Kent County-  The Delaware State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the female suspect who is wanted in connection with multiple burglaries that have occurred in the Hartly, Clayton, and Dover areas.

The Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit have been investigating numerous burglaries and through investigative measures they were able to identify the suspects, 25-year-old Destiny Thomas  and her brother, 32-year-old George Thomas 3rd, both of Millington, MD.

The investigation began in June 6, 2018, when the suspects gained entry into a residence on Arthursville Road, Hartly, removed metal parts from a 1965 Rambler American Model 235, and fled the scene.  On June 10, 2018, Troopers responded to Sudlersville Road, Clayton, in which the suspects entered the residence through a window and removed two shotguns and a television, prior to fleeing the scene.  On June 23, 2018, Troopers responded to Central Church Road, Dover, in which the suspects forced entry through a rear door and once inside they removed numerous electronics, power tools and jewelry prior to fleeing the scene.

Destiny Thomas and George Thomas 3rd, currently have active warrants out of Troop 3 for the following charges:

• Burglary Second Degree (2 counts)
• Burglary Third Degree
• Theft of a Firearm (2 counts)
• Theft $1500 or Greater
• Theft Under $1500 Where a Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older
• Theft Under $1500
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)

George Thomas 3rd was taken into custody today by Queen Anne’s County, MD and is awaiting extradition back to Delaware.

Attempts to locate Destiny have been unsuccessful.  She is believed to have ties to the Millington, MD, Church Hill MD, Clayton DE, and Dover DE areas.  Anyone with information in reference to her whereabouts is asked to please contact Troop 3 Property Crimes, Dectective Campbell at 302-698-8504. 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: 081418 1318

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Millsboro- The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the pictured suspect who is 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.

Troopers have been unable to locate Vann, who currently has active warrants out of Troop 4 for Attempted Rape First Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, Strangulation, Assault Second Degree, Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications, and Criminal Mischief.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Vann, they are asked to please contact Troop 4, Detective Simpson at 302-752-3855. 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: 081418 0806

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Newark – On Friday, June 22, 2018 at approximately 11:23 a.m., Troopers responded to the area of Capitol Trail (SR 2) in the area of Old Harmony Rd., Newark for the report of a single vehicle crash. The initial investigation determined that a 2006 Ford Taurus, operated by Patricia J. Coates, 61, of Wilmington was traveling in the right lane of eastbound Capitol Trail, east of Old Harmony Rd., when for an undetermined reason her vehicle drifted off the right side of the road. After entering onto a grassy area the vehicle struck a tree and other shrubbery before striking a guardrail, where it came to rest. Initial assessment determined that Patricia suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash and an medical event was being suspected as a contributing factor.

Patricia was admitted to the Christiana Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, and was pronounced deceased on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

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 Michael Austin

Released: 081218 1800

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Laurel – The Delaware State Police have identified Miranda A. Daugherty, 18, of Laurel as the operator of a Kia Optima, who was killed in a single vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m., Sunday, August 12, 2018, on Fire Tower Rd., approximately .4 miles north of U.S. 9 (County Seat Highway), Laurel.

Click on the following link to view the original release:

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash – Laurel

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Burns of the Troop7 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-644-5020.

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: 081318 1100

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Claymont- The Delaware State Police have identified Michael L. Kent, 53, of Newark as the operator of a Volvo tanker truck who was killed in a crash that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 on I-495 northbound just south of the Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

Click on the following links to view related releases:

*Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE-Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE #2 – Traffic Advisory* I-495 Open in Both Directions – Investigation Into Fatal Crash Involving Tractor Trailer Continues

*Update #3* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer – I-495 Claymont

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081318 1000

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Rehoboth Beach – Delaware State Police have arrested Alan J. Stoltzfus, 26, of Rehoboth Beach for a burglary that took place in the Edgewater Estates development of Rehoboth Beach, Saturday evening.

The investigation began at approximately 6:40 p.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 when Troopers from Troop 7 responded to the unit block of Lighthouse Dr., in Edgewater Estates, for the report of a male suspect attempting to break in to a residence.

Prior to arriving on scene Troopers received updated information advising that the suspect, who would later be identified as Stoltzfus, had just fled the scene on a bicycle. Responding Troopers located Stoltzfus on Lighthouse Dr. on the bicycle at which time he was stopped. As he was being taken in to custody a brief struggle ensued which resulted in one of the Troopers being kicked by Stoltzfus. The Trooper did not sustain any injuries as a result of the altercation. Stoltzfus was ultimately secured and then transported to Troop 7.

Further investigation determined that Stoltzfus made forcible entry into an enclosed rear patio, and then broke a glass door window allowing access into the main portion of the residence. It was determined however, that Stoltzfus fled the scene prior to entering the main portion of the residence.

Once at Troop 7 Stoltzfus was charged with one count each of Burglary 2^nd Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Mischief Under $1000.00.

