Kent County-  The Delaware State Police would like to warn the public about leaving their cars unattended while idling.

The Delaware State Police, Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit has recently been handling a rash of vehicle thefts occurring in the Kent County area.  While some of the thefts have been occurring from car dealerships and rental car businesses after hours, others have been from gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, and unlocked.

The most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase. Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots and once they see a car is left unattended, all they literally have to do is walk up and drive away.

Delaware law states; (Title 21, § 4182) Unattended motor vehicle.  No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.  For a first offense, a fine of $25.00 – $75.00 can be imposed.

The suspects in these most recent cases appear to be juvenile males.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Nash at (302) 698-8444 or Detective Beck at (302) 698-8527.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 073119 1258

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 Contact Det. Nash at (302) 698-8444 and Det. Beck (302) 698-8527 with any information.

New Castle – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an incident in which a tractor trailer has partially pulled down utility poles on Quigley Blvd. in the area of DE Rt. 273 (Frenchtown Rd.), and has caused road closures and power outages in the area.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:44 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2019 on Quigley Blvd. when a tractor trailer came into contact with low hanging wires and in turn pulled down multiple utility poles. The poles did not completely fall to the ground but were hanging low enough to cause traffic concerns. As a result both east and westbound DE Rt. 273 is closed between U.S. 13 and Quigley Blvd. The incident has also caused power outages in the area and DP&L crews are on scene. There are no injuries involved with this incident.

There is no estimated time for the road re-opening however the closure is expected to be lengthy. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated road closure and traffic information log onto: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:073019 1344

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Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Milton man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs and a weapon.

On July 29, 2019 at approximately 10:05 p.m., a Trooper observed a white Mercury Marquis traveling on Fisher Road, Milton, above the posted speed limit.  A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the driver, 25-year-old Vincent M. Schlothauer.  An odor of marijuana was detected and the Trooper observed what appeared to be burnt marijuana in plain view.

A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a concealed .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun with it’s serial number obliterated, approximately 45.7 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Schlothauer was taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Weapon with an Obliterated Serial Number
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Possession of Marijuana
• Speeding in Excess of Posted Limits

Schlothauer was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on $50,201.00 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:073019 0921

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Milton- The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the driver who was killed in a crash that occurred on July 29, 2019 on Chestnut Street in the town limits of Milton, as 48-year-old George D. Berkowitz of Hamburg, NJ.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/07/29/troopers-investigating-fatal-crash-milton-2/

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

Presented by the Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 073019 0812

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Rehoboth Beach-  A multi-agency investigation has led to the arrest of two suspects wanted in connection with multiple bank robberies along the East Coast.

The incident in Delaware occurred on July 23, 2019 at approximately 9:58 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the M&T Bank located at 19511 Camelot Drive, for a report of a robbery.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with an employee who advised that a female suspect had entered the bank and displayed a note demanding money.  The employee complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect who then fled. No weapon was ever displayed or implied and there were no injuries as a result of the incident.

Through further investigations, it was learned that the same suspect and an accomplice had robbed several other banks along the East Coast. Through investigative measures and in collaborations with the FBI Charlotte, Greenville Police Department, the Ayden Police Department, Hamlet Police Department, Carlisle Police Department, and the Delaware State Police, agents and task force officers identified the suspects as 35-year-old Circe Baez and her accomplice, 38-year-old Alexis B. Morales, both from Harrisburg, PA.

On July 28, 2019, the Charlotte Division of the FBI arrested Baez and Morales.  Investigators located Baez and Morales at the Charlotte Speedway Inn & Suites located at 1408 West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Violent Criminal Apprehension Team took the suspects into custody without incident.  They were transported to Pitt County where they went before a local magistrate judge and committed to the Pitt County Detention Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/charlotte/news/press-releases/two-people-arrested-in-connection-with-pink-lady-bandit-bank-robberies

Baez and Morales are awaiting their extradition back to Delaware where they will both be charged with the following:

• Robbery Second Degree
• Conspiracy Second Degree

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/07/23/troopers-investigating-bank-robbery-rehoboth-beach/

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072919 1523

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Dover- The Delaware State Police are now accepting applications for the Fall 2019 Citizens Police Academy.

The 2019 Fall Delaware State Police Citizen’s Police Academy will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and will conclude on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The academy will consist of ten, Tuesday night sessions, running from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Most of the classes will take place at Delaware State Police Troop 3, located at 3759 South State Street, Camden Wyoming, DE. Participants will learn about a wide variety of police activities consistent with what a Delaware Trooper experiences today. The instruction includes criminal and traffic investigations, special units, and various other law enforcement related topics.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to ride with patrol troopers. Class size will be limited to 20 participants and a background check will be conducted on all applicants. Deadline for registration is August 16, 2019. Applications must be returned by that date in order to be processed. If interested, access the application on-line by visiting www.dsp.delaware.gov and clicking on the “Community” tab. Please complete the application and send an email with the attached application to Melissa.Jaffe@delaware.gov of the Delaware State Police Public Information Office in order to be enrolled for the class.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072919 1015

Milton-The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred earlier this morning.

