Delaware State Police have arrested 38-year-old Tara Madden of Selbyville, DE on multiple felony criminal warrants following a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon.

On April 14^th, 2022 at approximately 3:56 p.m., an officer with the Greenwood Police Department observed a tan Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the area of Market Street. The operator of the Cruze failed to stop at the red light at this intersection, and a traffic stop was initiated. The officer made contact with the operator and owner of the vehicle, identified as Tara Madden. A computer check of Madden revealed that she had four active criminal warrants for her arrest, stemming from numerous incidents that had occurred throughout March and April in the Frankford, Millville, and Millsboro areas. Madden was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5, where she was charged with the following crimes:

• Theft of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony)
• Theft From a Senior (Felony) – 2 counts
• Criminal Mischief
• Offensive Touching

Madden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041522  1050

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On Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th, 2022, the Delaware State Police working in conjunction with 14 other states and 11 Delaware municipal agencies completed the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic enforcement initiatives.  These high visibility traffic enforcement initiatives focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, unsafe driving behaviors of the operators of large trucks/buses and occupant protection.

DSP and the law enforcement agencies in the 14 other states focused on traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 stretching from Maine to Florida to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The 15 state police agencies included Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Rhode Island State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police and Maine State Police. During this period over 5,300 traffic contacts (traffic citations and warnings) were made. There were 2,140 contacts for speeding, 314 for cell phone use, 310 seatbelt violations, and there were 37 DUI arrests made.

During the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” initiative, Delaware State Troopers with support from the Office of Highway Safety and 11 municipal agencies including the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Dover Police Department, Cheswold Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, Milford Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Ocean View Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Milton Police Department, and Seaford Police Department conducted traffic enforcement statewide by targeting roadways throughout the state. During this period 266 traffic contacts (traffic citations and warnings) were made.

The Delaware State Police would like to thank everyone who participated in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” traffic initiatives.  This campaign helped to keep Delaware citizens along with its visitors safe as they traveled throughout the state.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 041522 0917

Kent County, DE- Delaware State Police Troop 3 will be hosting a Community Café on Friday, April 29, 2022. The event will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Rudy’s Family Restaurant and Pizzeria located at 17064 S DuPont Hwy Harrington, DE. The Community Café will have Troop 3 Administration, Community Outreach Officer, and Harrington Police Department Administration in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public. This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sgt. Heather Pepper

Released: 041522 0900

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Delaware State Police seek the public’s assistance locating the leader and three other individuals wanted in connection to a large-scale drug trafficking organization.

In November 2020, Delaware State Police began a large-scale drug investigation named “Operation Dawg House.” Operation Dawg House targeted the George Johnson Drug Trafficking Organization, where George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville, was identified as the organization head. Johnson’s organization was targeted due to the increase of heroin overdoses and possession of heroin cases occurring in Sussex County, DE, and Worcester County, MD. In Delaware, 16 overdose cases were reported, with four being fatal. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred in Worcester and Wicomico County, MD. The year-long investigation involved local and state agencies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania working together to combat the heroin and opioid drug distribution. During the investigation, numerous members of Johnson’s organization were identified, and a hierarchy of distribution was established. In total, 55 individuals were indicted or arrested on street warrants. Currently, 51 individuals have been arrested and four individuals are still wanted, including George Johnson.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance Locating Leader and Others Involved in Large Drug Trafficking Organization

George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville / Laurel

Johnson is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• Racketeering (Felony)
• 7 counts – Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• 33 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Allen White, 35, of Georgetown

White is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• 3 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Andre Washington, 27, of Seaford

Washington is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• 3 counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Semeion Reed, 21, of Georgetown

Reed is currently wanted on the following crimes:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• 2 Counts – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police would like to thank the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that provided investigative support that led to the successful conclusion of Operation Dawg House.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041422  1445

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Delaware State Police have arrested 33-year-old Antoine Burgess of Dover, DE on multiple charges following a pursuit that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

On April 13^th, 2022, at approximately 1:33 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of South Dupont Highway and South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE observed a black Audi Q7 with a cancelled registration traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated away and a pursuit ensued. The operator of the Audi left the roadway, drove through the sports fields at the Kent County Recreation Center, and became disabled after striking a fence on Oats Lane in Wyoming, DE. The operator exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the area on foot. Troopers gave chase and successfully took the suspect, identified as Antoine Burgess, into custody without further incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 0.11 grams of cocaine. A 22-year-old female victim who was a passenger in the vehicle was transported to Kent General Hospital for minor injuries.

