This Tuesday, September 25, 2018, the Delaware State Police with the assistance of the Delaware Department of Transportation and in coordination with other local, state, federal and railroad law enforcement departments will be participating in Amtrak’s “Operation Clear Track” again this year.

“Operation Clear Track” is a critical safety initiative that takes place during National Rail Safety Week from September 23^rd to the 29^th 2018. This is a one-day safety initiative that brings police and other law enforcement departments together nationwide to enforce state grade crossing and trespassing laws on America’s railroad tracks. Since the start of this initiative last year all participating agencies have been asked to respond to at least two different railroad grade crossings in their communities to educate and bring awareness to the importance of railroad safety and bring attention to this year’s theme to “Stop Track Tragedies.”

For more information click on: Rail Safety Week

Troopers will be working at the railroad crossings at various locations throughout the state that include Patriot’s Way, Millsboro and on Wrangle Hill Road (Rte. 72) north of Red Lion Road (Rte. 71), Bear, Delaware. As part of the assignment we will hand out flyers as well as issue verbal, written warnings and citations to individuals trespassing on railroad property or failing to comply with state grade crossing safety laws.

Please follow these safety tips:

• Never walk, run, play or take pictures on the railroad right-of-way. If you are on or near the tracks, you are trespassing on private property and breaking the law.
• Never attempt to outrun an approaching train. It can take a train a mile or more to stop.
• If you’re standing on the train tracks, you may not hear or feel an oncoming train in time to get away safely.
• Only cross the tracks at designated public crossings.
• Never drive or walk around lowered grade crossing gates.
• Never begin to drive across the tracks unless you can get all the way across.
• Always call the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number 24 hours a day to report problems or obstructions at the crossing. Look for the number on the blue sign near the crossing or on the cross-buck.
• Always know that the average train is three feet wider than the track on each side.
• Always slow down and stop your vehicle prior to train tracks when lights begin to flash.

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, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 092118 1312

-End-

Magnolia- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred earlier yesterday morning.

On Thursday, September 20, 2018 at approximately 6:00 a.m., Troopers responded to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital regarding a report of a shooting incident.  Upon arrival, contact was made with a 40-year-old male, who sustained two gunshot wounds to his lower extremity.  The victim advised that sometime between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., he exited his residence on the 100 block of Lambert Drive to retrieve his dog that was tied up outside.  While the victim was outside, he indicated that he heard several gunshots, and did not immediately realize he had been shot.  When the victim returned inside his residence, he discovered he was struck, and his girlfriend transported him to the hospital.

Further investigation led to the discovery of multiple projectile holes towards the front side of the victim’s residence.

The victim has been treated and released from the hospital.  There is no suspect information at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective T. Boyce, Troop 3   Criminal Investigative Unit at 302-698-8442.

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092118 1157

-End-

Dover– The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September, 20, 2018, at approximately 7:50 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to a residence located in the 100 block of S. Governors Boulevard for a report of a shooting.

Further investigation revealed that three males ages 45, 30, and 27, were standing in the driveway at the front of their relatives residence when they were shot at. The  30-year-old male sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was privately transported to a local area hospital.  The other two males did not sustain any injuries as a result of this incident.

There were two vehicles parked in the driveway that also sustained damage from the gunshots.

The 30-year-old victim was later transferred to another hospital once he was listed in stable condition.

There is no suspect information at this time.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit.  If anyone has any information in reference to this case, they are asked to please contact Troop 3, Detective S. Carbine at 302-698-8444. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at 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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092118 1124

-End-

Harrington- The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit (KDU), Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF), Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T) and the Harrington Police Department completed a drug investigation that led to two arrests.

On Thursday, September 20, 2018, the month long drug investigation in reference to the distribution of heroin, led to the seizure of drugs and weapons.  Through investigative measures, Delaware State Police Detectives and Officers from the Harrington Police Department were able to determine that two residents, 27-year-old, Kevin Hughes and 32-year-old Lavar Smith, were distributing heroin from a residence in the 200 block of Hanley Street. Also present in the house was a 6-year-old child.  A search warrant was executed at the residence and the following items were seized:

• 4.655 grams of heroin (665 baggies)
• 26 grams of marijuana
• over $6,000 in suspected drug proceeds
• 5 shotguns
• 1 AR style rifle (loaded)
• 6 rifles
• 3 handguns
• numerous rounds of ammunition

Hughes and Smith were taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3.

Kevin Hughes was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Manufactures, delivers, or possesses with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a Tier 4 quantity
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Marijuana
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Hughes was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,100.00 secured bond.

Lavar Smith was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Manufactures, delivers, or possesses with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a Tier 4 quantity
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (16 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Marijuana
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Smith was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $74,100.00 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: 092118 1029

-End-

Laurel– The Delaware State Police are investigating an assault complaint involving a weapon that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at approximately 7:00 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the intersection of Sycamore Road and West Elliotts Dam Road for an assault complaint. Upon arrival, Troopers learned that two subjects had engaged in a physical altercation, which led to one suspect discharging a firearm into a wooded area.

