Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are investigating two shoplifting incidents that took place along the Concord Pike corridor on Wednesday evening in which the suspect dispersed pepper spray.

The first incident occurred at approximately 5:49 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Macy’s department store located in the Concord Mall. The pictured female suspect removed merchandise from the display and attempted to exit the store without paying. When confronted by a store employee the suspect sprayed them with pepper spray, before fleeing.

Approximately 25 minutes later this same suspect committed a shoplifting at the 5 Below store, located at 3632 Concord Pike. During this incident the suspect was again confronted by a store employee at which time she again produced a pepper spray canister. An off-duty police officer who witnessed the incident while shopping, intervened due to a safety concern for the employee at which time he was sprayed by the suspect.

The suspect, who was described as a black female, 30-40 years of age, 5’6”-5’9” tall, was observed fleeing both scenes in an older model, white sedan with Texas tags. The vehicle was reported to have noticeable right rear damage.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts are asked to contact Cpl. A. Ali at Troop 1 by calling 302-761-6677.

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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:112119 1255

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are attempting to locate 57 year old Charles B. Brooks of Wilmington, who is wanted in connection with a robbery that took place outside a Terminal Avenue business just before noon on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2019 in the parking lot of the Shelton Pallet Company, located at 525 Terminal Ave., New Castle. Brooks, who is a former employee at the business approached a current male employee in the parking lot and asked for money. The male victim initially refused at which time Brooks threatened to shoot him, while implying that he had a weapon in his coat pocket. The victim turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to Brooks who then fled on foot, westbound on Terminal Ave., towards New Castle Avenue. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

Brooks, who is known to frequent the New Castle Ave. /Memorial Drive corridor, is described as black male, 5’6” tall, weighing 155 lbs.

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An active warrant is currently on file charging Brooks with one count of Robbery 1st Degree.

Anyone with information regarding Brooks’ whereabouts are asked to contact Cpl. M. Kerrigan at Troop 2 by calling 302-834-2620 or by calling 911.

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:112019 1025

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Bear – The Delaware State Police are investigating a purse snatching that took place at a bus stop in the Fairwinds area of Bear just before noon on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:54 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at a bus located on Pulaski Hwy. (US 40), in the area of Holly Avenue. A 51 year old woman was standing at the bus stop when she was approached by a male suspect. The suspect snatched the victim’s cell-phone from her hand and then grabbed her purse which was slung over her shoulder. A brief struggle ensued however the suspect was able to take possession of the purse before fleeing on foot towards Holly Ave. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, 40-55 years of age, 5’8”-5’10” tall, average build, wearing a black shirt and a back-pack.

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

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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:112019 0950

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Harrington- The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted robbery of a Valero Shore Stop and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the pictured suspect.

The incident occurred on November 12, 2019 at approximately 5:19 a.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the Valero Shore Stop located at 16381 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington for a report of a robbery.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with a store manager who advised that a subject had entered the store, walked up to the register and demanded money.  The manager advised the suspect that there was no money in the register at this time.  The suspect never displayed a weapon and proceeded to walk out of the store without obtaining merchandise or cash.  The manager was not injured as a result of this incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 20-30 years old, wearing all dark clothing.  The suspect was seen driving away from the area in what appears to be a red/maroon sedan with Maryland registration (pictured).

The case continues to remain under investigation and anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to please contact Troop 3, Detective Dear 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 Attempted Robbery of Valero Shore Stop-Harrington

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 111919 0905

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The Delaware State Police are issuing the following advisory in response to the recent reappearance of the Mystery Shopper Scam. This is a general awareness advisory applicable statewide. The following tips and information will help you avoid falling victim to this specific scam.

What is Mystery Shopping?

Some retailers hire companies to evaluate the quality of service in their stores and they often use mystery shoppers to get that information. They instruct a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, and then report on the experience. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed and can keep the product or service. Sometimes the shopper receives a small payment, as well.

Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. These opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies.

Don’t Pay to Be a Mystery Shopper

Dishonest promoters use newspaper ads and emails to create the impression that mystery shopping jobs are a gateway to a high-paying job with reputable companies. They often create websites where you can “register” to become a mystery shopper, but first you have to pay a fee — for information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job.

It is not necessary to pay anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The certification offered is almost always worthless. A list of companies that hire mystery shoppers is available for free, and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are listed on the internet for free. If you try to get a refund from the promoters, you will be out of luck. Either the business won’t return your phone calls, or if it does, it’s to try another pitch.

Don’t Wire Money

You may have heard about people who are “hired” to be mystery shoppers, and told that their first assignment is to evaluate a money transfer service, like Western Union or MoneyGram. The shopper receives a check with instructions to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw the amount in cash, and wire it to a third party. The check is a fake.

By law, banks must make the funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. It may seem that the check has cleared and that the money has posted to the account, but when the check turns out to be a fake, the person who deposited the check and wired the money will be responsible for paying back the bank.

