New Castle (19720) – The Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a New Castle area restaurant that took place last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:56 p.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at the Pizza Hut located at 1508 Beaver Brook Plaza, New Castle. A suspect brandishing a handgun, approached two employees at the sales counter and demanded money from the register. The victims complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect who then exited the business, and was last seen on foot, northbound towards Pine Valley Apartments. The victims were not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 5’10”-6’00”, 175-190 lbs., wearing a gray shirt, maroon pants, a dark covering concealing his face and in possession of a black semi-automatic handgun.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. D. Armstrong of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-365-8503.

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: 082218 1300

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Millsboro–  The Delaware State Police have arrested the suspect who was wanted in connection with a kidnapping, strangulation, and other related charges.

On Monday, August 13, 2018, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Troopers were made aware that a female victim had responded to a local area hospital, with injuries she had sustained in a physical domestic.  Further investigation revealed that the 40-year-old female and her boyfriend, 28-year-old-Phillippa Vann of Millsboro had engaged in a physical domestic the day prior.  Vann had physically assaulted, strangled, and attempted to sexually assault the victim.  The victim attempted several times to get away from Vann.  Vann and the victim later responded to the Walmart store, where the victim was able to leave Vann and drive herself to the hospital.

The 40-year-old victim sustained multiple injuries and was later transported to another hospital due to the severity of her injuries.

On August 20, 2018, Vann was taken into custody by Troopers at a residence located on the 400 block of S. Main Street, Bridgeville, without incident.

Vann was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

• Attempted Rape First Degree
• Kidnapping First Degree
• Strangulation, Assault Second Degree
• Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications
• Criminal Mischief

Vann was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $160,750.00 cash only bond.

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Wanted Suspect

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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082018 1839

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Smyrna– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a crash that occurred on August 12, 2018, that has turned into a fatal.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at approximately 2:16 p.m., when a 2012 Harley Davidson was traveling eastbound on Lighthouse Road attempting to make a left turn into the Boondocks Restaurant entrance/exit. A 2005 Honda X13 (3-wheeled motorcycle) was following directly behind the Harley Davidson.  The operator of the Harley Davidson had his turn signal on and applied his brakes to stop and make the left turn.  The operator of the Honda failed to see the Harley Davidson’s turn signal in time and locked his front brakes up.  Subsequently the Honda struck the rear of the Harley Davidson. The collision caused both operators and a passenger of the Honda to be ejected, and the Honda to overturn on its right side.

The operator of the Harley Davidson, 45-year-old male from Townsend, was not wearing a helmet and was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the Honda, a 71-year-old male from Townsend, was not wearing a helmet and was transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The passenger of the Honda, 76-year-old Carolyn Gamble from Townsend, was wearing a helmet and was transported to the Christiana Hospital in serious condition.  On August 17, 2018, Carolyn Gamble succumb to her injuries.

Lighthouse Road was closed for approximately 5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082018 1722

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Dover– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after a fight led to one victim being stabbed.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 17, 2018 at approximately 8:13 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 800 block of  Papen Lane, for  a fight in progress.  Upon arrival, Troopers located a 45-year-old male victim, with injuries to his face and leg.  Further investigation revealed that the victim had engaged in a physical altercation with 31-year-old Saul Velez-Mojica.  Saul Velez-Mojica threatened to kill the victim and proceeded to obtain a pitchfork in which he stabbed the victim in his leg.

The victim was transported by EMS to a local area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Prior to police arrival, Saul Velez-Mojica had fled the scene into a wooded area.  He was located shortly after and taken into custody without incident.

Saul Velez-Mojica was transported to the Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he was charged and arraigned with the following:

• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
•  Assault Second Degree
• Terroristic Threatening
• Resisting Arrest

Saul Velez-Mojica was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $15,000.00 secured bond.

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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082018 1341

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Newark- The Delaware State Police have identified Raju Chanappa, 57, from India, who was killed in the crash that occurred at approximately 10:34 p.m., on Saturday, August 18, 2018, on Salem Church Road, north of Deasy Drive.

Click on the following link to view the original release:

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash – 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082018 1028

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Wilmington/Newark- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating multiple burglaries that occurred on Sunday, during the early morning hours.

On Sunday, August 19, 2018 between the hours 3:07 a.m. and 3:26 a.m., Troopers handled a total of five burglaries to businesses on Naamans Road, Wilmington.  A sixth burglary later occurred at approximately 4:44 a.m. in the Newark area.