Both subjects sustained injuries and were transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.

Further investigation revealed that Dan-el Moody (no photo available), 25 of Red Springs, NC, and a 27-year-old male acquaintance from Ninety Six, SC had engaged in an argument while the two of them were driving inside of a truck.  The 27-year-old proceeded to obtain a gun from inside the vehicle and struck Moody in the head with the weapon.  Moody was able to obtain possession of the gun, and at some point during the altercation the gun was discharged, not striking either subject.  Troopers located a firearm in the bed of the truck.

Upon Dan-el Moody’s release from the hospital, he was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

• Assault Second Degree Recklessly Intentional Serious Injury (Felony)
• Offensive Touching
• Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence

Moody was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,000.00 secured bond.

The 27-year-old was later transferred to the Christiana Hospital due to his injuries.  He currently has active warrants out of Troop 5 for Assault Third Degree and Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence.

Sycamore Road between Fire Tower Road and West Elliotts Dam Road was closed for approximately 2 hours while this incident 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@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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092018 1353

-End-

Dover–  The Delaware State Police have arrested two adults and one juvenile after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at approximately 9:40 p.m. when a Trooper observed a 2005 Gray Buick Lacrosse, traveling southbound on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (SR 1) in the area of the Dover toll plaza, above the posted speed limit.  A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the driver, identified as 18-year-old Tilaiya M.Holland, of Middletown, the front seat passenger, 18-year-old Kiara N. Watkins of Dover, and rear seat passenger 17-year-old Jason D. Calhum of Middletown.  An odor of marijuana was detected and all of the occupants were detained.  Watkins became extremely disorderly and attempted to kick out the rear window to the Trooper’s patrol vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and led to the discovery of the following:

• a loaded 9mm handgun
• a box of Remington ammunition containing 33 rounds
• .1 grams of marijuana

All three suspects were transported back to Troop 3.

Tilaiya M. Holland was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Marijuana
• Failure to Have Required Insurance
• Speeding

Holland was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $26,252.00 secured bond.

Kiara N. Watkins was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Marijuana
• Resisting Arrest

Watkins was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $26,750.00 secured bond.

Jason D. Calhum was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Juvenile
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Marijuana

Calhum was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released to a guardian.

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: 092018 1312

-End-

New Castle – The Delaware State Police have arrested Carl Stokes, 47, of Wilmington for a robbery attempt that took place early Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at approximately 2:12 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred at the Super Fuel gas station, located at 3006 New Castle Avenue, in which a black male suspect, who implied that he was armed, attempted to take money from a male subject who was in the parking lot. Responding Troopers were provided a description of the suspect and advised that he was last seen in the area of the McDonalds, just north of the Super Fuel. Troopers responded to the area where they observed a subject matching the suspect description, running along a fence line adjacent to the Super Fuel. Troopers made contact with the suspect who complied with commands to stop, at which time he was taken in to custody without incident. Further investigation positively identified Stokes as the suspect responsible for the robbery attempt. The 20 year old male victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

Stokes was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with Attempted Robbery 2^nd Degree. He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $5000.00 cash bail.

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092018 1315

-End-

New Castle (19720) – The Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Wilmington Manor area Wells Fargo Bank, that took place yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:18 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 1424 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle. A male suspect approached a female teller and provided her with a demand note, while implying that he was armed with an explosive device. The victim teller complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect who then exited the bank, and was last seen on foot towards Stahl Avenue. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, 6’0”-6’3”, 160-200 lbs., wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information 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@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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092018 1230

-End-

Over the past few years the Delaware State Police, while working with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Delaware Department of Transportation and AAA Mid-Atlantic, have sent out warnings to traveling motorists about the increase in deer crossings during deer rut and hunting seasons, which occur predominantly in October and November in Delaware.  When taking a deeper look at 2016 and 2017 deer-related crash statistics, it is very clear the results of tenacious pro-active work and warnings are making a difference.

As you will see, there’s been marked improvement up and down the state of Delaware with the reduction of deer crashes over the past two years. The deer-related crash data, including the pedestrian crash data shows the results by region, month and time of day that pinpoints our focus to better apply resources. Our energy and tactics will be concentrated on what the data tells us while creating greater public safety awareness and education on a continual basis.  Warning our communities, families and our motorists about the hazards in both pedestrian and deer related crashes in a specific clear-cut and effective way will optimistically make a positive difference. Ultimately, with this information, we will continue to work for the safety of everyone in Delaware as we all become motorists and/or pedestrians at some point.

Here are the stats:

1. Last year’s press release regarding deer crashes and how to avoid them showed in 2016 there were a total of 2,042 animal and deer-related crashes with 1,010 animal/deer crashes being investigated in Sussex, 441 in Kent and 591 in New Castle County.  See below for a comparison of the same type of crashes in each county in 2017.  Also, see how many of the 2017 crashes occurred between dusk and dawn.

