Greenwood- The Sussex County Drug Unit concluded a month long drug investigation that led to the arrest of multiple suspects on several drug and other related charges.

On Monday, June 11, 2018 at approximately 6:04 a.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit responded to the 10900 block of Webb Farm Road in reference to a drug investigation.  Through investigative measures, it was discovered that cocaine and heroin were being distributed from the residence.  With the assistance of the Sussex Governor’s Task Force (GTF) and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), a search warrant was executed at the residence.

Upon entry, multiple subjects were located inside and detained.  During a search of the residence, detectives seized 21.01 grams of crack cocaine, 5.2 grams of powder cocaine, 66 bags of heroin (approximately .462 grams), $3,367.00 in suspected drug proceeds, a loaded .25 Caliber Boa semi-auto handgun, and various drug paraphernalia including pipes and syringes used to consume narcotics.

Further investigation revealed that 48-year-old Jeffrey Allen of Greenwood, was distributing cocaine and heroin from the residence. The homeowner, 47-year-old Patrick J. Rafferty of Greenwood, was aware of the drug distribution occurring at the residence which he maintained.  Eric C. Howard, 45-year-old of Lincoln, conspired with Jeffery Allen to complete a delivery of .4 grams of crack cocaine to Kenneth J. Passwaters, 58-year-old of Milford, just prior to the execution of the search warrant.

The suspects were transported back to Troop 4 and charged with the following:

• Jeffrey Allen: Possession With Intent To Deliver Tier 4 Crack Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm By Person Prohibited, Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine Tier 1, Delivery of Crack Cocaine, Conspiracy 2^nd, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $83,500.00 secured bond.
• Patrick Rafferty: Maintaining Drug Property and Possession Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $2,500.00 unsecured bond.
• Eric Howard: Delivery of Crack Cocaine and Conspiracy 2nd.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $5,000.00 secured bond.
• Kenneth Passwaters: Resisting Arrest, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and given a $1,500.00 unsecured bond, however was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on unrelated capiases.
• Two other suspects located in the residence, a 50-year-old male of Millsboro and a 51-year-old female of Milford, were both issued a Criminal Summon for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 061118 1917

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Middletown – Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash involving a Christina School District bus which sent two students to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018 on Summit Bridge Road between Armstrong Corner Road and Old School House Road, Middletown. The 2009 Freight Liner School Bus, operated by Shaneeka S. Comeger, 35 of Wilmington, was traveling northbound on Summit Bridge Road between Old School House Road and Armstrong Corner Road. The bus, with two students and bus aide, was traveling to Newark High School during moderate rush hour traffic on a wet road due to rain. An unknown vehicle in front of the school bus applied the brakes due to slower moving traffic. It was at this time the bus driver attempted to avoid a rear-end collision and swerved to the right and veered off of the road. The bus then struck a ditch before rolling over onto its’ right side.

The two students, a 17 year old male and a 16 year old female, were transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries.

The driver and the bus aide, 49 of Newark, were not injured in the crash. The driver of the bus was charged with Following A Motor Vehicle Too Closely.

Summit Bridge Road in the area of the crash was impacted for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Click on below link:

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Troopers Investigating Crash Involving School Bus-Middletown

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 061118 1351

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Georgetown– Delaware State Police arrest a Correctional Officer for official misconduct including Receiving a Bribe, while performing his duties at the Sussex Correctional Institution.

The investigation began on Monday, June 4, 2018 when Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit received information from the Department of Correction, regarding a Correctional Officer, 47-year-old Corey C. Davis of Delmar who was employed at the Sussex Correctional Institution, located at 23203 Dupont Boulevard.  An internal investigation conducted by the Department of Correction, led to the discovery of Davis communicating with family and friends of inmates while on duty between May 1, 2018 and June 4, 2018.  Further investigation led to the discovery that Davis was bringing in contraband to prisoners on his tier.  Davis would make arrangements with the inmates’ family and friends to obtain items and then bring them into the prison to distribute to the prisoners.  These items included; coffee, sunflower seeds, workout supplements, food and crest whitestrips.  In exchange for these items, Davis would receive an undisclosed amount of cash directly deposited into a cash application by these family and friends.

It was also discovered that Davis would allow inmates access the State’s computer when no other officers were around.  Davis would also communicate with the inmates’ family members on the computer while the inmates were standing with him.  Davis also accessed the Delaware Automated Correctional System and obtained information on inmates that he would distribute to family members of the inmates.

Davis was subsequently arrested on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at approximately 2:39 p.m. and taken into custody at the Sussex Correctional Institution.  He was charged with Receiving a Bribe (Felony), Misuse of Computer System Information, 2 counts of Prison Contraband with Intent to Deliver, and Official Misconduct with Unauthorized Exercise of Official Functions.  Davis was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $8,000.00 unsecured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 061118 1314

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Middletown – Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash involving a school bus which sent two students to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018 on Summit Bridge Road between Armstrong Corner Road and Old School House Road. The school bus was northbound on Summit Bridge road and attempted to stop to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front of them. The bus drove off the road into a ditch causing the bus to overturn. Minor injuries have been reported and EMS has transported the passengers to a local area hospital.