• Rite Aid, 2080 Naamans Road- The suspects arrived in front of the store at approximately 3:07 a.m. and forced entry through the front double glass doors.  Once inside, the suspects proceeded to the pharmacy area and removed an unknown amount of inventory prior to fleeing the scene.
• AT&T Wireless, 2090 Naamans Road- The suspects arrived in front of the store at approximately 3:10 a.m. and attempted to force entry through the front glass door, eventually breaking the glass.  Once inside the suspects proceeded to the rear stockroom area and attempted to open a metal cabinet without success. Nothing was taken during this incident.
• Walgreens, 1601 Naamans Road- The suspects arrived in the front of the store at approximately 3:16 a.m. and forced entry through the front double glass doors.  Once inside, the suspects proceeded to the pharmacy area, where they removed an unknown amount of inventory prior to fleeing the scene.
• Verizon Wireless, 1722 Naamans Road- The suspects arrived in the front of the store at approximately 3:18 a.m. and forced entry through the front double glass doors.  Once inside, it appeared that cell phones were removed from display prior to fleeing the scene.
• CVS, 702 Naamans Road- The suspects arrived in the front of the store at approximately 3:24 a.m. and forced entry through the front double glass doors.  Once inside, the suspects proceeded to the pharmacy area and removed an unknown amount of inventory prior to fleeing the scene.
• AT&T Wireless, 3146 Fashion Center Boulevard, Newark- The suspects arrived in the front of the store at approximately 4:44 a.m. and forced entry through the front double glass doors.  Once inside, the suspects proceeded to the stockroom area and  removed over $36,000 worth of cell phones.

The suspects are described as two black males.  No surveillance images are available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 2, Criminal Investigative Unit, Detective B. Harris at 302-365-8410.

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: 081918 1747

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Dover- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man with his 5th offense DUI after he struck two pedestrians.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at approximately 7:14 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to North Dupont Highway (US 13) and W. Denneys Road, for a crash involving two pedestrians.  Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 2013 Nissan Altima, traveled off of the roadway, struck two pedestrians and a curb, and became disabled on W. Denneys Road at the entrance of the Delaware Technical Community College.  The operator of the vehicle involved in the crash, 51-year-old William S. Smith,  had fled the scene, and was located in the parking lot of the College. Upon contact with Smith, an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued.  A computer check revealed that Smith had four previous DUI convictions, making this his fifth offense.

The pedestrians that were stuck, both 17-year-old females from Dover were transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Also in Smith’s vehicle during the crash, were two occupants, a 47-year-old male from Dover, and a 47-year-old female from Newark.  Both passengers were not injured as a result of this crash.

Smith was not injured as a result of the crash and was transported back to Troop 9 where he was charged with the following:

• 5th Offense Driving Under the Influence
• Vehicular Assault First Degree (2 counts)
• Reckless Endangering Second Degree (2 counts)
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Other traffic related offenses

Smith was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $16,675.00 cash only bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 081918 1317

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Seaford– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Seaford juvenile in connection with a residential burglary.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at approximately 5:30 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to a residence on the 24000 block of  Rosalyn Drive for a report of a burglary.  Upon arrival, contact was made with the homeowner, 47 year-old female, who advised that a front window to her residence had been broken out, and a PlayStation 4 had been taken from inside.

Through investigative measures, 14-year-old William Millman was identified as the suspect.  Millman was taken into custody at his residence and transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

• Burglary Second Degree
• Theft Under $1500
• Criminal Mischief

Millman was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released to the custody of a guardian.

The PlayStation 4 was recovered and returned to the victim.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 081918 0921

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Newark (19702)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred last evening in the Newark area.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:34 p.m., on Saturday, August 18, 2018, when a 2013 Toyota Camry was traveling northbound on Salem Church Road, north of Deasy Drive, and a 2018 Ford F-150 was traveling southbound on Salem Church Road.

The operator of the Ford F-150, a 39-year-old man from Bear, attempted to pass a vehicle that was directly in front of him.  The area in which he was attempting to pass the vehicle was a no passing zone, and marked with two solid yellow lines.  The F-150 crossed over the center lines and into oncoming traffic, striking the Camry head-on.

The impact displaced the Camry into a ditch and it overturned on the driver’s side trapping two of the three occupants.  The driver, a 31-year-old Newark man, was properly restrained, and transported to the Christiana Hospital in serious condition.  His two passengers, his father 57-years old and his mother 52-years old were seated in the back seat, unrestrained.  Both were transported to the Christiana Hospital, where the 57-year-old male was pronounced deceased, and the 52-year-old female was in critical condition.  Identification is pending next of kin notification.

The operator of the F-150 was properly restrained and transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threating injuries. In addition to disregarding the traffic control device (lane markings), it is suspected that alcohol may also be a contributing factor.

Salem Church Road in the vicinity of Deasy Drive was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

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: 081918 0728

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Dover (19904)- The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred late last evening.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 17, 2018 at approximately 11:39 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to a residence on the 1300 block of Rose Valley School Road, for a report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, Troopers located a 49-year-old male victim, laying in the driveway with a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

Further investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) drove past the residence and fired multiple shots in the direction of the victim and his wife, who were standing in the driveway in front of the house.

The victim was removed from the scene and transported by EMS to a local area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. The victim’s wife was not injured as a result of this incident.  No suspect information could be provided 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 incident, 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

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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: 081818 1259

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