Washington D.C. – On Saturday, September 29, 2018 the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums had the extreme honor of taking part in a wreath laying ceremony held at the National World War II Monument, located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., as part of the American World War II Orphans Network (AWON), 2018 Annual Gala Gathering.

AWON is a national organization dedicated to locating sons and daughters of Americans who died or are still missing from World War II, honoring their fathers’ service and sacrifice, and educating the public about the impact their fathers’ deaths had on the children they left behind.

This year AWON gathered in Washington D.C. to honor the legacy of their fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for freedom, as well as honoring their own sacrifice and legacy as orphans of “The Greatest Generation”.

Being familiar with DSP Pipes & Drums and their appearances at local memorial services and events, Delawarean, and AWON Board of Directors member, Ms. Billie Myers Meeks, invited the band to appear at this year’s Gala. While the band has a standard repertoire of tunes appropriate for various occasions, Ms. Meeks had a special request for this specific event, which was not part of this repertoire. The request was for “Highland Laddie”, which is a tune that was played by a lone, kilted bagpiper, who walked the beaches of Normandy as Scottish troops landed on D-Day. The band quickly got to work on learning and perfecting this new tune, in order to appropriately honor AWON’s wishes as well as the memories of the fallen.

As the ceremony began the DSP Pipes and Drums played Highland Laddie for the first time in public, for what was basically an international audience. The band then played Amazing Grace during the wreath laying ceremony, followed by the playing of Taps, by Delaware State Police Honor Guard Bugler, Sgt. Jonathan Packard.

In the weeks leading up to the event the band understood that this appearance was special, but it wasn’t until we were in formation on site at the monument, just prior to playing, that we truly appreciated the significance and gravity of the ceremony. Standing in the shadows of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and U.S. Capitol, and surrounded by those loved ones who lost their fathers, grandfathers or great grandfathers, it was only then that we truly understood what an honor it was to be allowed to pay tribute to those who lived and died by the motto: “Duty, Honor, Country”.

For the Orphans, For the Public, For Our Fathers –  www.awon.us

The Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums was established in 2001, and is currently under the leadership of Captain Matthew Cox. The lead bagpipe instructor for the band is Grade II piper Robert Galloway and the drum instructor is Grade I drummer John McKinnon, both of whom emigrated to the U.S. from Scotland. The band is comprised of 21 members – 10 bagpipers, ten drummers and one drum major, each of which have a full time assignment with the Division outside of the Pipes and Drums. The primary purpose of the band is to provide musical solace at funerals and memorial services, and to pay respect and honor to public safety and military personnel. The band also represents the Delaware State Police in parades, charitable events and public functions when possible. To date, the band has conducted nearly 800 performances in its 17 year history. The band continues to serve as a centerpiece, displaying the professionalism and pageantry of the Delaware State Police, as it strives to further its mission of outreach in the community.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:100518 1435

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are investigating a shots fired incident that took place late Thursday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:08 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2018 in the 200 block of Christiana Rd. (DE Rt. 273), New Castle. A 26 year old New Castle man who was on foot in the area, was approached by two subjects on a motorcycle. One of the subjects stated to the male victim “where’s my money”. Immediately after making that statement one of the subjects produced a hand gun, at which time the victim began to run away. As he was running he heard a single gunshot, however he was not struck and was able to escape to a nearby residence at which time he called 911.

The victim was not familiar with the suspects and could not provide a description of them or the motorcycle.

Investigation of the crime scene did produce a 9mm shell casing.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective G. Biddle of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at 302-365-8475.

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 Michael Austin

Released:100518 1335

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Middletown – The Delaware State Police are investigating a pair of threats aimed at Middletown High School that were received earlier this afternoon.

At approximately 12:32 p.m., an unknown male subject called the main office at Middletown High School, which is located at 120 Silver Lake Rd., stating that he was in possession of a bomb, and that he was en-route to the school. The call taker immediately advised the school administration as well as the School Resource Officer assigned to the school. The school was immediately placed on lock-down and additional Troopers were requested  to assist with the search of the school. Approximately ten minutes after the initial threatening call, a second call was received by the dispatch center in which a male caller stated that he was in the area of Middletown High School and was in possession of a rifle.