It’s never a good idea to deposit a check from someone you don’t know and then wire money back.

Tips for Finding Legitimate Mystery Shopping Jobs 

Don’t do business with mystery shopping promoters who:

• Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email.
• Require that you pay for “certification.”
• Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.
• Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.
• Sell directories of companies that hire mystery shoppers.
• Ask you to deposit a check and wire some or all of the money to someone.

If you’re looking for legitimate mystery shopping jobs, check out the Mystery Shopping Providers Association for a database of authentic companies. But if you spot any scams, report them to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint and your local police.

These tips have been provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Click on the following link to view further information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/mystery-shop-til-you-drop-not-so-fast

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:111819 1900

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 28 year old, Ebkiesha N. Hargrow of Wilmington, who is wanted in connection with an organized retail crime ring that has targeted businesses throughout New Castle County.

Since December 2018 up until the present time, Hargrow has committed multiple thefts at retail locations throughout New Castle County in which she shoplifted large quantities of merchandise with the intent of re-selling the stolen property. Hargrow, who has remained at large since August, also has ties to the Philadelphia area.

Warrants are currently on file charging Hargrow with the following crimes:

• Theft (Organized Retail Crime)
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Selling Stolen Property
• Identity Theft
• Forgery 2^nd Degree
• Offering a False Instrument for Filing
• Tampering with a Witness
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

Anyone with information regarding Hargrow’s whereabouts are asked to contact Cpl. M. Fiore at Troop 6 by calling 302-633-5000 or by calling 911.

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 Michael Austin

Released:111819 1500

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a Claymont area check cashing business that occurred in late October and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The original incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the United Check Cashing, located at 333 Naaman’s Rd., Claymont. The pictured suspect, who was in possession of a handgun, confronted an employee and demanded access behind the sales counter. The employee complied with the demand and once behind the counter the suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. After obtaining the money the suspect fled in a dark colored, sport utility vehicle. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

At the time of the incident the suspect was described as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 5’11” tall and weighing 200 lbs. He had his face covered with a dark fabric cloth and was in possession of a black handgun.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Detective B. McDerby of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8436.

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:111819 1318

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Newark, Delaware –  The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the tractor-trailer driver who died in a crash on Sunday, November 17, 2019, on (I-95) John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway south of DE 273 and north of the Delaware Service Center as 65-year-old Gary J. Buffalino of Centereach, New York.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on I-95 Southbound – Newark

*Traffic Advisory* Tractor-Trailer Crash Causes Lane Closures on I-95 – Newark

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.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111819 1040

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Newark, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 8:49 a.m. Sunday, November 17, 2019, on southbound (I -95) John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway south of DE 273 and north of the Delaware Service Center.

The initial investigation has determined a 2013 Honda Pilot, operated by a 51-year-old female of Woodbridge, Virginia, was traveling in the right thru lane of southbound I-95 between DE 273 and the Delaware Service Area.  A 2014 Volvo Tractor Trailer, operated by a 65-year-old male of Centereach, New York, was traveling southbound I-95 initially in the left thru lane, a few car lengths ahead of the Honda Pilot. For unknown reasons the tractor-trailer suddenly began drifting to the right in one continuous motion across all three of the southbound lanes. When the tractor-trailer entered the right thru lane, the right side rear of the trailer sideswiped the driver’s side of the Honda Pilot. The tractor-trailer then exited the roadway down a slight embankment and continued into a wooded area. The tractor-trailer struck several standing trees before it came to rest. The operator of the tractor-trailer was ejected from his vehicle after striking the final tree. The Honda Pilot came to a controlled stop along the shoulder.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the collision scene. He was the sole occupant in the tractor-trailer. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time. The identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

The operator of the SUV, the sole occupant in her vehicle, was properly restrained.  She was treated and released at the collision scene.

Three of the four southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for approximately 5 1/2 hours as the scene was investigated and cleared. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit will further investigate this collision.

*Traffic Advisory* Tractor Trailer Crash Causes Lane Closures on I-95 – Newark

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8437. 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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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:111719 1725

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Dover, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday morning.

The preliminary investigation has determined that on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a call was made to 9-1-1 by a local area hospital reporting a shooting incident. Troopers responded to the hospital and contacted a 38-year-old male victim of Dover who had sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. It was learned the victim was transported to the hospital by a privately owned vehicle. It was also reported to have occurred in the area of South State Street near Lakeland Avenue, Dover.

Further investigation into this incident revealed that the victim was walking northbound on South State Street and was approached by black males walking southbound on South State Street. As they walked past the victim, words were exchanged and the victim heard one gunshot which struck him.

The suspects were described as black males.

This investigation is active and ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 3, Camden at (302) 697-4454 or Detective J. Dear at 302-698-8540.  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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111719 1000

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