Southern New Castle County – A multi-agency operation conducted on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at targeted locations throughout southern New Castle County and the north Smyrna area has resulted in the arrest of 52 individuals on criminal charges. The operation was conducted in specific targeted areas throughout this region to address criminal activity as well as ongoing quality of life issues.

During the eight-hour enforcement blitz, police arrested 52 individuals for either a criminal charge or outstanding capias resulting in the clearance of 71 active warrants. In total there were 57 criminal arrests (16 felony, 41 misdemeanor) which included charges for weapons, drugs, prostitution and probation violations, along with 135 traffic arrests. Items and contraband seized as a result of the operation included 8 firearms, 39 baggies (.273 grams) of Heroin, 606.7 grams of marijuana. 1.93 grams of crack cocaine, .1 grams of methamphetamine, along with an assortment of drug paraphernalia.

This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Delaware State Police, Middletown Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Newport Police Department, Newark Police Department, Delaware City Police Department, Probation and Parole, Department of Corrections, and Justice of the Peace Court 11.

This combined effort highlights how the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies combat crime which in turn increases quality of life for the communities we serve.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012420 1930

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Bridgeville– The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a single vehicle that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred on January 23, 2020 at approximately 11:20 p.m., when a 2019 International Box Truck was traveling eastbound on Federalsburg Road approaching the intersection with Barnes Road. As the operator approached this intersection, he encountered a stop sign with post lying in the middle of the eastbound lane of travel within the intersection. To avoid this sign, the operator swerved causing the truck to strike a ditch and overturn.

The operator of the box truck, a 32-year-old male from Seaford, DE was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The eastbound lane of Federalsburg Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Through further investigations it was determined that the stop sign did not sustain damage and appeared to have been pulled from its posted location and intentionally thrown in the roadway prior to this crash.  The Delaware State Police, Troop 5 have been made aware of two other signs being removed from the ground and placed either in the roadway or on the shoulder.  All three incidents have occurred in the area of Bridgeville west of US 13.

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone that has information in reference to this crash or the removal of the signs in the Bridgeville area to please contact Troop 5, TFC. K. Marvel at 302-337-8253.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012420 1653

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Lewes- The Delaware State Police Troop 7 will be hosting its annual meeting to provide the public with its 2019 “Year in Review”.

The event is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in Troop 7’s Community Room located at 19444 Mulberry Knoll Road, Lewes. The conversation will focus on providing the community with a better understanding of how Troop 7 functions and the duties and responsibilities those Troopers handle on a daily basis.  Topics will include a review of the rates of crime, crashes and investigative clearances in Eastern Sussex County in 2019, and how enforcement plans have adjusted for 2020.

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. It is a great opportunity for the community to obtain a better understanding of how the Delaware State Police are working to ensure public safety in the areas where we all live, work, and travel.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012420 1546

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Georgetown- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit it continuing to investigate a fatal hit and run crash involving a pedestrian in which the striking vehicle fled the scene and are seeking the public’s assistance.

The incident occurred on Monday, December 23, 2019, at approximately 8:11 p.m., when an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on Zoar Road west of Fieldwood Drive and struck 44-year-old Katrina M. Hudson, of Millsboro, who was on foot within the westbound travel lane of Zoar Road. The suspect vehicle continued traveling westbound on Zoar Road and fled the scene in an unknown direction.  Hudson was pronounced deceased at the collision scene.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is asking anyone that has information in reference to this crash or information regarding the striking vehicle that left the scene to please contact Troop 7, Cpl./1 A. Mitchell at (302)-703-3267.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Crash Involving Pedestrian – Georgetown

*Traffic Advisory* Troopers Investigating Serious Crash Involving Pedestrian – Georgetown

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012320 1652

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2020 on Governor Printz Blvd. in the area of Hillside Rd., Claymont. A 2019 Kenworth tractor trailer, operated by a 55 year old Whitehall, Maryland man, was travelling northbound on Governor Printz Blvd., when it crossed the center median and continued across the southbound lanes. The tractor trailer then proceeded to travel off the roadway striking a utility pole and a fence located on private property in the 7700 block of Governor Printz Blvd.