Stoltzfus was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 and then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $12,500.00 secured bail.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081218 1320

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Claymont- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving an overturned tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 3:02 a.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 on I-495 northbound just south of the Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

The initial investigation has determined that a 2014 Toyota Avalon had become disabled and was partially blocking the right lane of I-495 northbound, approximately .25 miles south of the Philadelphia Pike off-ramp. A 1998 Buick Le Sabre, operated by a 27 year old Philadelphia, PA woman, was traveling northbound I-495 in the right lane when she observed the disabled vehicle and swerved left to avoid a collision, but could not do so, and in turn the right side of her vehicle struck the left side of the Toyota.

After the initial collision between the Buick and the Toyota, the Toyota remained disabled in the right lane. At this time, a 2018 Volvo tanker truck, operated by a 53 year old, Newark man, traveling I-495 northbound in the right lane, was also unable to see the disabled vehicle, and in turn the front end of his vehicle struck the rear end of the Toyota. As a result of the collision the Volvo overturned on to it’s left side and began sliding in a northeasterly direction, with the cab portion of the Volvo striking a guard rail before coming to rest.

The second collision forced the Toyota off the right side of the roadway where it struck a guardrail, before rolling down an embankment where it came to rest.

After the initial collision with the Toyota, the Buick was brought to controlled stop and remained at the scene.

The original operator of the Toyota, a 46 year old Philadelphia PA man, had exited his vehicle when it became disabled and was not injured.

The operator of the Buick, who was properly restrained, also was not injured as a result of the crash.

The operator of the Volvo tanker truck, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending next of kin notification.

There was no leakage of the molten sulfur, which was contained in the tanker, however the roadway was closed for approximately 11 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8485.

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

Click on the following links to view related releases:

*Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE-Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE #2 – Traffic Advisory* I-495 Open in Both Directions – Investigation Into Fatal Crash Involving Tractor Trailer Continues

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: 081218 1155

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Laurel – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle, that occurred in Laurel, early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m., Sunday, August 12, 2018, on Fire Tower Rd., approximately .4 miles north of U.S. 9 (County Seat Highway), Laurel. A 2004 Kia Optima, being operated, and solely occupied by an 18 year old Laurel woman, was traveling northbound on Fire Tower Rd., north of U.S. 9, at an apparent high rate of speed. While negotiating a left curve in the road, the operator over corrected and the vehicle began to spin. The Kia proceeded to slide off the roadway, before striking a tree, where the vehicle came rest.

The driver, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending next of kin notification.

Fire Tower Rd. was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Burns of the Troop7 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-644-5020.

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 Michael Austin

Released: 081218 0918

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DELAWARE – The Delaware State Police celebrated the front-runners of the 2018 Delaware State Police Community Outreach Art Contest at an award ceremony on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Delaware State Police Museum in Dover. Students from schools throughout the state participated in this very neat art contest from first through sixth grade. Bella, a first grader from the Townsend Elementary School, was asked why she chose to draw her artwork titled, “No Matter the Seasons or Time of Day”… she said, “because cars drive in seasons and they drive everyday mostly.”  Nicholas, a fourth grade student from the Odyssey Charter School, was asked what do you think the most important thing for everyone to know about traffic safety…he said, “to always follow the traffic laws.”

Sergeant Richard Bratz said, “It is so very nice to see all of the families here tonight and we thank you for coming to this very important community event. I would like to give a special thank you to all of the boys and girls who worked carefully to create a unique masterpiece. Students from schools throughout the state participated in this art contest and wow, have they really done an awesome job relaying a positive message through their creative artwork. I would also like to thank the moms and dads, brothers and sisters and other family members who lend a hand to help these very fine artists with their drawings. It is not only the picture of art that we appreciate; it’s also the message of each boy and girl expressed in their creations! A good title for your art is important, like “Roadways Aren’t Just For Trucks and Cars!” It says something about what the drawing means to you. Boys and girls, we are humbled by your depth and imagination as you inspire us and share a part of your creativity.”

The honorary speaker was our Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. Also those in attendance were Deputy Superintendent, Lieutenant Colonel Monroe Hudson and members of the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit. Additionally, several family members and friends of the honored students came out to support the event. Their artwork will be humbly displayed at the Delaware State Police Museum. If you missed the ceremony checkout our Facebook live post of the event on August 9th, 2018.

“I am proud of everyone who participated in sharing a little bit of what the roadways mean to you. Roadways are shared by everyone, you must be respectful of others on the road whether its a bicycle, motorcycle or pedestrian. I look at roadways much like we look at our communities; in that some folks believe it is the responsibility of our law enforcement to keep out roadways safe however, it’s the community as a whole that keeps our community safe. The same holds true for our roadways, it is everyone’s responsibility. The roadways are much safer when everyone is paying attention to the speed limit and giving their full attention to driving. So thank you for taking the time to really look at what is going on our roads.” 

Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Released: 081118 1711

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Claymont- All lanes of I-495 have re-opened at this time.

The investigation is ongoing with further details being released as they become available.

Related links:

*Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

*UPDATE-Traffic Advisory* I-495 Closed in Both Directions Due to Fatal Crash Involving Overturned Tractor Trailer

Presented by Public Information Officer,  Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 081118 1430

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