New Castle – The Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a New Castle area gas station that occurred Wednesday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:46 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the Exxon gas station, located at 261 S. DuPont Pkwy., New Castle. A masked suspect approached a male employee behind the sales counter and ordered him to open the register, while implying that he had a weapon in his waistband. The employee complied with the demand and opened the register at which time the suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen fleeing on foot towards Rt. 40. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 25-30 years of age, 5’7”-6’00” tall, 145-80 lbs. and was wearing all dark clothing to include a covering over his face.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are 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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:060619 1510

-End-

Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred late Wednesday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:41 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2019 on westbound Churchman’s Rd (DE Rt. 58), just west of Churchman’s Place. A 2016 Chrysler 300, operated by a 26 year old New Castle man was traveling westbound on Churchman’s Rd., from the area of SR 1, in the right thru lane of travel. A pedestrian, identified as 56 year old Celestine Jenkins, also of New Castle was crossing Churchman’s Rd. from the south to the north, just west of Churchman’s Place. Jenkins was able to successfully cross the eastbound lanes of Churchman’s Rd. but upon entering into the westbound lanes, she walked into the path of the Chrysler. The driver swerved in an attempt to avoid Jenkins but was unable to do so, with the front end of his vehicle striking her.

Jenkins, who was wearing all dark, non-reflective clothing, was not carrying any type of light and was also not using a marked pedestrian crosswalk, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment on her behalf is undetermined at this time.

The driver of the Chrysler was transported to the Christiana Hospital for evaluation. Neither impairment nor improper driving are deemed as factors on his behalf.

Churchman’s Rd. was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.

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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:060619 1320

-End-

Delmar- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 29-year-old Donnie J. Bennett of Delmar, DE who is wanted for assault and weapons charges.

The incident occurred on June 5, 2019, at approximately 7:27 p.m., when Troopers responded to a residence located in the 10000 block of Hillbilly Lane, Delmar, DE in reference to a domestic incident.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with a 28-year-old female victim who advised that she and her boyfriend, Bennett, had been in a physical argument while they were traveling in a vehicle.  Bennett proceeded to strike the female and also struck her 8-year-old child who was a rear seat passenger in the vehicle.  During this incident, there was also a 6-year-old child present in the vehicle.  After the altercation, Bennett obtained the victim’s cell phone and proceeded to flee the area on foot.  Bennett later responded to his father’s residence located in the 36000 block of Waycross Road, where he proceeded to take firearms and fled the residence on foot.

The female victim was treated on scene with minor injuries and the children were not injured.

Troopers have been unable to locate Bennett who currently has active warrants out of Troop 5 for the following:

• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (4 counts)
• Theft of a Firearm (4 counts)
• Assault Third Degree
• Theft
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Offensive Touching
• Disorderly Conduct

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Donnie J. Bennett is asked to contact Troop 4, Major Crimes Unit Detective Kristunas at 302-856-5850 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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 060619 0952

-End-

Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that took place at a Wilmington area cell-phone store, Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the Metro PCS store, located at 107 N. Maryland Avenue. The male suspect approached a female employee at the sales counter and pointed an unknown black object at her, implying that it was a weapon and then demanded cash from the register. The employee complied with the demand and turned over an undetermined amount of cash to the suspect, who then fled. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 20-30 years of age, 5’11”-6’2”, average build, wearing all dark clothing with a fabric covering his face.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

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

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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:060619 0940

-End-

Blades- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Blades man after a domestic incident led to him resisting arrest and assaulting a law enforcement officer.

The incident occurred on June 4, 2019 at approximately 9:30 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a residence on East 6th Street, Blades, for a report of a domestic incident.  Upon arrival, Troopers learned that 21-year-old Deangelo McCafferty had engaged in an altercation with his two younger (minor) siblings and his mother.  The altercation led to McCafferty striking both his mother and one younger sibling.   While Troopers attempted to take McCafferty into custody, he began to actively resist arrest.  During the attempt to gain control of McCafferty, a Trooper was forced into the edge of the front door, causing the Trooper injury.  Subsequently, McCafferty was taken into custody.  The mother and sibling did not sustain injuries.

The Trooper was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

McCafferty was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

•  Assault 2nd Injure a Law Enforcement Officer
•  Resisting Arrest
•  Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
•  Offensive Touching (2 counts)

McCafferty was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7200.00 secured bond.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 060519 1332

-End-

Frankford- The Atlantic Community Thrift Shop (A.C.T.S.) and the Delaware Marine Trade Association have recently made donations to Camp Barnes Inc.

The Atlantic Community Thrift Shop, located at 34634 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE, donated $20,000 and has been a huge supporter of Camp Barnes.

The donation from the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop will go towards the continued renovations and general operations of the camp.  A.C.T.S. has supported the camp over the years through financial donations and staff members volunteering at the camp.

The Delaware Marine Trade Association, located at 100 Marina Lane, Milford, DE donated life vests to Camp Barnes. Pictured below with Master Corporal Hatfield of the Delaware State Police is Captain Abigail Gilliar and Captain Carl Littleton of the Delaware Marine Trade Association.