The incident occurred on July 29, 2019 at approximately 12:40 a.m., when a 2017 Chevrolet Impala was traveling eastbound on Chestnut Street at an extremely high rate of speed approaching the intersection of Church Street within the town limits of Milton. The speed limit in this area is 25 MPH. The Impala exited the roadway and struck a large standing tree in the front yard of a residence.  The driver of the Impala was ejected from the vehicle prior to the impact with the tree.

The driver, a 48-year-old male from Hamburg, NJ was not properly restrained and pronounced deceased at the scene.  His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

Debris from the vehicle struck the occupied residence.  There were no injuries to any occupants in the residence.

Chestnut Street was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:072919 0752

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New Castle, Delaware – Delaware State Police are currently investigating a strong-arm robbery of two victims which occurred in the parking lot of a local area convenience store.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2019, as troopers responded to a robbery complaint at the Wawa convenience store parking lot located at 4000 North DuPont Highway, New Castle. The investigation determined that two juveniles were walking to the Wawa when they crossed Route 13 and made contact with the occupants of a vehicle traveling on RT 13.  The driver yelled at the victims for being in the road and then turned into the parking lot of the Wawa. The black female front seat passenger exited the vehicle and confronted one of the victims. The suspect poked the victim’s face and then attempted to take goggles off of the victim but she held onto them. The same suspect then confronted the other victim and took a set of Air Pods from his ears. At the same time, a black male suspect exited the vehicle and approached them and demanded the case for the Air Pods. The victim declined to hand them over and the suspect tripped him and he fell to the ground. The suspect rummaged through his pockets and ultimately took the Air Pods case and a cell phone from him. The male suspect then punched the victim for refusing to give him the passcode to the cell phone. The suspects fled in a red vehicle driving north on North DuPont Highway. No victims reported injuries.

There appeared to be five people in the car. The driver was described as an obese black female that appeared to be in her early 20’s. Only a female in the front passenger seat and a male exited the vehicle. The female who exited the vehicle was described as a black female that was approximately 5’00” feet tall about 19 years old with her hair pulled back wearing a white shirt. The male suspect was described as a black male that appeared to be 15-16 years old approximately 5’05” tall with a thin build and short hair.

No video surveillance photos are available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 072819 2336

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Claymont, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a motorcycle that took place on (U.S. 13) Philadelphia Pike north of Myrtle Avenue this afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:16 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2019, on Philadelphia Pike northbound north of Myrtle Avenue, Claymont.  A 2005 Mercury Marquis, operated by a 77-year-old male of New Castle, was traveling southbound on Philadelphia Pike in the left lane north of Myrtle Avenue. The Marquis began to make a left turn across the northbound lanes of Philadelphia Pike into the parking lot of the Exxon at 3700 Philadelphia Pike. A 2016 Yamaha Sport motorcycle, operated by a 30-year-old male of Claymont, was traveling northbound on Philadelphia Pike in the right lane just north of Myrtle Avenue. The motorcycle struck the right front passenger side door of the Marquis. The motorcycle operator was ejected.

The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet and was removed from the scene by the Delaware State Police Aviation helicopter to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Mercury was not injured in the crash and was cited for Vehicle Turning Left Must Yield Right of Way to Oncoming Traffic.

Philadelphia Pike was shut down in both directions for approximately 1.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 072819 2022

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Seaford, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have arrested two fugitives from Maryland who are wanted on criminal charges.

The investigation revealed on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 9:53 p.m., the Wicomico County Sherriff’s Department attempted a traffic stop in Maryland. The suspect vehicle, a 2006 Saturn, failed to stop at command and fled from the police. The vehicle entered into Delmar, Delaware and the Delmar Police Department initiated a pursuit. Troopers responded to the area to assist in the pursuit and set up a perimeter on multiple county roadways to intercept the suspect vehicle. Troopers were prepared to utilize stop sticks on Baker Mill Road (CR 583)and Church Street (SR 20A). The suspect vehicle had turned from Fleetwood Pond Road (CR 484) right onto Baker Mill Road (CR 483). The suspect vehicle continued southbound on Baker Mill Road at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle ran over the stop sticks and the front and rear driver’s side tires were deflated as a result. The suspects continued to drive the vehicle to avoid apprehension and eventually ran through two stop signs on Baker Mill Road and Church Street. The vehicle continued westbound on SR 20 and crashed into a residence on Concord Road east of Haven Drive, a short distance down the road. There was no intrusion into the unoccupied residence at the time of the collision. Upon arrival, to the crash scene, the driver and front passenger were still sitting in the vehicle. The suspect vehicle had struck a series of fences and then the corner of a residence. The vehicle contained possible stolen property from a department store in Salisbury, Maryland. Both suspects were transported the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver, Jaimere L. Wayman, 24 of Dover, and the passenger William Brown, 19 of Harrington, were charged with Fugitive from another State with the driver cited with multiple traffic charges. They were committed to the Delaware Department of Correction.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 072819 1911

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