The Delaware State Police announced today, May 8, 2018, that retired civilian employee Carl M. Rone has been arrested for Theft- False Pretense and Falsifying Business Records.

Carl M. Rone, 62 of Philadelphia, was hired by the Delaware State Police in 2006 as a Forensic Firearms Examiner; he was tasked with establishing the Delaware State Police Forensic Firearms Services Unit (FFSU) located in Dover, DE.

Rone, who was employed full time with DSP, was authorized to work an alternative work schedule. Furthermore, he was authorized to work outside employment during his off time.

In mid-November of 2017, it was discovered that Rone was not reporting to work when scheduled. An investigation found approximately 79 days in 2016 and 2017 where he turned in signed DSP activity sheets (time sheets) and received compensation for work that was not performed. The total amount for these 79 days is $30,265.39. Following a review of the evidence developed in the criminal investigation; detectives secured an arrest warrant for Rone, who was indicted by a Kent County Grand Jury on Monday, May 7, 2018.

On today’s date, Rone turned himself in at Troop 3 and was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of Theft- False Pretense Greater than $1500 (Felony) and one count of Falsifying Business Records. He was arraigned and released on a $2000.00 unsecured bond from Superior Court of Kent County.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050818 1241

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Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motorcycle crash which occurred earlier this afternoon east of Newark.

The preliminary investigation has revealed the incident occurred at approximately 12:58 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2018 on SR 273 eastbound east of Ruthar Drive, Newark. A 2008 Kawasaki ZX600P8 operated by a 21 Newark man was traveling eastbound on SR 273 and had just cleared the intersection at Ruthar Drive. The motorcycle was in the left lane and for unknown reasons the operator began to lose control of the motorcycle and struck the face of the guardrail positioned in the median just as he was beginning to curve right. The front tire became dislodged during the collision with the guardrail.  After the operator was ejected, the motorcycle continued to travel on its side in an easterly direction coming to a stop in the right lane of SR 273 eastbound.

The operator of the Kawasaki, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS. Impairment on the part of the operator does not appear to be a contributing factor. Speed is being considered a factor in the crash. Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

DE SR 273 eastbound was closed east of Ruthar Drive for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Road Closed Due to Crash-Newark

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Master Corporal J. Breen of the Collision Reconstruction Unit, by calling 302-365-8486.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050718 1721

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Smyrna– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier this morning.

The preliminary investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2018, as an International tractor trailer  pulling a loaded trailer, was attempting to make a right turn from South Dupont Boulevard (US 13) onto westbound Brenford Road. Due to the length of the trailer, the operator had to complete the right turn from the right lane of US 13, outside of the right turn lane.  A 2011 Nissan Versa was approaching the tractor trailer from the rear, and began to pass the tractor trailer by entering into the dedicated right turn lane.  The Versa struck the tractor trailer on its left side with its right front bumper.  The impact caused the Versa to be redirected into a steel light pole, and then into another larger steel light pole.  Following the impact with the larger steel light pole, the Versa overturned onto its right side for its final resting place.  The tractor trailer came to rest in the intersection of US 13 and Brenford Road.

The operator of the Versa, identified as 24-year-old Rahvey Vails of Clayton was wearing her seatbelt and was pronounced dead on scene by EMS.  Impairment on her behalf is unknown at this time.

The operator of the tractor trailer, a 73-year-old man from Maryland, was wearing his seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries as a result of this crash.  Impairment does not appear to be a factor on his behalf.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

US 13 at the intersection with Brenford Road was closed for approximately 5 hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.

Click on link for original release:*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* S. Dupont Blvd (RT 13) at Brenford Road Closed Due to Crash-Smyrna

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: 050718 1455

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Newark – Delaware State Police are on scene of a crash involving a motorcycle that occurred today at approximately 1:00 p.m. which has the Route 273 at Ruthar Drive closed at this time.

Motorists can expect delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel. For information regarding traffic conditions and road closure information click on the following link:

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

The investigation is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050718 1331

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Smyrna – Delaware State Police are on scene of a two vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 6:02 a.m., Monday, May 7, 2018, which has southbound South Dupont Boulevard (RT. 13) at Brenford Road closed.

