the Kent General Hospital where he was treated and released for his injury.
A perimeter was then set up and a search of the area was conducted for the second suspect. The suspect was not located however, and after approximately four hours, the search was discontinued.
Russell Grimes was arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. He was arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of $94,000.00 cash bail.
The Trooper involved in this incident is a 16 year veteran of the Delaware State Police assigned to Troop 3, Dover. He has been placed on administrative duty as per departmental policy, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Released Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:55 a.m.
Initial releases below
***UPDATED INFORMATION***
Resume: Felton, DE- The active search for the second suspect involved in this incident has been discontinued at this time. The suspect is still at large, however. He is described as a black male approximately 6”00” tall with a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt and grey sweatpants, and is considered armed and dangerous.
The public is asked not approach the suspect if he is spotted, but to contact the 9-1-1 call center with information.
The investigation into this incident is continuing. Full details will be released at a later time today.
Released Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 4:00 a.m.
***UPDATED INFORMATION***
DSP News Release: One Suspect Shot after Pursuit, Second Still at Large
Resume: Felton, DE- One of the two suspects involved in the robbery of the 1st National Bank of Wyoming and subsequent vehicle pursuit has been shot. The suspect has been transported to the Kent General Hospital where he is currently being treated for non life threatening injuries.
The Delaware State Police as well as multiple other police agencies continue their search for the second suspect in the area of Steeles Bridge Road, Wyoming, DE. The public is reminded that this suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation into this incident is continuing. More complete details will be released at a later time.
Released Friday, August 26, 2011 at 7:20 p.m.
Original release below
NEWS RELEASE DELAWARE STATE POLICE Superintendent Colonel Robert M. Coupe Presented by Public Information Officer Cpl/3 Bruce W. Harris P.O. Box 430| Dover, DE 19903 | Cell: 302.535.3706 bruce.harris@state.de.us
DSP News Release: Delaware State Police Currently in Pursuit of Bank Robbery Suspects
Location: · 105 Irish Hill Road Felton, De
DATE and TIME: · Friday August 29, 2011 4:52 p.m.
Victim(s): · 1st National Bank of Wyoming Felton, De
Suspect: · Black male wearing a black and gray shirt and gray sweatpants NFD · One suspect in currently in custody
Resume: Felton, De-Delaware State Police and several Police agencies are currently searching for a black male suspect wearing a black and gray shirt and gray sweatpants. The suspect was last seen in the area of 505 Steeles Ridge Road Wyoming Delaware.
The incident began around 4:52 p.m. when one of the two suspects entered the 1st National Bank of Wyoming located at 105 Irish Hill Road Felton Delaware. The suspect displayed a firearm and demanded cash. Once the suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of United States Currency he and the 2nd suspect fled the scene.
The suspects were observed driving away from the crime scene in a black Ford Explorer displaying New Jersey registration. The suspects were observed by an unmarked Law Enforcement unit and followed until several other units could get closer.
At some point the suspects recognized they were being followed and began discharging ammunition from an unknown type of firearm at the unmarked patrol vehicle.
The Ford Explorer crashed in a ditch in the area of 505 Steeles Ridge Road where one suspect was taken into custody and the second continued to flee on foot. The suspect who fled is described as a black male wearing a black and gray shirt and gray sweatpants.
Delaware State Police and other Local Law Enforcement Agencies have set up perimeters in the area of Steeles Ridge Road.
The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Residents are being asked to stay inside their residence and report any suspicious activity to the 911 Center. Also be advised plain clothes Law Enforcement Officers are also searching the area.
This is preliminary information and additional details will be released as soon as they become available.
To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police 911 ================================================= Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). ================================================= Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com. |