Upon being advised of the second threat all schools in the Appoquinimink School District were placed on lock-down, as a precautionary measure, even though the only corroborated threat involved Middletown High School. Additional law enforcement manpower and resources were also requested to assist with securing the perimeter around the school and to assist with searching the area. Agencies lending assistance to the Delaware State Police included the Middletown Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Department of Natural Resources K-9 Unit, Delaware River & Bay Authority and Delaware City Police Department. As part of perimeter security DE Rt. 299 was closed between Silver Lake Rd. and Brick Mill Rd. during the operation.

A systematic search of the interior and exterior of Middletown High School, which included the utilization of multiple Explosive Detection K-9 teams proved negative for any suspicious objects or explosive devices. The surrounding area of the school was also searched on foot by multiple law enforcement officers as well as by air by the Delaware State Police helicopter. This search was also negative for any type of suspicious object, person or weapon.

During the search of Middletown High School, information was received that there was an incident occurring inside Redding Middle School, which was immediately assessed, checked and proved to be unfounded, by officers who were already on site providing perimeter security.

After all buildings were cleared and deemed secure, school dismissal proceeded as normal, with the only exception being at Middletown High School where a staggered dismissal was initiated. The total time that schools were on lock-down was approximately 90 minutes.

After all students and staff were cleared from Middletown High School, Troopers performed a follow-up search of the building and campus as a precautionary measure, which again produced nothing suspicious.

The investigation into the threats is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective M. Evans at Middletown High School by calling 302-376-4141 and following the prompts.

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: 100418 1755

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Camden-Wyoming– The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a burglary incident that led to a shooting last evening.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October, 2, 2018 at approximately 9:37 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to Pony Track Road for a report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, Troopers located a 45-year-old male who had sustained gunshot wounds to his lower extremities.

Further investigation revealed that the 45-year-old male from Greenwood had entered onto the property without permission.  The residents became aware that someone was trespassing in their barn when their alarm activated.  The residents, a 73 year-old male and he and his 65 year-old wife responded to the barn where they discovered the male subject.  The male resident discharged a firearm and struck the intruder.

The intruder was transported to a local area hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

The two residents were not injured as a result of this incident.

This case continues to remain under investigation with further details being released as they become available.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 3, Detective Blomquist at 302-698-8426. 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:100318 1218

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Harrington– The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the individual who was killed in the crash on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 on South Dupont Highway in the area of Tower Hill Road as 21-year-old Anthony T. Mcrae of Milford, Delaware.

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

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2018/10/02/update-troopers-investigating-fatal-crash-harrington-2/

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2018/10/02/traffic-advisory-s-dupont-highway-tower-hill-road-closed-due-serious-crash-harrington/

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 100318 1203

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are investigating three attempted burglaries that occurred within a one hour time frame on the morning of August 21^st, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

The first incident occurred at approximately 6:03 a.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at the Walgreen’s Pharmacy located at 1601 Naaman’s Rd., Wilmington. Four suspects attempted to make entry into the business by smashing the glass entry doors however they were unsuccessful and fled the scene in a dark colored Chevrolet Traverse. The suspects then proceeded to the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2024 Naaman’s Rd., where at approximately 6:15 a.m., they unsuccessfully, attempted to make forcible entry into the drive-thru ATM. Then at approximately 6:50 a.m., they arrived at the Bank of America, located at 5215 Concord Pike, where they attempted to make forcible entry into the drive-thru ATM, again unsuccessfully. Each location sustained damage however the suspects obtained no property. The Chevrolet Traverse which had been reported stolen out of Philadelphia was located unoccupied later this same morning on Peachtree Rd. in the area of Naaman’s Rd.

The four suspects were described as follows:

• Suspect #1 (pictured above): male, average height, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light gray pants
• Suspect #2 (pictured above): male, tall, thin build, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants
• Suspect #3 (no images): male, shorter/broader build, wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants
• Suspect #4 (no images): male, tall, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants

Anyone with information regarding the identities of the pictured suspects or who may have further information regarding these incidents are asked to contact the Troop 2 Property Unit at 302-365-8565.

