Troopers Arrest Man on Gun and Drug Dealing Charges Following Traffic Stop

The Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old Mikkail Stephens of Georgetown, Delaware on drug dealing and gun charges following a traffic stop that occurred in Lewes early this morning.

On March 12, 2023, at approximately 1:17 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a silver 2003 Cadillac DeVille traveling westbound on Lewes Georgetown Highway in the area of Minos Conaway Road. The DeVille began swerving on the road and crossed over its lane of travel. The trooper stopped the sedan and contacted the driver, identified as Mikkail Stephens. Stephens displayed signs of impairment, and he was subsequently taken into custody for DUI. An inventory search of the car led to the discovery of a concealed handgun, approximately 260.76 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and over $700 in suspected drug dealing proceeds. A computer check showed that the handgun had been reported as stolen by Delaware State Police Troop 3 in October 2020.

Stephens was taken to Troop 7 and charged with the following crimes:

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
Driving Under the Influence
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Failure to Drive in Designated Lane

Stephens was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $54,502 cash bond.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031223 1717

-End-

Man Arrested for DUI After Striking State Police Vehicle

The Delaware State Police have arrested 50-year-old Francho Robinson of Bear, Delaware for Vehicular Assault, DUI, and other offenses after he drove through a closed accident scene, struck a parked State Police vehicle, and injured a trooper.

On March 12, 2023, at approximately 5:02 a.m., troopers responded to southbound Interstate 495 south of Philadelphia Pike in Wilmington for a collision. As a result of the collision, I-495 was closed to traffic by members of the State Police, DelDOT, and the Claymont Fire Company. Despite the highway being closed, a white Maserati began traveling through the scene, disregarding all emergency lights and traffic signals and continuing southbound on I-495. The driver of the Maserati, identified as Francho Robinson, then struck a fully-marked Delaware State Police Chevrolet Tahoe that had its emergency lights on to block traffic. After the collision, troopers contacted Robinson, who displayed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.

A trooper was seated in the parked Tahoe at the time of the crash. He was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.

Robinson was taken to Troop 1 and charged with the following crimes:

Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
Vehicular Assault First Degree (Felony)
Driving Under the Influence
Numerous traffic charges

Robinson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and was released after posting $12,400 secured bond.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031223 1656

-End-

State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian that occurred early this morning in Wilmington.

On March 12, 2023, at approximately 3:21 a.m., an unknown type of vehicle, possibly a silver or gray Honda, was traveling eastbound on Augustine Cut Off east of Rock Manor Avenue. At this time, the car exited the right side of the road and struck a road sign before returning to Augustine Cut Off and continuing eastbound. The car then struck a man who was walking on Augustine Cut Off east of Edgewood Road. The car fled from the area to an unknown destination and has yet to be located. The driver has also not been identified.

The pedestrian who was struck, a 79-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to his family and relatives. No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and 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 Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031223 1614

-End-

Troopers Arrest Two Men on Felony Drug Charges

The Delaware State Police have arrested 26-year-old Thomas Ponzo of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania and 32-year-old Khyree Dacoste of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on felony drug charges following an incident that occurred yesterday afternoon.

On March 10, 2023, troopers learned that Thomas Ponzo was using a 2021 Nissan Sentra to transport a significant amount of methamphetamine to a residence in Clayton. Troopers from the Kent County Governor’s Task Force and assisting officers from Probation & Parole located the Sentra in the Clayton area and were able to take Ponzo into custody as he stood outside of the car. However, the driver of the Sentra, identified as Khyree Dacoste, began driving away from troopers. Troopers used a “Stop Stick” to deflate the Sentra’s tires, and Dacoste was taken into custody a short distance away without further incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.

Ponzo and Dacoste were taken to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:

Thomas Ponzo:

Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Khyree Dacoste:

Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Ponzo and Dacoste were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. Ponzo was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $41,000 cash bond, and Dacoste was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $41,500 cash bond.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031123 1333

-End-

State Police Investigating Fatal Single-Car Collision

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred outside of Hartly last night.