A computer inquiry revealed that Burgess had a revoked driver’s license and active warrants for his arrest. Burgess was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following offenses:

• Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief
• Resisting Arrest
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Numerous traffic violations

Burgess was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $6,012 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041422  1214

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Sussex County, DE- Delaware State Police Troop 5 will be hosting a Community Café on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The event will be held at 9:00 a.m. at TS Smith Orchard Point Market located at 9047 Redden Road Bridgeville, DE. The Community Café will have Troop 5 Administration and Community Outreach Officers in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public. This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sgt. Heather Pepper

Released: 041422 1000

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Delaware State Police Sergeant Gary Fournier of Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol was recently recognized by Special Olympics Delaware as the recipient of the 2022 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year. The Torch Runner of the Year award is the most prestigious honor presented to a law enforcement officer who supports the ideals, values, and principles of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics movement.

Sergeant Fournier received this award at a ceremony held on April 12, 2022, for his extensive involvement with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE). Over 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier began volunteering with Special Olympics Delaware as a recruit trooper. However, his passion for this program started as a young child growing up in New York. Sergeant Fournier has fond memories of attending Special Olympic competitions to watch his cousin participate in various events. As a result, when he had the chance to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run as a Recruit Trooper in the Delaware State Police Training Academy, he did so without hesitation.

Since his initial Torch Run approximately 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier’s involvement has expanded in positions held and time spent volunteering with Special Olympics. In 2012, he became a member of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Executive Committee and served in Kent County as a fundraiser and leg coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. In addition, Sergeant Fournier used his experience as a Delaware State Police Public Information Officer to ensure messaging related to the Torch Run events, activities, and purpose was effectively communicated to the community and media.

In addition, as the Delaware State Police Motorcycle Supervisor, Sergeant Fournier has coordinated motorcycle escorts for several SODE events, including the Torch Run, Ride to the Tide, and Truck Convoy events. He is also involved as a volunteer and participant in events such as Dodgeball Madness, Over the Edge, 5k Run to the Plunge, and the Polar Bear Plunge. In 2019, through his work with the Special Olympics of Delaware was awarded the honor of representing Delaware in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

At the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Sergeant Fournier will be presenting the “Flame of Hope” to the Athlete of the Year, Steve Dagg. It will be one more opportunity for Sergeant Fournier to present an athlete with a symbol of accomplishment, as he has done numerous times. Special Olympics Delaware credits Sergeant Fournier’s efforts over the past 25 years for what contributed to him winning the title of 2022 “Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.”

Congratulations, Sergeant Fournier, for your accomplishment, and thank you for proudly representing the Delaware State Police.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Heather Pepper

Released:041322 1936

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Delaware State Police have arrested 21-year-old Jayaire Brittingham of Smyrna, DE for drug and weapons offenses following a traffic stop on Tuesday evening.

On April 12^th, 2022, at approximately 8:10 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Dover area noticed a gray Honda Accord traveling northeast on Pearsons Corner Road north of Halltown Road. The trooper observed the vehicle fail to maintain within a single lane of travel. A traffic stop was initiated on Pearsons Corner Road and contact was made with the operator and sole occupant, identified as Jayaire Brittingham. Upon contacting Brittingham, the trooper detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle’s interior. Subsequently, Brittingham was taken into custody at the scene without incident and probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 3.93 grams of marijuana, approximately 0.196 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a black assault rifle, four rifle rounds, and a .40 caliber Glock handgun. The Glock handgun was reported as stolen by Delaware State Police Troop 3 in January 2022.

Brittingham was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of Marijuana
• Failure to Remain Within a Single Lane

Brittingham was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $27,600 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041322  1521

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Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the Lincoln area on Monday night.

On April 12th, 2022, troopers responded to a residence in the 10000 block of Dupont Boulevard for a report of shots fired. The investigation revealed that on April 11th, 2022 at approximately 10:00 p.m., a 38-year-old female was inside of the residence when she heard gunshots outside of her home. After further investigation the following morning, the resident discovered multiple bullet holes in the exterior of the home and in a vehicle parked outside. In addition to the resident, there was an 18-year-old male and two juveniles inside at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.

At this time there is no suspect information or surveillance images available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective D. Yencer by calling 302-752-3791. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041222  1825

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Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Arthur Darden of Dover, DE for weapons and drug offenses following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.

On April 11^th, 2022, at approximately 12:41 p.m., a trooper on patrol in Laurel, DE observed a black Kia Sportage speeding and change lanes without signaling on Sussex Highway south of Gordy Road. A traffic stop was initiated on Sussex Highway at Dorothy Road and contact was made with the operator, identified as Arthur Darden. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Darden and open alcohol containers inside of the vehicle. A subsequent DUI investigation ensued and Darden was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 13.79 grams of marijuana, a pair of brass knuckles, and a 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed Darden is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Darden was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
• Speeding
• Improper Lane Change

Darden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,300 cash bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 041222  1353

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