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:100318 1100

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Harrington– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 when a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound on South Dupont Highway towards the town of Harrington. The Silverado was pulling a flatbed trailer with a Toro lawn mower on top. The trailer detached from the Silverado, crossing the grass median and entered into the left southbound lane of South Dupont Highway, where it collided with the front of a Nissan Maxima.  The operator of the Maxima was ejected and struck by a Nissan Rogue that was traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway in the right lane.

Additionally, the lawn mower, which was not secured, became airborne on impact with Nissan Maxima. The lawn mower landed in the right southbound lane of South Dupont Highway and slid off to the shoulder of the roadway.

The driver of the Silverado, a 68-year-old male from Harrington was properly restrained and not injured.

The driver of the Maxima, a 21-year-old male from Milford was not properly restrained and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Rogue, a 70-year-old female from Pensacola, Florida, was properly restrained and transported to the Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital, where she was treated and released.

South Dupont Highway in the area of Tower Hill Road was closed for approximately 7.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2018/10/02/traffic-advisory-s-dupont-highway-tower-hill-road-closed-due-serious-crash-harrington/

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:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 100218 2111

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Laurel– The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an assault and one suspect still remains at large.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at approximately 10:04 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 30000 block of  Firetower Road for a report of an assault that occurred at the Relax Inn located at 30702 Sussex Highway.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with an 18- year-old male of Laurel, who advised that earlier in the week he met a few subjects at the Laurel flea market and discussed working for their moving company.  The subjects had contacted the victim and advised him to meet them at the Relax Inn to discuss the moving company.  The victim responded to this location and when he arrived, a green ford Explorer approached him and ran over his rear bicycle tire.  Two male subjects exited the vehicle and began assaulting the victim, ripping the sweatshirt he was wearing.  One of the males was holding what appeared to be a hatchet while the other was holding a large wood black pole.  A short time later, a female suspect had engaged with the two suspects in assaulting the victim.  The female suspect later obtained the wood pole and attempted to hide it in a motel room after she advised Troopers that she had nothing to do with the incident.

The victim sustained minor injures as a result of this incident and declined medical treatment.

Through investigative measures, Troopers were able to identify the suspects as 25-year-old Lee Hamm of Seaford, 21-year-old Len Tillman of Seaford, and 20-year-old Gabriellia Mann of Georgetown.  Mann and Hamm were taken into custody on Monday, October 1, 2018 at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Relax Inn without incident and were transported back to Troop 5.

Gabriellia Mann was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Aggravated Menacing
• Tampering With Physical Evidence-Evidence
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Assault Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
• Disorderly Conduct

Mann was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Womens Correctional Institution on $15,250.00 secured bond.

Lee Hamm was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Aggravated Menacing
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Assault Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
• Disorderly Conduct

Hamm was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,850.00 secured bond.

Len Tillman (no photo available) currently has active warrants out of Troop 5 for the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Aggravated Menacing
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Assault Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
• Disorderly Conduct

This case continues to remain under investigation and anyone with information in reference to the whereabouts of Len Tillman is asked to contact Troop 5 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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 100218 1810

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Harrington-The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a serious crash that occurred at approximately 12:01 p.m., Tuesday, October 2, 2018 on South Dupont Highway.  As a result of this crash South Dupont Highway at Tower Hill Road is closed.

Motorists can expect delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel. For further traffic updates and road closure information click on the following link: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

The investigation is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 100218 1223

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Dover (19904)–  The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion in which one occupant was shot earlier this morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 when Troopers were dispatched to an apartment in the unit block of Webbs Lane for a report of a home invasion/shooting.  Upon arrival it was discovered that a 26-year-old male had been shot once in his upper extremity and once in his lower extremity.

Further investigation revealed there were five other occupants in the apartment at the time of this incident, a 28-year-old male, 26-year-old female, and an 18, 8 and 5 year old, all who were uninjured.  It was determined that unknown suspects armed with handguns had forced entry into the apartment.  The suspects immediately made contact with the 26-year-old male who was sleeping in the living room, and shot him twice.  The 28-year-old male proceeded to exit a rear bedroom when a single shot was fired at the bedroom door.

The suspects fled the residence without obtaining any property.

The 26-year-old victim was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact, Troop 3, Criminal Investigative Unit, Detective M. Weinstein at 302-698-8443.  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

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Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 100218 1157

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