Camp Barnes, a non-profit organization, is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police in which there is no fee to attend.  The camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 10-13.  The Camp has served the needs of thousands of children throughout Delaware. For over 60 years, Camp Barnes has remained basically unchanged. It was originally designed to provide the children who were unable to attend summer camp an opportunity to experience life at a summer youth camp.

Camp Barnes is extremely thankful for the generous donations they have received to support the summer youth camp!

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 060519 0954

-End-

Delaware – The 33rd ANNUAL STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS involving over 500 Law Enforcement Officers and spanning 160 miles will be held between Wednesday, June 12^th and Friday, June 14^th.  The 2019 event is the 33rd annual Torch Run, and in its history, Delaware Law Enforcement will have raised nearly $8 million.

Special Olympics Delaware provides a year-round program of quality sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or cognitive delays. A family of over 4,000 volunteers makes this program possible for the more than 4,200 athletes who compete in Special Olympics Delaware. The organization builds sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation, and self-esteem … not just for the athletes, but for everyone involved.

This year’s Torch Run will be a three-day event, starting in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m.  Live music by 33 1/3 will lead the gala Torch Run sendoff from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 7:00 p.m.

On Thursday, June 13^th the Torch will start at Delmar (6:00 a.m., Rt.13 and Rt.54), Lewes (6:30 a.m., Troop 7), and Georgetown (7:30 a.m., The Circle), and will travel to Milford, Harrington, and Dover where a brief stop will be held at Legislative Hall at 2:00 p.m., and then continue on to Smyrna and Odessa.

The event continues on Friday, June 14^th from Troop 9 at 6:00 a.m., with the Torch proceeding to the Wilmington Police Headquarters in Wilmington for a 9:45 a.m. celebration.  The event culminates with a final leg into the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center for the official opening of the 2019 Summer Games where the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will be delivered.

Information about the event and maps of the run can be found by clicking on the attached link: http://www.sode.org/fundraisers/law-enforcement-torch-run.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 060419 1130

-End-

Each year for the past 23 years the Child Life Department at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children has partnered with the Delaware State Police and the Delaware State Trooper’s Association to organize a picnic for long term care patients. Many of the patients will unfortunately miss outdoor activities due to treatment and will not have the chance to enjoy the warm weather or the joys of a summer picnic. On Thursday, June 6th, Troopers, doctors, nurses and hospital volunteers will provide food, games and fun to the brave and spirited children who are being treated at the hospital.  Many of these courageous children have been admitted for months and have not been able to go home. Troopers will visit patients inside the hospital who are not able to come down for the picnic. This day offers a break from the stress often associated with the hospital experience allowing patients to put aside their normal hospital routines and just be kids.

When: Thursday, June 6, between 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Where: A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE

The media is encouraged to attend.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:060419 0745

-End-

Newark – The Delaware State Police have charged 22 year old Quelinda Hallam, of St. Petersburg, FL, with multiple offenses stemming from a pursuit that came into Delaware from Maryland on I-95, late Sunday night.

At approximately 10:55 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2019 Delaware Troopers were advised by Maryland authorities that the Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority Police were in pursuit of a red, Ford Focus that was traveling I-95 northbound heading towards Delaware. The Ford had been reported as stolen out of St. Petersburg, FL.

At approximately 11:11 p.m., Delaware State Police units arrived on scene with the stolen Ford and a Maryland State Police vehicle that had been involved in a collision, on I-95 northbound in the area of Christiana Rd. (DE Rt. 273), and had become disabled. Hallam along with a 22 year old St. Petersburg, FL man, who was a passenger in the vehicle, had already been taken into custody. It was determined that during the pursuit, Hallam intentionally drove her vehicle into the Maryland Troopers vehicle, causing the collision.

Hallam and the male passenger were turned over to the custody of the Delaware State Police and then transported to Troop 6 for further investigation.

The Maryland Trooper, who is assigned to the JFK Highway Barracks, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. Hallam and her passenger were not injured.

Hallam was charged with Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (F), Receiving Stolen Property Greater than $1500.00 (F) and Reckless Driving. She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and then committed to the Dolores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in lieu of $10,000.00 cash bail.

The 22 year old male passenger, who was not charged in regards to the pursuit, was charged with Criminal Contempt of a PFA (M), after it was determined that he had violated an order which had been issued out of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Pinellas County, FL. He was subsequently committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $2500.00 cash bail.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:060319 1205

-End-

Ellendale, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at approximately 1:01 a.m., when troopers were dispatched to the Gateway Tavern located at 12327 DuPont Boulevard, Ellendale for a report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, Troopers located a 38-year-old male victim outside who stated he had been shot in the lower extremity by an unknown person. The victim was then transported by EMS with serious but non-life threatening injuries to a local area hospital.

It was reported the Tavern brought in several local rap artists to perform for the crowd and during the musical performance several fights broke out inside the bar then continued outside the establishment where multiple groups were engaging in fights at the same time. During the fights, several gunshots were heard outside and shortly after the victim was located in the parking lot with gunshot wounds. It is unknown the cause of the altercations.

There is no suspect information at this time.

This investigation is active and ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 4, Georgetown at (302) 856-5850 or Detective R. Mills at 302-752-3800.  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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:060119 1132

-End-