Rehoboth Beach- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millsboro man after he entered a residence armed, assaulted the victims, and then kidnapped them.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at approximately 9:43 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the M&T Bank located at 19511 Camelot Drive, in reference to a victim reporting she was kidnapped and her vehicle was stolen.  Upon arrival, contact was made with an 81-year-old female victim who stated that a suspect left the bank with her husband in the trunk of her vehicle. The vehicle was located parked behind the Subway at 19470 Coastal Highway.  The victim’s 82-year-old husband was located and the suspect had fled on foot.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect, 28-year-old Steven Snell had responded to the victims’ residence located in the Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club earlier this morning.  Snell entered the residence through an open garage door and once inside, he made contact with the male victim, and asked to use the house phone.  After Snell used the phone, he asked the victim for a drink.  The victim provided Snell with a drink of water and when he proceeded to turn around, Snell grabbed him from behind and put a box cutter to his throat.   A brief struggle ensued in which the victim received a laceration to his chin.  The victim proceeded to yell for his wife who was upstairs.  As the victim’s wife proceeded downstairs, she was met by Snell who pushed her to the floor.  Snell then proceeded to obtain rope that he had in his book bag and tied the male victim’s arms behind his back and his feet together.  Snell then took an undisclosed amount of cash out of the male’s pocket and the female’s purse, along with a M&T Bank Card.  Snell then placed the male into the trunk of the victim’s vehicle and the female in the front passengers seat and left the residence.  As they arrived at M&T Bank, Snell ordered the female to the ATM machine to withdraw cash.  After the female withdrew an undisclosed amount of cash, she tried to hold onto a railing as Snell began to try and pull her back to the vehicle.  A customer had arrived at this time and observed what was going on, at which point Snell let the female go and fled the area in the vehicle with her husband  still inside the trunk.  The female then proceeded into the bank and requested help.

While still in the trunk, the male realized the vehicle had come to a stop.  He was able to free his hands, locate a release button inside the trunk, and exit the vehicle.  The male victim was treated at the scene and the female victim was not injured during this incident.

Through investigative measures, Troopers were able to identify Snell as the suspect.  Snell was later apprehended without incident at a residence located in Potnets, Creek Side, Millsboro.  He was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with 2 counts of Kidnapping First Degree, 3 counts of Robbery First Degree Displays What Appears to be a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony,  Home Invasion,  Assault Second Degree, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and Offensive Touching.  Snell was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $362,100.00 cash only 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: 072818 2243

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an escape from the Mowlds Cottage juvenile facility.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at approximately 8:45 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the Mowlds Cottage located at 1825 Faulkland Road.  Upon arrival, Troopers learned that 17-year-old Shamar Wright of Wilmington, had escaped while being escorted on foot to another building.

Wright was last seen fleeing on foot towards Rt. 141.  Wright is described as a black male, 5’05” tall and approximately 100 lbs.  His clothing description is unknown as the clothing worn at the time of the escape was located on the shoulder of Faulkland Road.

Wright currently has an active warrant out of Troop 6 for Escape Third Degree.

Anyone with information regarding Wright’s whereabouts is asked to please contact Detective J. Hatchell of the Troop 2 Youth Aid Division at 302-365-8583 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

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072818 1547

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As we conclude another great year at the Delaware State Fair, it is good to know the DSP Explorers have continued their proud tradition of providing dedicated service for nearly 30 years to the friendly folks of Delaware. Click on link to find out more: A History within a History of Delaware State Troopers at the State Fair

Students in high school give back to their community

Since the 1990’s, the Delaware State Police have sponsored high school students as Explorers throughout the state. Explorers participate and assist in community service events like fingerprinting children, assisting missing children at the Delaware State Fair, participating in the Special Olympics Delaware 5k run and Polar Bear Plunge and provide additional security at different venues like Delaware’s Punkin’ Chunkin’.

Why should you be interested in joining?

This is an excellent training and educational opportunity for teenagers who are interested in building a career in law enforcement. It creates an avenue to begin practicing policing skills at an early age. To find out more click on the following link: http://dsp.delaware.gov/explorers.shtml

The Delaware State Police Explorers Program offers valuable experiences in preparing high school students planning a profession in the field of criminal justice. The training provides a clear picture of the mission, purpose and objectives of law enforcement. Part of this very important undertaking is to offer Delaware youth personal growth and awareness through training with practical experiences. This program provides countless leadership opportunities as well as community service activities. The key goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens in their communities.

Lastly, Law Enforcement Exploring is a well-established and highly respected program that has served as a platform from which countless young adults have launched a successful career with state and other law enforcement agencies.

Benefits and first-hand experience

Explorers meet and learn about interesting topics of law enforcement. They are issued uniforms and all necessary equipment to accomplish their mission. They participate in local and out-of-state training conferences, field trips, and in the Divisions Police Ride-Along Program. Explorers also assist with law enforcement related activities such as traffic direction, parades, community outreach, crime prevention programs and child fingerprinting. In addition, they travel to compete in nationally recognized competitions all over the country.

