Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Wilmington area Applebee’s that occurred on Monday night.

On January 23, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., troopers responded to the Applebee’s located at 4301 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male suspect entered the restaurant through the curbside pickup door and confronted an employee at the cash register. The suspect implied he had a weapon and demanded money from the register. The victim complied and the suspect fled the restaurant on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen running on foot toward Farrand Drive. No one was injured in this incident.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 30s approximately 5’8” tall, 170 lbs., wearing all dark clothing. There are no surveillance images available at this time.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is currently investigating the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. Harris by calling 302-365-8410. 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: 012423  1120

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 28-year-old Tiffany Webb of Bridgeville, Delaware after she resisted arrest and assaulted a trooper on Saturday afternoon.

On January 21, 2023, at approximately 1:34 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Abbys Way and Valene Drive in Bridgeville after receiving a call of a dark colored Honda Civic being driven recklessly in the neighborhood. Troopers found the car parked in the driveway at a residence on the 11000 block of Valene Drive spoke with the vehicle owner, identified as Tiffany Webb, at the front door. Webb had two active warrants for her arrest and tried to close the door while a trooper was speaking with her. The trooper attempted to take Webb into custody, but she physically resisted until a second trooper arrived at the home. While Webb was being handcuffed, she scratched, grabbed, and twisted the trooper’s hand, causing minor injury.

Webb was taken to Troop 5, where she was charged with the following crimes:

• Assault Second Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest With Force or Violence (Felony)

Webb was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,000 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 012323  1501

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-car collision that occurred in Seaford earlier this morning.

On January 23, 2023, at approximately 7:11 a.m., a 2012 Hyundai Sonata was traveling northbound in the left lane of Sussex Highway approaching the intersection at Lakeside Road. At the same time, a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier was stopped in the northbound left lane of Sussex Highway for a stopped Seaford School District bus, which was picking up children and had its red lights flashing and stop sign extended. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Sonata failed to stop for the school bus and did not see the stopped Cavalier. The front of the Sonata struck the rear of the Cavalier, and both cars were propelled off the road after impact. The school bus was not hit, and no children were injured.

The driver of the Sonata, a 19-year-old man from Fruitland, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Cavalier, a 69-year-old man from Hebron, Maryland, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Identification of the victim is pending notification to his family and relatives.

No other vehicles were involved in this collision. Possible charges against the Hyundai driver are pending the results of the investigation. Sussex Highway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Senior Corporal R. Albert by calling 302-703-3266. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 012323  1325

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

On January 23, 2023, at approximately 12:17 a.m., a 2010 Toyota Prius was traveling northbound on South Dupont Boulevard (Route 13) approaching Smyrna Leipsic Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the Toyota exited off the right shoulder of the roadway and struck a mailbox. The Toyota continued traveling north across the northbound lanes where it exited the roadway a second time off the left shoulder at the intersection of Smyrna Leipsic Road. The Toyota struck a sign on the concrete median separating the north and southbound lanes. The Toyota still traveling north crosses the northbound lanes again before exiting the roadway off the right shoulder a second time where the front of the vehicle simultaneously struck a brick pillar and a concrete post. After this collision, the Toyota continued in a northeasterly direction while rotating counterclockwise through the grass until its right rear impacted a large tree.

Post impact the vehicle caught fire in the engine area, and it quickly spread to the interior. The operator of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending results from the Medical Examiner’s investigation.

Northbound Route 13 was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal 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.

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: 012323  1150

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a bicyclist that occurred yesterday evening in Rehoboth Beach.

On January 22, 2023, at approximately 7:23 p.m., a white 2013 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway approaching the intersection at Rehoboth Avenue Extension. At the same time, a bicyclist was traveling eastbound from the southbound shoulder of Coastal Highway into the southbound lanes of the road (from the right side of the road to the left side). For unknown reasons, the bicyclist entered the Nissan’s lane and the front of the Altima struck the left side of the bicyclist, causing the victim to leave his bicycle and land in the median. The driver of the Nissan fled the scene, but he and his car were located by responding troopers very shortly afterwards on nearby Martin Street.

The driver of the Altima, a 40-year-old man from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was not injured. The bicyclist, a 54-year-old man from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Identification of the victim is pending notification to his family and relatives.