The driver was transported to the Wilmington Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The initial investigation indicates that a suspected medical event is the cause of the crash. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

Southbound Governor Printz Blvd. was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012320 1620

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Dover – The Delaware State Police are issuing the following advisory in response to a recent phone scam trend involving a “spoofed phone number”.

The Delaware State Police have recently been made aware of multiple incidents in which individuals have received phone calls from a Delaware State Police issued number.  Only the number appears on the caller ID, and if that number is looked up, it shows that it is a valid Delaware State Police phone number.

Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity as well as appearing as an official organization or entity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally

During these most recent calls the recipient is told that a family member has been in an accident and needs money wired to them due to being injured, for payment of a traffic ticket or for bail. The scammers can be very convincing  playing on the emotional vulnerability of the victim.

The Delaware State Police will never request payment for fines, traffic tickets or bail. All these transactions are conducted by the respective court systems and never over the phone. Electronic payments are also never requested via phone for court matters.

If someone is calling regarding a family member, do not offer any personal information about yourself or the family member. Immediately attempt to contact the family to verify their status on your own. Indicators of scam calls are threats, orders to not hang up and other statements about immediacy.

The Federal Communications Commissions has provided the following tips to avoid spoofing scams:

You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be extremely careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information.

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.
• If you answer the phone and the caller – or a recording – asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, you should just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.
• Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with “Yes” or “No.”
• Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
• If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company’s or government agency’s website to verify the authenticity of the request.  You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source, particularly if the caller is asking for a payment.
• Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.
• If you have a voice mail account with your phone service, be sure to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number. A hacker could spoof your home phone number and gain access to your voice mail if you do not set a password.

• Talk to your phone company about call blocking tools they may have and check into apps that you can download to your mobile device to block unwanted calls. Information on available robocall blocking tools is available at fcc.gov/robocalls.

https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/robocalls-analysis/

This information was provided through the Federal Communications Commissions website located at:

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id

Many of these scams are difficult to investigate. They will target persons of all age groups.  The Delaware State Police is asking citizens to remember the tips previously mentioned in order to not become a victim of one of these scam artists.

If you suspect you have been a victim of this scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012320 0953

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning.

As a result of the crash, southbound Governor Printz Blvd. is closed in the area of Fairfield Rd.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel. For road closure and traffic condition updates log on to: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012320 0927

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Felton- The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday.

The incident occurred on January 19, 2020 at approximately 5:58 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Barney Jenkins Road, Felton, for a report of multiple shots being fired.  It was learned that a 19-year-old female had been struck by gunfire and privately transported to a local area hospital.

Further investigation into this incident reveled that a fight was communicated via social media due to an ongoing feud.  Approximately 15-25 individuals responded to Barney Jenkins Road to witness the fight.  A verbal altercation ensued between the 19-year-old female victim and another 19-year-old female.  Subsequently multiple fights occurred when a black male wearing a disguise brandished a firearm and discharged multiple rounds. The 19-year-old female was struck by gunfire and remains in critical condition.  There were no other injuries reported as a result of this incident.

The case continues to remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to please contact the Delaware State Police Troop 3, Major Crimes Unit, Detective R. Wright at 302-697-4454.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Troopers Investigating Shots Fired Incident-Felton

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:012120 1559

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place on Marsh Rd. in north Wilmington, early Monday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2020, on Marsh Rd., just north of Zebley Rd. A 40 year old male was walking along Marsh Rd. after his vehicle became disabled due to a flat tire, when he was approached by a male suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and demanded that the victim turn over the contents of his pockets, while also threatening him with bodily harm. The victim turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect who then fled on foot. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10” tall, with a heavy build, wearing a light colored coat and a cloth covering his face.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8566.

http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us. 

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012120 1115

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Dover- The Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident that occurred earlier this morning in Kent Acres, Dover.

The incident occurred on January 21, 2020 at approximately 1:40 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the unit block of Steele Road, Kent Acres, Dover for a report of shots fired.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with the occupants who advised that they while they were sleeping, they were awoken by gunshots. Further investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) had fired at the residence, striking the exterior with approximately 17 rounds. There were four occupants in the residence ranging from ages 52-15.  There were no reports of any injuries as a result of this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 3, Major Crimes Unit Detective T. Ford at 302-697-4454.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012120 0859

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