The Explorers participate in many hands on role-playing exercises to assist them with real life situations. They receive invaluable training in CPR, first aid, radio communications, patrol procedures and techniques, defensive tactics, traffic laws and firearm safety. They partake in a low-level confidence course to help increase strength and build teamwork. Most of the Explorers go on a ride along to experience real first-hand police work and they are taught how to complete an incident and traffic report. In addition, they learn about and take part in multiple scenario-based incidents to teach them the skills to handle many different circumstances. Explorers that successfully graduate our program can be recommended for sponsorship into the local Police Academy which may open many doors for its participants and guide them to a rewarding career in Law Enforcement.

Quotes:

I have gained many rewarding experiences from the explorers program over my seven years in the program. I was able to determine a career path at a young age that allowed me to pinpoint my focus in my studies. The explorers also allowed me to develop personally and professionally by participating in numerous community service events. One of the most important things that I will never forget is the support from the advisors and mentors. The advisors are current Delaware State Troopers, who have a passion for their career and want to pass that on to the younger generations to follow in their footsteps. I truly believe that I would not have succeeded as well as I did in the Delaware State Police hiring process without my time in the explorers. I have been able to work alongside my former advisors and it has made the transition from Explorer to Trooper go smoothly. And lastly, I cannot thank my advisors enough for the help, knowledge and experiences that they shared with me to help me get to where I am today.

Trooper Patrick Gaskin
Delaware State Police
Former DSP Explorer

Unlike many, I was not positive I wanted to become a Trooper while attending high school, so I participated in the Delaware State Police Explorer program which opened my eyes to the many different jobs and duties there are as a Delaware State Trooper. The program allowed me to experience a ride-along which resulted in learning about the various possible complaints like domestics, traffic stops, and burglaries. This was a great experience as I quickly learned there is more to the career than what most think. Also, the program provided me with leadership, communication, and teamwork skills as the monthly meetings challenged everybody who attended. One of my favorite memories of the Explorer program was getting to tour the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia. This was a, “Behind the scenes” experience that could not be replicated as we got to tour the infamous, “Hogan’s Alley” which is a training ground that was created in 1987 in order to provide the most realistic tactical experience to FBI Agents, Military, and Law Enforcement Officers. To say this trip was fun is definitely an understatement. Along with the trips which were taken, there was also the community service aspect of the Explorer program. This allowed me to learn to interact with the general public and assisted with my communication skills. All in all, I do not think I would be a Delaware State Trooper if the Delaware State Police Explorers program did not exist.

Corporal Michael Brent
Delaware State Police
Former DSP Explorer

The Delaware State Police Explorers provide excellent support to the mission and objectives of the Division. With eight (8) Posts throughout the State, one at each DSP Troop, the Explorers participate in a variety of community events and service initiatives. Some of the major events include their participation in the Delaware State Fair where they are tasked with assisting missing children being reunited with their parents, and the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge where they assist with general public safety. The program has proved to be a success with various participants in the areas of leadership and communication, and several have gone on to be Cadets, and eventually Troopers.

Corporal Tyler Wright
Delaware State Police

It is free to join so please check us out and let us know if you would like to come to an introductory meeting. Please contact Corporal Tyler Wright at 302-672-5478 or by email Tyler.Wright@delaware.gov or click on the following link: http://dsp.delaware.gov/explorers.shtml

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

 Released: 072818 1231

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Georgetown- Delaware State Police arrest a Georgetown man after an argument led to him obtaining a shotgun.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 27, 2018 at approximately 10:35 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 20000 block of  Donovans Road for a domestic incident.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with a 26-year-old female of Georgetown, who advised that 55-year-old Leeron Sabb, pulled into the driveway at the residence and began arguing with his 19-year-old nephew and a 37-year-old male from Georgetown.  The argument escalated into a pushing match, in which the 19-year-old male punched the 37-year-old male, knocking him to the ground.

The 26-year-old female advised that while she was tending to the 37-year-old male, Leeron aggressed towards them, and a struggle ensued on the ground.  While the female was on the ground, the 19-year-old male grabbed her by the neck with both of his hands.

Leeron then proceeded to walk across the street to his residence where he obtained a shotgun.  He aimed the shotgun at the 37-year-old male and threatened to shoot him.

Troopers learned that Leeron Sabb is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior violent felony.  He was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Aggravated Menacing, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, Terroristic Threatening, and Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $81,000.00 cash only bond.

The 19-year-old male was also transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with Offensive Touching.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072818 0912

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The Delaware State Police in partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety are joining forces with other participating Delaware law enforcement agencies in the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware/Back to School Safety Month- 2018” campaign.  It is a multi-jurisdictional, high-visibility traffic enforcement initiative that is meant to increase traffic enforcement presence and efforts across the State of Delaware from Friday, August 3^rd through Saturday, August 4^th, 2018.

The “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” operational goal is to achieve increased highly visible traffic enforcement across the approximate 96 miles of the State of Delaware.  This initiative will be a contributing effort to support the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiative, “The Drive to Save Lives Campaign” and its goal to reduce traffic deaths and injuries across the U.S.  The emphasis of this initiative will be to change the high-risk behaviors of motorists, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, unsafe driving behaviors of the operators of large trucks/buses and the failure of motorists and passengers alike to wear seatbelts.

