Millsboro/Lewes- The Delaware State Police have arrested Winfield B. Heckrote, 66, 0f Millsboro, DE and James L. McMullin, 52, of Millsboro, DE, in connection with multiple thefts from construction sites.

Since December 2019, Troopers began investigating numerous reports of thefts from construction sites in the Independence Development, Millsboro and the Governors Development, Lewes.  Large amounts of building material consisting of lumber, plumbing supplies, countertops, windows, doors, and other miscellaneous items were reported stolen.

On April 17, 2020 at approximately 1:00 a.m., Troopers located a white Ford F350 hauling a large double axle trailer in the Independence Development. The truck and trailer were located parked in front of a residence under construction. The operator of the pickup truck was contacted and identified as Winfield Heckrote.  At this time Heckrote advised that he was “dumpster diving” and was given permission to do so.  Through further investigations it was determined that Heckrote was not provided permission to go through the dumpsters.

The Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) and Governors Task Force (GTF) responded to Heckrote’s residence in the 28000 block of Harmons Hill Road, Millsboro, and located a large amount of building material behind the residence.  A camper was also located on the property in which James McMullin was residing. A search of numerous outbuildings belonging to Heckrote was conducted, which led to the discovery of more building materials.  The building materials were confirmed as being stolen from the construction sites belonging to Schell Brothers.

On April 22, 2020, Heckrote and McMullin were taken into custody at their residence without incident.  They were transported back to Troop 4 where they were charged with the following:

Winfield Heckrote:

• Burglary Second Degree
• Theft- 4 counts (Felony)
• Theft-3 counts
• Fail to Obey an Emergency Order
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree- 5 counts

Heckrote was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

James McMullin

• Burglary Second Degree
• Theft- 4 counts (Felony)
• Theft- 3 counts
• Criminal Trespass Third Degree-5 counts

McMullin was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 042220 1546

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Laurel – The Delaware State Police have arrested 33 year old, Jordan Kirn of Salisbury, MD as the result of two domestic-related incidents with his ex-girlfriend, which occurred on March 29, 2020, and April 19, 2020.

On March 29, 2020, at 12:55 a.m., Kirn responded to the victim’s residence located in the 6000 block of Old Sharptown Road, Laurel, to retrieve personal property. While at the residence, Kirn and the victim engaged in a verbal altercation that escalated to Kirn striking the victim in the face. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to flee the scene and call 911. During the incident, two children were present but were not injured. The victim did not seek medical treatment for her injuries. Troopers attempted to locate Kirn after the incident with negative results, and a warrant was issued for his arrest for the following crimes:

•    Assault 3rd Degree
•    Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)

On Sunday, April 19, 2020, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to the victim’s residence for a report of a physical domestic. Further investigation revealed Kirn had responded to the residence and entered the home without permission.  The victim and two children were asleep in the residence and were awoken by a loud noise in the hallway. The victim went into the hall and was immediately confronted by Kirn.  A physical altercation ensued, and Kirn produced a pocket knife from his pocket and threatened the victim bodily harm before exiting the residence.  The victim was able to lock the door to the residence and call 911. Prior to Troopers arriving on scene, Kirn fled the area in his vehicle.

After Troopers cleared the scene, Kirn was observed in the area by the victim and a Trooper in the area. The Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Kirn’s vehicle and it came to a delayed stop but Kirn failed to exit the vehicle upon the Troopers request.  Kirn then placed his vehicle in drive, fled the scene and failed to stop for the Trooper with his patrol vehicles’ lights and siren activated. Kirn continued to drive at a high rate of speed and fled into Maryland.

Kirn was taken into custody by police in Wicomico County, Maryland, and was extradited back to Delaware on April 21, 2020 where he was charged with the following crimes:

•    Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
•    Burglary 2nd Degree (felony)
•    Aggravated Menacing (felony)
•    Criminal Contempt of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (felony)
•    Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (felony)
•    Terroristic Threatening
•    Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
•    Reckless Driving
•    Offensive Touching
•    Criminal Mischief under $1000 Damaged Property (2 counts)

Kirn was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $36,050.00.

