*Update – Suspect Arrested* State Police Investigating Robbery in New Castle

The Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware, for felony offenses stemming from a robbery that occurred in New Castle in April.

On April 13, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., an Uber driver arrived in the area of Dock View Drive and Harbor View Drive to pick up a passenger. When the driver stopped, seven individuals entered his vehicle. After the driver told the group that he could only accommodate a limited number of passengers, several became disorderly and refused to exit. As the driver stepped out of the car to call 9-1-1, three suspects threw him to the ground, stole his cell phone, and fled the scene in his black Nissan sedan.

Later on April 13, 2025, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives were notified by the Springfield Township Police Department (Delaware County, Pennsylvania) that the stolen Nissan was located in Springfield, and was occupied by 3 black males. One of the suspects taken into custody by the Springfield Police Department was identified as the 17-year-old male. Through investigative means, Troop 2 Detectives identified the 17-year-old male as the individual that requested the Uber, and as one of the suspects involved in the robbery. Detectives subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On July 7, 2025, troopers were notified that the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody by the Wilmington Police Department for unrelated charges. The suspect was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $21,000 secured bond.

  • Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State  Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


State Police Arrest Man for Felony Gun Charge Following Traffic Stop in Newark

The Delaware State Police arrested 24-year-old Lenford Kirlew of Wilmington, Delaware, for a felony gun charge following a traffic stop that occurred in Newark on Sunday afternoon.

On July 6, 2025, at approximately 3:32 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a white Honda Accord with multiple equipment violations bypassing traffic as it traveled on the right shoulder of Route 1 northbound, approaching the ramp to I-95 northbound in Newark. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Honda as it continued on to I-95 northbound while still traveling on the right shoulder, and made contact with the driver, identified as Lenford Kirlew. During the traffic stop, Kirlew made multiple inconsistent statements, and repeatedly entered the vehicle despite being instructed to remain outside of the vehicle. Kirlew was ultimately taken into custody after he was observed entering the Honda from the driver’s side, and reaching toward the passenger seat. After Kirlew was taken into custody, troopers observed a loaded firearm on the passenger seat that was previously concealed during the initial contact.

Kirlew was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released after posting a $2,500 secured bond.

  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
  • Overtaking/Passing on the Right is Unlawful
  • Additional Traffic Violations


State Police Arrest Laurel Man for Thefts in Eastern Sussex County

Delaware State Police have arrested 22-year-old Donsha Sturgis of Laurel, Delaware, for several felonies following a series of thefts that occurred last month in eastern Sussex County.

Between June 10 and June 17, 2025, troopers investigated several thefts and attempted thefts of a similar nature from unsecured vehicles in the communities of Autumn Oaks, Overbrook Shores, Vincent Overlook in Milton, Eagle Run in Lincoln, and Edgewater Estates in Lewes. In each of the thefts, unknown suspects trespassed onto various properties during the overnight hours and stole money and property from unsecured vehicles. During the investigations, detectives identified a silver Chevy Cruz as the suspect vehicle. Through investigative means, detectives identified Donsha Sturgis as one of the suspects involved in the thefts.

On July 1, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on the 2800 block of Daniel Street in Laurel during which Sturgis was taken into custody without incident.

Sturgis was taken to Troop 4, where was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.

  • Theft Under $1,500 Where a Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony) – 3 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Theft Under $1,500 – 5 counts
  • Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree – 11 counts

Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit are working to identify the other suspects and are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Detective M. Aberman by calling (302) 752-3807. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


*Update – Second Suspect Arrested* State Police Arrest Man for Unlawful Imprisonment Charges in Dover; Second Suspect Remains At-Large

The Delaware State Police arrested 36-year-old Coles Khayree of Dover, Delaware, for unlawful imprisonment charges stemming from an incident that occurred at a Walmart in Dover last week.

On June 30, 2025, at approximately 7:35 p.m., troopers responded to the Walmart, located at 36 Jerome Drive, Dover, for a report of a disorderly person. Upon arriving, troopers learned that 2 male suspects, identified as Kevin Caple, and Coles Khayree, arrived at the Walmart in a RAM 3500 truck, and approached an occupied Chevrolet Silverado parked in the fire lane at Walmart. Caple confronted the occupants of the Silverado, a teenager and an infant, and demanded the teenager move the SUV, or he will tow it for being illegally parked. The teenager did not comply, and expressed she would contact her mother who was in the store. Subsequently, Khayree began loading the SUV onto the RAM’s towing mechanism, and lifted the rear of the SUV several feet off the ground, which scared the 2 children in the SUV. The driver of the SUV arrived, and an argument ensued until troopers arrived.

