Claymont – The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 2:57 a.m., Friday, August 9, 2019 on northbound Philadelphia Pike in the area of Commonwealth Blvd., Claymont.

As a result of the crash all lanes of Philadelphia Pike are closed between Commonwealth Blvd. and Harvey Rd. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated road closure information log onto:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

The investigation is in the very early stages with further information being released as it becomes available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:080919 0420

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Wilmington – Wanted bank robbery suspect Michael J. Wheeler, of Wilmington has been positively identified as the suspect responsible for an attempted robbery that occurred this afternoon.

This most recent incident occurred at approximately 4:19 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the TD Bank, located at 2502 Marsh Rd. Wilmington. Wheeler who is pictured above while attempting the robbery, approached a teller and demanded cash, however he fled without obtaining any money. The employee was not injured as a result of this incident.

Prior to this incident Wheeler was already wanted in connection with three  bank robberies that occurred between August 2-5, 2019 at the below locations.

• August 2, 2019, WSFS, 105 Irish Hill Rd., Felton (DSP investigation)
• August 5, 2019, M&T Bank, 399 E. Main St., Middletown (MPD investigation)
• August 5, 2019, Wells Fargo, 814 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington (DSP investigation)

Wells Fargo Bank is offering a cash reward of up to $1000.00 for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of Wheeler.

This an active and ongoing joint investigation between the F.B.I, Delaware State Police and Middletown Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Wheeler are asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery UNit by calling 302-365-8566 or by calling 911.

http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

Click on the following links to view related releases:

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/06/update-2-reward-offered-bank-robbery-suspect-identified-still-at-large/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/05/update-bank-robbery-suspect-identified-still-at-large/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/05/troopers-investigating-bank-robbery-north-wilmington/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/05/update-suspect-photos-released-troopers-investigating-bank-robbery-felton/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/03/troopers-investigating-bank-robbery-felton/

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:080619 1300

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Delaware – Over the course of the last week, the Delaware State Police have investigated a rash of vehicle break-ins that have taken place throughout the state. While these most recent incidents have occurred in specific areas, we must realize that there is the potential for anyone, anywhere to be the victim of a similar crime. With that in mind we are offering the following prevention and awareness tips:

• Keep the doors of your vehicles locked at all times and windows shut.
• Do not leave items of value in your vehicle. This includes purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics, checkbooks, money, SS card, loose change, documents and paperwork with your personal information listed.
• Store valuable tools inside your residence. If needed daily for work, create an easy system to load and unload, such as using storage containers to transport.
• Lock your glove box, which should only store your registration and insurance cards. Do not store your vehicle title in the glove box. Store it in a safe place in your residence.
• Do not leave items that have a perceived value, such as a laptop case with no laptop.
• Clear the vehicle of all clutter and personal items. This can give the general impression that other property of value may be within the vehicle.
• Do not keep a spare vehicle key hidden in the same vehicle. Do not store or house keys or other keys in your vehicle.
• If possible, keep your vehicle parked under a lighted area that you can check on from your residence.
• If you have a surveillance security system, include your vehicles in the angle of your camera. If you locate a suspicious subject on your property, in the area of your vehicles, do not confront them, call 911 immediately.

And finally, be a good witness for your neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens, as you would want them to do the same for you. Pay attention and be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, and other places that you frequent throughout the course of your day such as the parking lots of local businesses, your workplace, parks, etc.

If you See Something-Say Something, by reporting all suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, call 9-1-1.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 080819 1520

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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.

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:080819 1405

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Delaware – The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit has established a program to assist elementary school-aged children in need with the necessities for school. Troopers are asking for help with any donations to fill each child’s back-pack with school supplies.

In partnership with DART First State, we are offering a STUFF THE BUS COLLECTION POINT ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2019 AT THE REHOBOTH WALMART FROM 12 NOON TO 6:00 P.M.

Troopers assigned to the Statewide Community Outreach Unit have initiated this program and are working with organizations in their communities to collect and donate school supplies for children in need. Donations can be taken to Headquarters in Dover or to any Troop statewide by anyone wishing to help. Each Troop will have a box in their lobby for supplies to be dropped off for the project. In addition, donation boxes will be stationed at all Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union locations. The donations will be collected now until Friday, August 30, 2019, and the donations will be presented for the 2019-2020 school year, prior to school starting. A list of supplies needed for the students are listed below:

Backpacks

No. 2 pencils

Spiral notebooks

Washable Crayola crayons box of 24

Large pink erasers

Pencil cases

Colored pencils

Washable markers

Loose-leaf wide ruled paper

Highlighters

Composition books

3 ring binders

Plastic folders with pockets

Tissue boxes

Hand sanitizer

If you need to contact any of the Troopers in the Community Outreach Unit, their information by region is listed below:

Senior Corporal Robert Colmery

Email: Robert.Colmery@Delaware.gov

(New Castle County)

302-365-8466

Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Email: Heather.Pepper@Delaware.gov

(Kent and Southern New Castle County)

302-672-5431

Master Corporal Rickey Hargis

Email: Rickey.Hargis@Delaware.gov

(Eastern Sussex County)

302-752-3804

Senior Corporal Juanita Huey-Smith

Email: Juanita.Huey-Smith@Delaware.gov

(Western Sussex County)

302-232-3459

Please help the Delaware State Police give to the students who will need the essential supplies and materials for a successful school year. Thank you so much for your help!

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:080819 0940

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Delaware State Police Divisional Headquarters, Dover – The Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., announces the promotion of Major Melissa A. Zebley to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on August 18, 2019.

Major Zebley is a 27-year member of the Division and was appointed as a trooper in July of 1992. Upon completion of her academy training, she was assigned to Troop 6, Prices Corner. In September 1997 she was transferred to the academy as a Drill Instructor. She served that function until December 2001.  In April 2002 Zebley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to Troop 1, Penny Hill.  She served as a patrol supervisor until October 2005 when she was transferred to the Public Information Office and later assumed the role of Director. In February 2007 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Headquarters as the Fiscal Officer for the Division. In April 2009 she was transferred to Troop 2 near Glasgow where she was in charge of patrol operations for the troop. In August 2009 Zebley was promoted to Captain and was transferred to Troop 1 as the Commander. In September 2010, she was promoted to Major and served on the Executive Staff as the Administrative Officer and the New Castle County Operations Officer.

In 1991, Major Zebley graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2000. She continued her education and earned a Master of Science Degree in 2003 from Wilmington University. Major Zebley is a 2008 graduate of the 235th  Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) National Academy. In addition, she has been a Wilmington University adjunct instructor and a program assistant for the Criminal Justice Program. She has organized the annual Women in Criminal Justice Leadership Conference since its inception in 2005.

“Major Zebley has been steadfast in her commitment to serve the citizens of Delaware and the Delaware State Police. She has distinguished herself at every level of the organization. Her leadership, knowledge, and experience will continue to bring tremendous value to our Executive Staff.  She will be instrumental in the future success of the Delaware State Police.” Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

Released: 080819 0725

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Millsboro, Delaware – The Delaware State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently conducting a joint death investigation that began on Wednesday at approximately 2:32 p.m. on August 7, 2019.

The preliminary investigation has determined that a 9-1-1 called was placed to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center for a report of a fire on Scarp Street located in Pot Nets Development Bayside, Millsboro. As first responders arrived on scene the rear part of the residence was engulfed in flames and was quickly extinguished by the responding fire departments. Upon entering into the residence and through the heavy smoke three children were found deceased all under the age of five years old.

While the residence was on fire, one other child was safely removed from the residence by a parent. The child was transported to the Beebe Medical Center for a medical evaluation and was treated and released.

The three children victims who perished in the fire were turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.

This is an active and ongoing investigation and is in its early stages with further information being released as it becomes available.

Please contact Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio at 302-593-9002 for any inquiries related to the fire investigation.

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: 080719 1945

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Wilmington – Utility crews have completed the repairs to the effected utilities and all lanes of Concord Pike in the area of Silverside have been re-opened.

Clink on the following links to view related releases:

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/06/traffic-advisory-concord-pike-closed-at-silverside-rd-due-to-downed-utility-poles-north-wilmington/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2019/08/07/update-traffic-advisory-southbound-concord-pike-remains-closed-between-silverside-rd-and-naamans-rd-due-to-downed-utility-poles/

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:080719 1500

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Harbeson, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have identified the driver who was killed in a crash that occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, on U.S. 9 just east of Josephs Road, Harbeson as 50-year-old David H. Pierson Jr. of Milton, Delaware.

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

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash – Harbeson

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: 080719 1416

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Claymont gas station that occurred Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:13 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2019 at the BP gas station, located at 3421 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Two male suspects with their faces concealed, entered the business and confronted an employee at the sales counter. One suspect produced a handgun and held the employee at gunpoint while the second suspect removed cash from the register and tobacco products from the display. The suspects were last seen fleeing on foot on Philadelphia Pike towards Wiltshire Ave. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

Suspect # 1 was described as a white male, 20-30 years of age, 5’9”-5’10” tall, wearing all dark clothing, a cloth covering his face and in possession of a handgun.

Suspect #2 was described as a black male, 20-30 years of age, 5’6”-5’9” tall, wearing all dark clothing and a cloth covering his face.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this 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. 

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:080819 1300

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