On March 10, 2023, at approximately 8:53 p.m., a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed on Bryants Corner Road south of Pine Tree Road. The driver of the Rodeo failed to negotiate a curve, and as a result the car exited the roadway and struck a wooden post next to a private driveway. The car then spun back onto Bryants Corner Road and came to a stop partially off the road.

The driver of the Rodeo, who has yet to be identified, was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031123 1148

-End-

Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offender

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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031023 1647

-End-

Homeless Sex Offender Notification

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 031023 1643

-End-

Delaware State Police Celebrate Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and the Delaware State Police are celebrating by recognizing several female troopers, from both the past and present, who have paved the way and established themselves as leaders within the division and amongst their peers. We’re excited to honor their contributions and efforts by highlighting the following Delaware State Police Female Firsts in the First State:

Colonel Melissa Zebley

First female in charge of the Honor Guard Unit
First female Director of Public Information
First female to reach the ranks of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel

Captain Mary Ann Papili (Ret.)

First female in charge of the Domestic Violence Unit
First female to reach the rank of Captain
First female Troop Commander
First female Director of ISS

Captain Elizabeth Shamany (Ret.)

First female instructor at the State Police Academy
First female assigned to Internal Affairs
First female Director of SBI
First female Director of Training

Captain Alice Brumbley (Ret.)

First female Director of Human Resources

Captain Melissa Hukill (Ret.)

First female Sergeant assigned to a Special Investigations Unit
First female assigned to the Homicide Unit
First female in charge of the Homicide Unit

Captain Jennifer Griffin (Ret.)

First female to obtain her PhD while on active duty
First female Director of Internal Affairs

Captain Mary McGuire

First female in charge of the Conflict Management Team

Lieutenant Andrea Boone (Ret.)

First African American female Lieutenant
Highest ranking African American female in the history of the State Police

Sergeant Pamela Marshack (Ret.)

First female to serve as a full-time Trooper Recruiter

Sergeant Kelly Wells (Ret.)

First female in charge of the High Tech Crimes Unit
First female in charge of the SOAR Unit

Master Corporal Nicole Parton

First female helicopter pilot for the State Police

Corporal Kimberly Cook (Ret.)

First female Trooper of the Year

Trooper Cynthia Lowden (Ret.)

Trooper Georgia Carter (Ret.) (not pictured)

First female Recruit Troopers

To learn more about the history and storied traditions of the Delaware State Police, you can visit the Delaware State Police Museum website. The Museum is located at 1425 North Dupont Highway in Dover and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except State and Federal holidays).

The Library of Congress also hosts a website detailing the study and celebration of Women’s History Month in American history. Their site also offers numerous links to exhibits, articles, audio recordings, video clips, and other resources that focus on the powerful impact that women have had in shaping our culture today.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 030923 1033

-End-

Troopers Arrest Man for Felony DUI and Drug Possession

The Delaware State Police have arrested 58-year-old Dale Wilson of Laurel, Delaware for felony DUI and drug possession following a traffic stop that occurred in Laurel last night.

On March 6, 2023, at approximately 9:39 p.m., a trooper on patrol observed a red Ford F-250 turning left onto Grazing Court from Discount Land Road. The trooper saw that the driver was not wearing his seatbelt, and he stopped the truck in the Hollybrook apartment complex. The trooper contacted the driver and only occupant, identified as Dale Wilson, and noticed signs of impairment. The trooper began a DUI investigation and Wilson was subsequently taken into custody without incident. A search of Wilson’s truck led to the discovery of approximately 8.07 grams of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Troopers also found additional paraphernalia that Wilson had thrown into the grass during the traffic stop. A computer check of Wilson showed that he had two prior convictions for DUI.

Wilson was taken to Troop 5 and charged with the following crimes:

3^rd Offense Driving Under the Influence (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony)
Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Several traffic offenses

Wilson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was released on his own recognizance.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Visit our civilian job opening page at:

Civilian Careers – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 030723 1135

-End-

Update – Victim Identified Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Collision in Magnolia

The Delaware State Police have identified the man who died in a collision that occurred in Magnolia on February 24, 2023, as Edward Campbell, 78, of North East, Maryland.