On July 8, 2025, Khayree turned himself in at Troop 9, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.

  • Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000


State Police Arrest Teen for Stealing Vehicle from Claymont Area Wawa

The Delaware State Police arrested a 16-year-old male from Claymont, Delaware, for stealing a Volkswagen Tiguan from a Wawa in Claymont on Sunday evening.

On July 6, 2025, at approximately 5:31 p.m., troopers responded to Wawa, located at 697 Naamans Road, Claymont, for a report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arriving, troopers learned that a 34-year-old man left his Volkswagen Tiguan unsecured and running in the parking lot while he went into the Wawa. While the man was inside, a masked black male suspect wearing dark-colored clothing entered the Volkswagen, and fled in an unknown direction. Through investigative means, troopers located the stolen vehicle unoccupied in the area of Sterling Avenue in Claymont. Further investigation revealed the suspect abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled into a residence on Sterling Avenue. Troopers ultimately located the suspect, identified as the 16-year-old male, in the residence, and took him into custody without incident.

The 16-year-old male was taken to Troop 1, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $7,000 secured bond.

  • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
  • Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
  • Theft Under $1,500


State Police Arrest Man for Unlawful Imprisonment Charges in Dover; Second Suspect Remains At-Large

The Delaware State Police arrested 25-year-old Kevin Caple (pictured above) of Smyrna, Delaware, for unlawful imprisonment charges stemming from an incident that occurred at a Walmart in Dover last week. Troopers are seeking assistance in locating his coconspirator, 36-year-old Coles Khayree of Dover, Delaware, who remains at-large.

On June 30, 2025, at approximately 7:35 p.m., troopers responded to the Walmart, located at 36 Jerome Drive, Dover, for a report of a disorderly person. Upon arriving, troopers learned that 2 male suspects, identified as Kevin Caple, and Coles Khayree, arrived at the Walmart in a RAM 3500 truck, and approached an occupied Chevrolet Silverado parked in the fire lane at Walmart. Caple confronted the occupants of the Silverado, a teenager and an infant, and demanded the teenager move the SUV, or he will tow it for being illegally parked. The teenager did not comply, and expressed she would contact her mother who was in the store. Subsequently, Khayree began loading the SUV onto the RAM’s towing mechanism, and lifted the rear of the SUV several feet off the ground, which scared the 2 children in the SUV. The driver of the SUV arrived, and an argument ensued until troopers arrived.

During the investigation, troopers made contact with Caple, who identified himself as a Wolfs Towing employee, and claimed the company has a contract with Walmart to tow illegally parked motor vehicles. Neither Caple, nor Khayree, were wearing any clothing identifying themselves as tow truck operators under any tow company. Additionally, the RAM truck was not marked with any identifiers for any tow company. Further investigation revealed Caple was a former employee of Wolfs Towing, and while employed by them, he was assigned a properly marked flatbed. Khayree was never employed by Wolfs Towing. Following the investigation, troopers obtained warrants for Caple’s and Khayree’s arrests.


On July 3, 2025, Caple turned himself in at Troop 9, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on his own recognizance.

  • Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000

Khayree has not been located at this time. He is wanted by the Delaware State Police for the following offenses:

  • Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000

Troopers continue investigating this incident, and are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Coles Khayree to contact Troop 9 by calling (302) 378-5749. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.


State Police Arrest Two Teens for Armed Carjacking in Smyrna

The Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old male from Georgetown, Delaware, and a 14-year-old male from Dover, Delaware, for robbery and theft-related offenses stemming from an armed carjacking that occurred Thursday morning in Smyrna.

On July 3, 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed carjacking that occurred on Berry Drive in Smyrna. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim gave a ride to 2 unknown black males to the area of Holly Hill Estates in his Mazda CX-5. As they arrived on Berry Drive, one of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim, and the other suspect held him against his seat as they demanded the Mazda’s keys. After complying, the victim exited his vehicle, and the suspects fled in the stolen Mazda. Shortly after the carjacking, Dover Police Department Officers observed the stolen Mazda as it traveled through Dover, and initiated a traffic stop. The 2 suspects, identified as a 17-year-old male and 14-year-old male, were ultimately taken into custody following a vehicle and foot pursuit in which a firearm, and ammunition were recovered.

