The Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Dane Smith of Ocean View, Delaware for shoplifting, lewdness, and other offenses following an incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in Bear.

On May 2, 2023, at approximately 4:06 p.m., troopers responded to the Lowe’s located at 1030 East Songsmith Drive for a report of a shoplifter in the store. A trooper arrived and was told by employees that there was a man who had passed out in a store aisle after he had intentionally inhaled numerous cans of air duster spray that he did not purchase. The suspect had also exposed his penis and vomited on himself while in Lowe’s, disturbing other shoppers. The trooper contacted the man, identified as Dane Smith, who rose to his feet and made a fist. The trooper attempted to take Smith into custody, but Smith physically resisted arrest and struggled with the trooper. The trooper was able to handcuff Smith after she used her Taser to gain compliance.

Smith was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment. Afterwards, he was taken to Troop 2 and charged with the following crimes:

• Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)
• Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer
• Shoplifting Under $1,500
• Lewdness
• Menacing
• Inhaling Intoxicating Fumes or Vapors
• Disorderly Conduct

Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $6,000 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 050323  1330

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Jesse Hart of Cheswold, Delaware for drug dealing after concluding a three-month-long narcotics investigation.

On May 1, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force executed a search warrant on a residence on the 100 block of Blanton Drive in Cheswold. Troopers contacted Jesse Hart in the home, and he was taken into custody without incident. Troopers searched the residence and found approximately 2,392 wax paper baggies of suspected heroin and over $850 in suspected drug proceeds.

Hart was taken to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Hart was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $35,000 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 050223  1100

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The Delaware State Police is investigating a murder-suicide that occurred yesterday morning in the Wilmington area.

On April 29, 2023, at approximately 7:28 a.m., the Delaware State Police Communication Center received an open line 9-1-1 call from an address in the 1800 block of Veale Road, Wilmington, and troopers were dispatched to that location to check on the welfare. Responding troopers gained entry through an unsecured side door and discovered two elderly subjects, an 87-year-old male and an 86-year-old female deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.  Both subjects who live at the residence were pronounced deceased at the scene. There was a recovered handgun in the possession of the male.

Delaware State Police Conducting Criminal Investigation

The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 043023  1628

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The Delaware State Police have identified the man who died in a fatal motor vehicle crash on April 27, 2023, in the Bear area as Rodney Bowmaster, 36, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal E. Gumbs by calling 302-365-8485. 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 043023  0852

Delaware State Police are currently conducting a criminal investigation in the 1800 block of Veale Road, Wilmington. As a result, there is an increased police presence in the area. There is no threat to public safety.

At this time this is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released once available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 042923  0850

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The following people are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed people are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 042823  1800

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The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 042823  1700

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shot-fired incident that occurred at a Wilmington area Applebee’s on Thursday night.

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, at approximately 10:29 p.m., troopers responded to the Applebee’s located at 4301 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, for a report of a gunshot fired outside of the restaurant. The investigation determined a male and a female were seated at the bar inside of Applebee’s. After making a purchase, the male exited the business, tapped on the front glass window while displaying a handgun, and fired a round into the air. The female then exited the business and both subjects fled the scene.

There were no reported injuries. Troopers canvassed the area and located one spent shell casing on the front sidewalk of the restaurant.

There are no surveillance images available at this time.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective B. Timmons by calling 302-365-8434. 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 042823  1510

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Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred this morning in the Bear area.

On April 27, 2023, at approximately 3:56 a.m., an unoccupied GMC C8500 was stopped in the center lane of northbound Route 1 directly under the Kirkwood Saint Georges overpass within an active construction zone. The GMC is part of the construction equipment utilized in the repair of the overpass. The active construction zone had the two left northbound lanes closed to traffic using construction barrels and attenuator trucks. For unknown reasons, a 2008 Ford 150 that was traveling in the right lane of northbound Route 1 drifted partially into the center and struck approximately four construction barrels. The Ford continued to travel northbound in the center lane until the front of the Ford struck the rear right of the GMC.

The 36-year-old male operator of the Ford from Lancaster, PA who was not properly restrained was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

There were no other reported injuries.

Northbound Route 1 was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal E. Gumbs by calling 302-365-8485. 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 042723  1930

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 23-year-old Joe L. Smith of Delmar, Delaware for gun and drug offenses following a traffic stop that occurred yesterday afternoon in Millsboro.

On April 26, 2023, at approximately 12:17 p.m., troopers on patrol observed a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling northbound on Railroad Street approaching the intersection at Main Street in Millsboro. The driver of the Malibu failed to properly signal as she turned right onto Main Street, and troopers stopped the car on nearby Gravel Hill Road. When the car stopped, troopers saw the front passenger reaching in front of him and towards his side. The passenger then opened the door and tried to exit the car, but troopers were able to take him into custody without incident. The passenger was identified as Joe Smith, and computer checks showed that he had six active warrants for his arrest, including three felony warrants issued by the Laurel Police Department. Troopers searched Smith and found approximately 26 glassine baggies containing suspected heroin and over $9,200 in suspected drug dealing proceeds.

Troopers found a backpack on the front passenger floorboard. A search of the backpack led to the discovery of a suppressed handgun, ammunition, an extended magazine, and drug paraphernalia. Troopers also located approximately 21.34 grams of marijuana stored in the passenger door pocket.

The driver, a 22-year-old woman from Frankford, Delaware, was issued a ticket and released. Smith, a convicted felon, was taken to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts

Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,400 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 042723  1246

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