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 Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 042220 1030

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a New Castle area gas station Monday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:09 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2020, at Exxon, located at 261 South DuPont Parkway, New Castle. A male suspect who was brandishing a knife entered the business and confronted a store employee at the sales counter. The suspect demanded the employee give him all the money in the drawer. When the employee complied, the suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from the register before fleeing the store on foot. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male wearing all dark clothing and in possession of a knife.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8471.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://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@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:042120 1055

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Magnolia-  The Delaware State Police arrested three suspects after an on-going argument led to the display of a firearm.

The incident occurred on April 20, 2020 at approximately 10:56 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Millchop Lane, Magnolia, for a group of disorderly subjects in which a weapon was brandished.  It was learned that the subjects had responded to the residence and made contact with a 58-year-old male and a 29-year-old male resident in reference to an on-going dispute.  During the argument Tyriekus D.Collick, 20, of Magnolia, DE, removed a firearm from his waistband and handed it to Desmond Robinson, 43, of Felton, DE .  Robinson then proceeded to point the weapon at the 29-year-old victim while the 58-year-old victim was standing beside him in the driveway.

Prior to police arrival, Troopers were advised that the suspects were attempting to leave the area in a blue passenger car.  Troopers observed the vehicle in the area traveling at a high rate of speed and failing to stop at a posted stop sign.  A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the driver, Desmond Robinson and passengers, Tyriekus D.Collick,and Desmond Johnson, 20, of Dover, DE.

A searched of Collick’s person revealed a loaded, .22 caliber and 19 additional .22 caliber rounds of ammunition.

All three suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3 where they were charged with the following:

DESMOND L. ROBINSON:

• Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon by Person Convicted of Two Violent Felonies
•  Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm
•  Aggravated Menacing (2 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Failure to Obey a Traffic Device
• Driving Vehicle at Unreasonable or Imprudent Speed

Robinson was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on $17502.00 secured bond.

TYRIEKUS D. COLLICK:

•  Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
•  Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm
• Aggravated Menacing (2 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Collick was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on $19500.00 secured bond.

DESMOND L. JOHNSON:

• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Johnson was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

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: 042120 0926

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Dover – Governor John Carney has signed a proclamation officially declaring the week of April 19-25, as National Crime Victim’s Rights week. It is a time to honor those who have been impacted by crime and to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of a criminal act, to include first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

In addition to the victims who have been personally impacted by violent crime we also want to use this week as an opportunity to give thanks to those individuals who provide outstanding service to the victims and their families on a daily basis.

Victims often experience many unfamiliar emotions such as: shock, disbelief, anger, fear, frustration, or guilt. Victims may be immobilized by the feeling that their lives will never be the same. Although these feelings are very normal, victims who are in a state of emotional crisis often are unable to work through these feelings on their own. They may not have the resources to seek professional assistance or may not know where to seek such support. Victims and their families may suffer financially, physically and emotionally. These Victim Service Specialists are prepared to assist victims, witnesses and families with these issues.

 This year’s theme—Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope—recognizes the individuals and groups whose advocacy has propelled the victims’ rights movement forward for the past half century, inspiring in victims and their loved ones a feeling of hope for progress, justice, and healing.

 The Delaware State Police Victim Services unit, comprised of civilian employees and assisted by specially trained sworn Troopers, provide 24 hour crisis intervention, information and referral to not only the Delaware State Police, but also to over 30 municipal departments statewide.  They assist over 4,000 victims a year and respond to approximately 1,000 hotline calls. Their commitment and dedication is unsurpassed as they continually strive to provide the best service possible in an effort to ensure positive outcomes for the victims they serve. In further recognition of the level of service being provided by our victim advocates, Senior Victim Service Specialist Corrie Schmitt, was selected as the 2019 Delaware State Police Civilian of the Year.

In addition to the specialists themselves another integral part of this victim advocacy team are the tele-communications specialists at DSP Communications who triage hundreds of calls to the 24 hour victim hotline (1-800-VICTIM-1).

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:042120 0915

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Bear- The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery and theft of a motor vehicle that occurred yesterday morning.