(2017 Total Animal and Deer Crashes in Delaware that occurred from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. was a total of 1,355 and of that total 375 in NCC, 300 in Kent and 680 in Sussex)

2. Deer-related crash information from 2017 (excluded animal-related crashes), to include the totals in each county and how many were Personal Injury Crashes)

Additionally, over the past few years Delaware has had an issue with pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles with the number of incidents increasing at the beginning of fall and continuing into the winter season.  This is attributed to the longer periods of darkness during this time frame- our darker days.

Pedestrian-related crash information, to include the following:  2017 totals for personal injury and fatal crashes, that occurred from September 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and how many of the crashes occurred during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (low light hours).

Personal Injury Crash data by month and and time of day.

Pedestrian Fatal Crashes data by month and time of day.

In an effort to properly address these issues, the Delaware State Police have chosen to combine these issues and combat them in a very strategic manner.  First, DSP will continue to educate the public on these hazards and provide ways to lessen the related risks.  We will also enforce the related laws, when appropriate.  Additionally, the Delaware State Police, Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the American Automobile Association (AAA Mid-Atlantic) will join forces and  utilize our resources and make a positive impact on Delaware roadways.  For instance, OHS will provide assistance for enforcement efforts, while DelDOT provides message boards throughout the state to help warn motorists and pedestrians of the hazards.  Lastly, DSP, DelDOT, OHS, and AAA Mid-Atlantic will continue to share the warnings and tips provided below by way of different media channels.

If MOTORISTS strictly follow these suggestions, they will significantly decrease their risk of being involved in a deer-related, or a pedestrian-related crash:

-Consider all roadways and not just back roads for deer crossings

-Consider slowing down during rut and hunting season (and the darker      hours reference pedestrians)

-Never take your eyes off the roadway, especially during this vulnerable time of year

-Drive when you are alert and not when you are too tired to properly focus

-Do not drive a vehicle while impaired by illicit drugs, alcohol, or mind-

altering medications

-Stay focused on the task at hand, DRIVING, and do not take your eyes off

the road for even a split second

-Drive slower during deer rut, hunting and the darker (low light) times

-Be prepared for a deer to cross, or a pedestrian to be on the shoulder on

any type of roadway, due to the fact that deer cross on highways too,

where traffic speeds are higher and deer eyes are more difficult to see

-Know Delaware’s pedestrian-related laws and follow them and know what

to do if a pedestrian is approaching, or partially in a cross-walk

If PEDESTRIANS strictly follow these suggestions, they will significantly decrease their risk of being involved in a pedestrian-related crash:

-Follow all pedestrian laws, to include: walking while facing traffic, walking with a light, or reflective gear; crossing at crosswalks; and utilizing pedestrian-related signals.  Research pedestrian laws online, if you are unfamiliar with them

-Do not walk on, or close to high-speed highways; Call 911 and get as far from high-speed traffic as you can, while waiting for assistance

-Do not walk on, or near a roadway, or highway, if you are under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, to include prescription medication that has mind-altering affects

“The statistics are clear that with shorter daylight hours, we see more vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and deer. Throughout the fall season, motorists will see message boards reminding them to use caution and drive safely. We want everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation, to get to their destination safely!”

Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation

“The fall and winter months are the most dangerous times for pedestrians.  With low daylight hours, it is important for both pedestrians and drivers to be alert on Delaware’s roadways and share the responsibility to keep themselves and others on the road safe.  OHS reminds all pedestrians to be visible, use crosswalks, and not to walk under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  Drivers should be aware that pedestrians are often not where you would expect them.  Drivers should be focused on the road at all times, slow down when pedestrians are present, and not drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.”

Kimberly Chesser, Acting Director Delaware Office of Highway Safety

“Whatever the reason, everyone is a pedestrian at some point, and everyone plays a role in keeping our roadways safe, look out for pedestrians at all times. When you are operating a vehicle, you have accepted a heightened responsibility for other people on the road. Safety is a two-way street. Often, pedestrians— especially younger ones— are not where they should be or where you would expect them to be. Remain vigilant at all times.”

Ken Grant, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic.

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, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 092018 1217

-End-

Wilmington – Delaware State Police Troop 6 will be holding a Community Café on Thursday, September 27^th, 2018, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., at the Five Points Fire Company, located at 209 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington.

Troop Commander Captain Matthew Cox, accompanied by his deputy commanders and the Community Outreach Trooper, will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns from community members, specific to State Police jurisdiction in the Troop 6 patrol area.

In addition to the general discussion Captain Cox will present and discuss crime and traffic data related to activity along the Maryland Avenue corridor. Community members will also be instructed on how to access the crime mapping feature on the DSP website.

These Café’s are held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

We look forward to meeting you.

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:092018 1140

-End-