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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Wilmington (19809) – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a north Wilmington liquor store that took place last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:28 p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Silverside Discount Liquors, located at 1401 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, when a suspect armed with a handgun, approached an employee at the sales counter and demanded money from the register. The 25 year old victim complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash. After obtaining the money the suspect fled the business and was last seen on foot, southbound on Philadelphia Pike. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5’7”-5’9”, 120-140 lbs., wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, a white cloth covering his face and in possession of a black and gray handgun.

No surveillance images are available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-365-8466.

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: 072718 1030

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a serious motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 5:03 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2018 on New Castle Avenue (DE Rt. 9) northbound in the area of Rose Lane. New Castle.

The initial investigation has determined that a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by a 64 year old Wilmington man was traveling northbound on New Castle Avenue (DE Rt. 9) in the left lane, south of Rose Lane. Following directly behind the Silverado was a 2014 International Terra Star box truck, operated by a 29 year old Newark man. As the two vehicles proceeded northbound, a male pedestrian, for an unknown reason, walked into the New Castle Avenue northbound left lane from the median, and proceeded to lay down directly in front of the Silverado. As the Silverado came to a stop to avoid the pedestrian, it was struck from the rear by the box truck and pushed into the pedestrian before coming to rest in the median. The box truck then also struck the pedestrian before coming to rest in the left lane of travel.

The pedestrian, a 29 year old Newark man, was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries. Impairment on his behalf is unknown at this time. He was cited with the pedestrian violation of being in the roadway improperly.

Neither impairment nor improper driving are being considered as factors on behalf of either driver.

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to contact Cpl. M. Calio at Troop 2 by calling 302-365-8505.

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: 072618 1730

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police detectives with the assistance of  DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit have arrested Vincent B. Chinn Jr., 34, of Philadelphia, PA, for his involvement in the theft of thousands of gallons of gasoline.

Beginning on Thursday July 5^th, 2018, the Delaware State Police began investigating a series of thefts that were taking place at various Shell Gas Stations throughout New Castle County. The initial investigations determined that in the early morning hours, between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., the suspect, who would later be identified as Chinn, would syphon hundreds of gallons of fuel from underground storage tanks and then transfer it to plastic tanks which were contained on a utility trailer.

Through a variety of investigative measures detectives were able to identify a blue, Dodge Ram, 4 door pick-up truck, towing a utility trailer as a suspect vehicle. On Thursday, July 26, 2018 at approximately 4:10 a.m., Troopers observed the suspect vehicle, which contained the tanks, in the area of the Shell Gas Station, located at 300 South Walnut Street, Wilmington. The vehicle was stopped on I-495 northbound in the area of 12^th Street and Chinn was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Due to the possibility of hazardous materials being present officers from DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation. It was determined that the plastic storage tanks contained on the trailer were empty and were safe to transport.

Chinn, who also has ties to Newark, DE, was taken in to custody without incident and the vehicle and trailer were towed to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where a search warrant was executed. As a result of the search, evidence was recovered further linking Chinn to the thefts.

The thefts occurred at the following locations and involved the specified quantity of gasoline and associated value:

July 5, 2018: Shell Gas, 4495 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown. (661 gallons/$2,267.23)

July 10, 2018: Shell Gas, 841 Pulaski Highway, Bear. (416 gallons/$1,345.24) 

July 15, 2018: Shell Gas, 4495 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown. (666 gallons/$2,364.30)

Chinn was charged by Delaware State Police detectives with two counts of Theft greater than $1500.00 (F) and one count of Theft less than $1500.00 (M).

Chinn was also charged by the Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit with 3 counts of Constructing Equipment to Discharge an Air Contaminant without a Permit (M).

Chinn was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $6100.00 unsecured bond.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective B. Harris at Troop 2 by calling 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 Michael Austin

Released: 072618 1610

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Lewes– Delaware State Police have arrested the suspect who was wanted in connection with a shots fired compliant.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 25, 2018, at approximately 3:58 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 30000 block of Pinetown Road for a shots fired complaint.  Upon arrival, it was discovered that 18-year-old Jhareed Ayers of Lewes had fired one round from a sawed off shot gun at his three nephews, two 17-year-olds and one 13 year old, who were standing outside of the residence.  Also in the area when this incident occurred where three bystanders, ages 9, 63 and 70.  Further investigation revealed that there is ongoing issues between Ayers and his nephews.  There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

On July 20, 2018,  members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) responded to Pinetown Road in an attempt to locate Ayers.  As officers arrived, Ayers was seen in the area, at which time he fled.

On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at approximately 4:33 p.m., Troop 7 patrol units observed Ayers on Pinetown Road and subsequently took him into custody without incident.

Ayers was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm Within 10 Years
of Prior Conviction of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person
Prohibited, 6 counts of Reckless Endangering Second Degree, and Resisting Arrest.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000.00 secured bond.

Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Wanted Suspect-Lewes

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 072618 0921

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