Dover Police Department News Release – Teens Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit

While investigating the carjacking, troopers responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft that occurred overnight at a residence on Cedar Court in Smyrna. During the investigation, troopers learned 2 unknown suspects broke into the victim’s Hyundai during the overnight hours, and attempted to steal the vehicle. Troopers observed the Hyundai’s rear passenger window had been shattered and the ignition had been ripped out. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of Hyundais being stolen using a screwdriver and a USB cable. Through investigative means, troopers identified the suspects responsible for the attempted vehicle theft as the 17-year-old male, and the 14-year-old who were in custody for the carjacking.

Following the pursuit, the suspects were taken to Troop 3, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.


The 17-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Kent County Family Court, and committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond.

  • Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Possess Firearm by Person Under 21 (Felony)
  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
  • Possess Ammunition for a Firearm by Person Under 21 (Felony)
  • Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000
  • Theft Under $1,500

The 14-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Kent County Family Court, and committed to VisionQuest on a $3,000 secured bond.

  • Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Possess Ammunition for a Firearm by Person Under 21 (Felony)
  • Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000
  • Theft Under $1,500


Troopers Arrest Ellendale Man for DUI and Gun Offenses Following Crash in Harbeson

Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old James Fisher of Ellendale, Delaware, for DUI, gun, and crash related offenses following a crash that occurred yesterday in Harbeson.

On July 1, 2025, at approximately 8:35 a.m., a Ford F-750 was traveling southbound Harbeson Road north of Lewes-Georgetown Highway. The investigation revealed that for unknown reasons, the Ford left the southbound lane of travel and as a result hit several parked vehicles on the 18000 block of Harbeson Road. After the crash, the driver, identified as James Fisher, was seen removing a bag from the Ford and hiding it behind a tree. When troopers arrived, they spoke to Fisher, observed multiple signs of impairment, and conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Troopers also located the bag that Fisher hid behind the tree. A search of the bag revealed several firearms, that Fisher had stolen, along with ammunition and ballistic vests. Fisher suffered minor injuries from the crash but refused transport to the hospital.

Fisher, who is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, was arrested and taken to Troop 7. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $25,530 secured bond.

  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 4 counts
  • Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 4 counts
  • Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony (Felony)
  • Possession of a Weapon with a Removed, Obliterated, or Altered Serial Number (Felony)
  • Theft of a Firearm (Felony) – 4 counts
  • Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
  • Other Traffic Violations


*Update – Suspects Arrested* State Police Investigating Parking Lot Robbery at Harrington Raceway and Casino

The Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Taron Brawner of Easton, Maryland and 38-year-old Kyle Parker of Townsend Delaware, following a robbery that occurred in May in the parking lot of Harrington Raceway and Casino.

On May 11, 2025, at approximately 2:45 a.m., troopers responded to Harrington Raceway and Casino, located at 42 Chambers Circle in Harrington, for a report of a robbery. When troopers arrived, they learned that 2 unknown black male suspects approached the male victim in the parking lot as he was getting in his vehicle. The suspects assaulted the victim, took his property, and fled in an unknown direction of travel in an unknown black pick-up truck. The victim suffered minor injuries. Through investigative means, troopers identified Taron Brawner and Kyle Parker as the suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest.

On June 13, 2025, Parker was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.

Kyle Parker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Robbery 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Offensive Touching
  • Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree

On July 1, 2025, Brawner was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $5,700 unsecured bond.

Taron Brawner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Robbery 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
  • Terroristic Threatening
  • Offensive Touching
  • Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree


*Update – Suspect Arrested, One Suspect Remains At-Large* Detectives Investigating Armed Robbery in Bear Area Shopping Center

The Delaware State Police arrested 37-year-old Calvin Williams of Newark, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses stemming from an armed robbery that occurred in May at the Salem Center in Bear. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in their on-going efforts to locate his coconspirator (pictured above), 20-year-old Daviel Aviles of Middletown, Delaware, who remains at-large.

On May 19, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery in the parking lot of the Salem Center, located at 1693 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was involved in an argument with a suspect while in the parking lot. During the argument, a second suspect approached, and displayed a handgun. The 2 suspects then conspired to take the victim’s vehicle, and fled from the shopping center in the stolen vehicle.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives identified Calvin Williams, and Daviel Aviles as the suspects responsible for the robbery, and obtained warrants for their arrest. On May 30, 2025, detectives, and members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence, and took him into custody without incident. Aviles has not been located at this time. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in their on-going efforts to locate Aviles, who has felony warrants for his arrest issued by the Delaware State Police and Middletown Police Department.

Williams was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $65,000 cash bond.

  • Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
  • Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Daviel Aviles to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.