No other vehicles were involved in this collision. Possible charges against the Nissan driver are pending the results of the investigation. Coastal Highway was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 012323  1026

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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.

Click on each image to see more details

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis

Released: 012023 1725

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The Delaware State Police have arrested three people on numerous felony gun and narcotics charges following a several-month-long drug dealing investigation.

On the morning of January 19, 2023, members of the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, and Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on the 10000 block of Rifle Range Road in Bridgeville. When troopers entered the home they saw Christopher Viruet running away from a bedroom. Viruet was taken into custody without incident in a second bedroom. Troopers also arrested Patricia Griffis and Jesus Torres inside of the house without incident.

A search of the home led to the discovery of the following:

• Approximately 4.095 grams of suspected heroin
• Approximately 57.11 grams of cocaine
• Approximately 10.41 grams of crack cocaine
• A loaded Glock handgun that had been altered to fire on fully automatic, reported as stolen in September 2021 by Federalsburg Police Department in Maryland
• Numerous rounds of ammunition
• Over $2,700 in suspected drug dealing proceeds

The residence was occupied by a 13-year-old boy and 10-year-old boy at the time. The two children were safely turned over to a relative.

Viruet, Griffis, and Torres were taken to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

Christopher Viruet, 28, of Bridgeville, Delaware:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of a Destructive Weapon (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Viruet was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $177,000 cash bond.

Patricia Griffis, 41, of Bridgeville, Delaware:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Maintaining a Drug Property (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Griffis was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $49,500 cash bond.

Jesus Torres, 32, of Dover, Delaware:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2 counts
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Torres was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $43,500 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 011923  1513

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The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s help with locating 33-year-old James Wheeler of Smyrna, Delaware. Wheeler currently has an active felony warrant out of Troop 3 for gun, burglary, and assault charges stemming from an incident that occurred yesterday evening in Magnolia.

Wheeler is described as a black male, approximately 5’08” tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has teardrop tattoos next to his right eye and script tattoos on his right arm. Wheeler’s current whereabouts are unknown but he frequents the Magnolia and Camden areas.

Due to the nature of the case and in consideration of the victim, no additional details will be released about yesterday’s incident.

Attempts to locate Wheeler have been unsuccessful. Troopers are asking anyone who may know of James Wheeler’s whereabouts to contact Trooper B. DeLeon by calling 302-698-8420. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 011923  1446

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The Delaware State Police have arrested 21-year-old Jair Fernandez-Hernandez of Frankford, Delaware on gun charges after troopers assisted EMS personnel with a medical event last week.

On January 9, 2023, at approximately 6:59 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on the 35000 block of Ash Lane in Frankford at the request of EMS personnel who were on-scene. When they arrived, troopers learned that EMS workers had placed Jair Fernandez-Hernandez in an ambulance after he reported that he was not feeling well. EMS personnel then discovered that Fernandez-Hernandez had a handgun in his pocket. Troopers were able to disarm Fernandez-Hernandez without incident and recovered a loaded handgun. Afterwards, troopers discovered that Fernandez-Hernandez had threatened an acquaintance with the gun before the ambulance was called.

Computer checks showed that Fernandez-Hernandez had been adjudicated as delinquent for a felony when he was a juvenile and was prohibited from possessing firearms. The gun was also reported as stolen in 2013 by the Johnston Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Fernandez-Hernandez refused any medical treatment at the scene. He was taken to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)

Fernandez-Hernandez was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $18,000 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 011923  1342

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Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery of a convenience store that occurred in the Wilmington area early Thursday morning.

On January 19, 2023, at approximately 4:20 a.m., a male suspect entered the 7-11 convenience store located at 220 South Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, and approached the sales counter. The suspect displayed a handgun at an employee and demanded money. After the victim complied, the suspect fled from the business on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen running westbound toward Reamer Avenue. Troopers responded to the scene and canvassed the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect. No one was injured in this incident.

The suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’9”-5’11” tall, approximately 230-250 lbs., wearing all dark clothing and a mask. There are no surveillance images available at this time.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is currently investigating the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling 302-365-8410. 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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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 011923  1103

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