The participating Delaware agencies in the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” include: Camden PD, Cheswold PD, Clayton PD, Dagsboro PD, Delaware Capitol PD, Delaware City PD, Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware State Police, Dover PD, Elsmere PD, Greenwood PD, Harrington PD, Kenton PD, Laurel PD, Milford PD, Milton PD, New Castle City PD, New Castle County PD, Newport PD, Ocean View PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, Selbyville PD and University of Delaware PD.

In 2014 the IACP initiated an effort to significantly reduce the more than 33,000 highway deaths, which occurred annually on U.S. roadways.  The state police and highway patrol leaders from IACP Division of State and Provincial Police have led a sustained data-driven effort since 2014.  The IACP leaders’ goal was to change the high-risk behaviors of motorists in order to decrease the number of crashes through “education and awareness, partnerships, and high-visibility traffic enforcement”.  The IACP leaders initiated the effort in 2014 and declared it should be an ongoing effort to prevent the many deaths that occur on our roadways each year.

Interstate 95 (I-95) is approximately 1920 miles in length and is currently considered one of the deadliest highways in the country. It carries over 72,000 vehicles for its average daily traffic (with peak daily traffic over 300,000 vehicles) and it has over 10,000 vehicles for its average daily truck traffic (with peak daily truck traffic being over 31,000), per the I-95 Corridor Coalition. Also, one in 10 highway deaths occurred in a crash involving a large truck and most of the victims of the fatal crashes were passenger vehicle occupants. (IIHS/HLDI)

There were 37,461 traffic fatalities in 2016 with 18% of the involved drivers speeding at the time of the crash. Twenty seven percent of the fatal victims were in a crash involving at least one speeding driver. Additionally, 37% of all speeding drivers in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired and 50% were unrestrained at the time of the crash. (NHTSA)

According to NHTSA, in 2016 one person every 50 minutes died in an alcohol-impaired vehicle crash. That equates to almost 29 people every day and a total of 10,497 deaths.  Also, 1,233 children 14 years old and under died in drunk-driving crashes in 2016.

All 15 states that line Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida will be participating in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” campaign including: Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Rhode Island State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police and Maine State Police.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072818 0810

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Frankford-The Delaware State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify the suspects involved in a burglary.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at approximately 11:13 p.m. when two suspects cut the lock off of a storage trailer that was parked in the parking lot of the Creative Concepts located at 34342 DuPont Boulevard.

Once the suspects gained entry, they removed a large quantity of tools and fled the scene.

Anyone with information in reference to the identity of the suspect is asked to please contact Troop 4, Detective T. Powell at 302-752-3807.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released 072718 2143

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Lewes/Rehoboth Beach/Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Lewes man in connection with five commercial burglaries and other related offenses.

The Delaware State Police have been investigating a rash of burglaries, criminal mischiefs, and attempted theft complaints since early July 2018. Through investigative measures, Troopers were able to identify the suspect as 33-year-old Jacob L Capozio.

Troopers were able to connect Capozio to the following burglaries:

• Waves Car Wash located at 17246 Five Point Square-Capozio attempted to force entry into the business.
• Magee’s Produce located at 33761 Wescoats Road (2 separate occasions)-Capozio forced entry via the rear door of the business and removed an undisclosed amount of cash.
• Carlos Ramos-Sandoval Garage located at 28266 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (2 separate occasions) Capozio made entry into the business and removed tools and a television.

Troopers have also been investigating numerous attempted theft and criminal mischief complaints to vending/soda machines at the Tanger Outlet Stores.  Troopers were able to connect Capozio to six incidences in which he caused damage to the machines and attempted to take cash.

On July 26, 2018, Capozio was seen walking on West Springside Drive, Milton when Troopers apprehended him without incident.  He was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with the following:

• 5 Counts of Burglary Third
• 6 counts of Attempted to Commit Theft Under $1500
• 6 counts of Criminal Mischief Under $1000
• 6 counts of Possession of Burglar Tools or Instruments Involving a Safe/Vending
• 5 counts of Theft $1500 or Greater
• 3 counts of Criminal Mischief Under $1000
• 2 counts of Possession of Burglar Tools or Instruments Involving Unlawful Entry

Capozio was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $17,610 secured bond. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072718 2127

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Dover– The following are not wanted. These are Homeless Sex Offender Public Notifications. If you have information that any of the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072718 1822

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Dover – The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address. If anyone knows the location of these subjects, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com/

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072718 1742

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Millsboro- The Delaware State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify the suspect involved in a burglary that occurred earlier this morning.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 27, 2018 at approximately 3:20 a.m., when the suspect forced entry through the front door of the Uncle Willies convenience store located at 30058 John J. Williams Highway.  Once inside, the suspect stole cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect has a tattoo on his right arm that appears to be a C shape.  Video surveillance captured him driving a late model white passenger car headed west bound towards the town of Millsboro.

Anyone with information in reference to the identity of the suspect is asked to please contact Troop 4, Detective A. Bluto at 302-752-3864.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released 072718 1627

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