Motorist should expect delays in this area and are advised to use caution and slow down. May need to seek alternate routes of travel.

Updated information will be sent as it becomes available.

For updated traffic conditions and road closure information click on the following link:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 061118 0711

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Claymont Home Depot Saturday morning, and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:06 a.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Home Depot, located at 601 Naamans Road, Wilmington. The pictured suspect removed landscaping power tools from the display, placed them in a shopping cart and then exited the business without paying. When confronted in the parking lot by an employee the suspect stated that he had a knife and to stay away from him. The employee also observed what he believed to be a knife in the suspect’s pocket. The suspect then removed the merchandise from the cart and fled on foot towards Society Drive. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 40 to 45 years of age, 5’8″-5’9″, average build, with a goatee, wearing a gray short-sleeve Calvin Klein t-shirt, dark jeans, black beanie-style hat, and black Nike sneakers. The suspect also was reported to have a skin pigmentation condition which was visible on his arms and face.

Further investigation determined that this same suspect was responsible for a shoplifting that occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. on this same date at the Home Depot located at 3600 Miller Road, Wilmington.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the pictured suspect is asked to contact Trooper A. Desiderio at Troop 1 by calling 302-761-6677.

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: 061018 0840

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Wilmington (19802) – Delaware State Police are investigating the attempted robbery of a North Wilmington flower shop that took place Friday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:49 a.m., Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Village Green Flower Shop, located at 4303 Miller Road, Wilmington. A black male suspect entered the business and then confronted an employee in the rear of the store. Upon making contact with the employee the suspect presented her with a demand note which advised that he had a gun and to give him money. A second employee then approached at which time the suspect presented her with the same demand note. Immediately thereafter the suspect fled the business without obtaining any money or property. He was last seen fleeing on foot towards Miller Road. No gun was observed and neither victim was injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, 40-50 years of age, 5’9”-5’10”, thin build, wearing a light colored shirt, blue jeans and a black baseball style hat.

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 302-365-8566.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 061018 0755

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Milford – The Delaware State Police are investigating a break-in at a Milford marine center in which property was stolen from multiple boats that were stored on the property.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:37 a.m., Friday, June 8, 2018 at Taylor Marine, located at 22699 Argos Corner Road, Milford. The initial investigation has determined that two unknown suspects cut the secured chain link perimeter fence to gain access to the interior of the property. Once inside the fence line, the suspects removed high end electronics from multiple privately owned boats.

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 4 Property Crimes Unit at 302-752-3832.

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: 060918 1830

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As a result of todays scattered severe thunderstorms and localized flooding, the Delaware State Police would like to offer the following safety tips for operating a motor vehicle in a rain storm or on water covered roadways.

Drive a clean car in good condition

When visibility is limited by wet weather, it’s important that your car itself doesn’t impede your sight. Once a month, clean the outsides and insides of windshields and windows, and check your windshield wiper blades for wear. Check the level of your washer fluid once a week.

Routinely perform a quick check of headlights, taillights, turn signals and tire treads before driving the car for the first time each day.

Know the roads

Take a moment to consider your route. If it takes you through low-lying bridge underpasses or past ditches prone to flooding choose an alternate route of travel.

Utilize headlights but not high beams

Though many newer cars come with automatic running lights, turn on the actual headlights when using your windshield wipers so your taillights come on as well. The idea behind having headlights is so the other drivers can see you. When you turn your headlights on and your tail lights come on, you identify all four corners of the vehicle.

You don’t, however, need to flip on your high beams; the brighter light will just reflect off wet surfaces, bouncing back into your eyes and irritating other drivers.

Slow down!

Leave at least five seconds of following distance between your own car and the one in front, and don’t feel pressure to drive the posted speed limit. The speed listed on the side of the highway is the maximum speed for perfect weather and perfect road conditions, so if the road is wet, it could be too fast for existing conditions.

And remember: never use cruise control on wet roads. If you hydroplane under cruise control, the automatic acceleration can cause you to lose control of your vehicle when your tires regain traction.

Steer where you want to go

If you’re going too fast and end up hydroplaning turn the wheel in the direction you want to go—and don’t be afraid if you don’t steer out of the skid on the first try. It may take three to five adjustments to get back on course.

Hold off on unnecessary trips

It’s one thing if you need to get home to your children or you’re already on the road, but otherwise, ask yourself if it is imperative to drive right now. Just as you would stay off the roads in heavy snow, it’s OK to stay home in heavy rain.

Flood Safety Tips

Floods can occur anywhere, with floodwaters rising gradually or flash floods striking suddenly. Most flood fatalities happen because people try to drive through deadly waters rather than avoid them. Water’s powerful force can easily overtake vehicles caught in a flood. Follow these tips to stay safe in your car during a flood.

Pay attention to barricades.

Don’t ignore them by driving past them.

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.

The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.

Take extra precautions if you’re forced to drive through water.

If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water.

• Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).
• Drive slowly and steadily through the water.
• Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.
• Watch for items traveling downstream — they can trap or crush you if you’re in their path.
• If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.
• Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.
• If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.
• If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 060918 1745

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Dover, DE- 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 Michael Austin

Released: 060918 0900

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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 Michael Austin

Released: 060918 0800

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