The incident occurred on April 20, 2020 at approximately 9:53 a.m., at Lowes located at 1030 East Songsmith Drive, Bear.  Troopers made contact with the 21-year-old female victim who advised she parked her vehicle in the southwest area of the Lowes parking lot and was walking inside the store.  The victim indicated as she entered the store, she was approached from behind by an unknown suspect.  The suspect snatched the victim’s vehicle keys, which she was holding in her hand, and fled on foot. The suspect located the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot and fled the area in an unknown direction. The victim did not sustain injury as a result of this incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 30 years old, approximately 6’4”, and wearing dark colored clothing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 2, Senior Corporal J. Dempsey at 302-365-8510. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://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 Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 042120 0856

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New Castle-The Delaware State Police have arrested 19-year-old Eliza Ventura of New Castle for assault and related charges.

The incident occurred on April 19, 2020 at approximately 8:20 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital Emergency Room for a report of a subject that had been stabbed.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with a 40-year-old female victim from New Castle, DE.  The victim advised she and Eliza engaged in a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical altercation in the parking lot of Best Night Inn located at 1200 West Ave, New Castle. During the altercation, the victim sustained a facial laceration and a laceration to her torso. The victim was privately transported to the Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital Emergency Room where he was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

Eliza was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2 where she was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
•  Assault Second Degree (felony)

Eliza was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on $22,500.00 unsecured bond.

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 Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 042020 1220

Claymont– The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the driver who died in a motor vehicle crash on I-495 on April 18, 2020 as 30-year-old Dannie M. Fenwick of Newark, DE.

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

*Update*- Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on I-495- Claymont

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Troopers Investigating Serious Crash on I495-Claymont

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 042020 0901

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Millsboro- The Delaware State Police have arrested 43-year-old Terence V. Purnell after he stole a motor vehicle and was found in possession of drugs.

The incident occurred on April 19, 2020 at approximately 9:31 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 27000 block of Oak Meadows Drive, Millsboro, in reference to a stolen motor vehicle.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with a 52-year-old female victim who advised that her 2014 blue Chevy Cruze was parked in her driveway, when an acquaintance of hers, Terence Purnell, took the vehicle without permission.

Troopers observed Purnell driving the vehicle on Oak Meadows Drive, and a traffic stop was initiated.  Purnell was taken into custody without incident and subsequently found in possession of approximately .47 grams of cocaine, .147 grams of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Purnell was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

• Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Fail to Obey an Emergency Order

Purnell was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution $900.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 042020 0839

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Claymont- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last evening on I-495.

The incident occurred on April 18, 2020 at approximately 10:15 p.m., when a Mercury Marquis was traveling southbound on I-495 in the area of mile marker 9.0 when the operator lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail.  The Marquis spun out of control and back across the southbound lanes of I-495, coming to rest against the guardrail on the west side of the highway.  Shortly thereafter, a Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling southbound on I-495 and struck pieces of debris in the roadway from the Marquis.  The Outlander became disabled in the right shoulder south of the scene.   A Dodge Journey was traveling southbound on I-495 and swerved to avoid the debris, the operator lost control and struck the guardrail positioned in the grass median. The Journey came to rest within the left lane of travel.  A  Buick LeSabre was also traveling southbound on I-495 and attempted to avoid striking debris in the roadway and the disabled Journey.  The operator of the LeSabre swerved and lost control of his vehicle, striking the guardrail on the west side of the highway where it came to a stop. A Honda Civic was also traveling southbound on I-495 and the operator was unable to perceive the Journey disabled in the left lane and struck same.  A Toyota Rav4 was traveling northbound on I-495 and was struck by the debris during the sequence of events, shattering its windshield.

The operator of the Mercury Marquis, a 30-year-old male of Newark, DE, was not properly restrained and ejected from the vehicle.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

The operator of the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 35-year-old female of Smyrna, DE, was properly restrained and did not sustain injury.

The operator of the Dodge Journey, a 34-year-old female of New Castle, DE was properly restrained, she and her two passengers ages 11 and 17 were transported to the Saint Francis Hospital with minor, non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the Buick LeSabre, a 29-year-old male of Philadelphia, PA, was properly restrained and did not sustain injury.  His 5-year-old son was a passenger and transported to the AI DuPont Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the Honda Civic, an 18-year-old male of Wilmington, DE was properly restrained and did not sustain injury.

The operator of the Toyota Rav4, a 59-year-old female of Bear, DE was properly restrained and did not sustain injury.

All lanes of I-495 southbound in the area of mile marker 9.0 were closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Troopers Investigating Serious Crash on I495-Claymont

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:041920 0846

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