Motorists can expect delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel. For information regarding traffic conditions and road closure information click on the following link:

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

The investigation is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 050718 0640

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Rehoboth Beach / Angola – The Delaware State Police have arrested four suspects in connection with multiple crimes including thefts from vehicles.

The suspects identified as Brian H. Davis, 28 of Rehoboth Beach, Brittani N. Pate, 24 of Dover, Richard T. Descano, 27 of Hockessin and Zachary Huss, 24 of Lewes, were connected to multiple crimes which included thefts from motor vehicles in the Rehoboth Beach and Angola areas. This active and ongoing investigation initiated two months ago with several vehicle break in complaints. Through investigative measures, the Property Unit Detectives were able to link the suspects to these thefts and obtained warrants for their arrests. Brian Davis and his girlfriend, Brittani Pate, also had felony theft warrants out of the Millsboro Police Department where the victim is over 62 years old.

On Thursday, May 2, 2018, Brian Davis and Brittani Pate were sighted at the Rehoboth Beach Mall and fled from responding units. The very next day at approximately 8:52 a.m., troopers from Troop 7 sighted Brian Davis and Brittani Pate walking on SR 1 north of SR 24 in the Rehoboth area.  Brittani Pate was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.  Brian Davis fled into the nearby Maplewood development.  Multiple troopers from Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit, Troop 7 Administration and Patrol Troopers, Troop 7 Proactive Criminal Enforcement Unit with the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit established a perimeter and conducted a search of the area.  A concerned and helpful citizen called 911 to report the suspect fleeing on a bicycle through the development.  Troopers observed Brian Davis traveling on Postal Lane on a bicycle. He was taken into custody without further incident after he had been hiding in the crawlspace of a residence in the Maplewood Development. Davis had also stolen the bicycle from that residence.  That homeowner was contacted and the bicycle was returned.  Brian Davis was charged for the additional theft. Richard Descano and Zachary Huss who conspired with Brian Davis, to enter multiple vehicles and commit the thefts were arrested as well on May 3, 2018 without incident.

Brian H. Davis, 28 of Rehoboth Beach, was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and charged with multiple crimes. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default $54,000.00 secured bond. He was arrested on 74 criminal charges consisting of:

• Criminal Trespassing
• Attempted Theft
• Theft (F)
• Theft Under $1500.00 and Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (F) (Millsboro PD)
• Conspiracy (F)
• Criminal Mischief
• Resisting Arrest
• Shoplifting
• Unlawful Use of a Payment Card (Millsboro PD)

Brittani N. Pate, 24 of Dover, was transported to Troop 4 and subsequently committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $5000.00 secured bond, stemming from her Millsboro Police Department charges of Theft Under $1500 and Victim is 62 years of Age or Older (F), Conspiracy and Resisting Arrest.

Richard T. Descano, 27 of Hockessin, was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and charged with multiple crimes. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $52,000.00 unsecured bond. He was arrested on 70 criminal charges consisting of:

• Criminal Trespassing
• Attempted Theft
• Theft (F)
• Conspiracy (F)
• Criminal Mischief

Zachary A. Huss, 24 of Lewes, was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and was charged with multiple crimes. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $52,000.00 secured bond. He was arrested on 70 criminal charges consisting of:

• Criminal Trespassing
• Attempted Theft
• Theft (F)
• Conspiracy (F)
• Criminal Mischief

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information regarding these or other incidents is asked to contact Sgt. L. Weller of the Troop 4, Georgetown Property Crimes Unit at 302-752-3802.

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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050618 0931

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Delmar – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are currently investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and a train that occurred yesterday morning north of Delmar.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred at approximately 8:57 a.m., Friday, May 4^th 2018 on Bacons Road between Powell Farm Lane and Country Walk west of Bi-State Boulevard north of Delmar.

A 2017 Ford Focus passenger vehicle was traveling east bound on Bacons Road approaching a railroad crossing with the red railroad crossing signals flashing and the audible bell sounding. At that same time, a train was traveling south bound approaching Bacons Road. The engineer of the train was sounding the audible horn as the train approached the intersection.

For unknown reasons, the driver failed to see and or hear the active railroad crossing warning safety devices. The passenger vehicle crossed the tracks in front of the train and as a result, the front of the train struck the left side of the vehicle. After impact, the vehicle was forced south bound as it rotated clockwise off the west side of the tracks. The vehicle came to rest in a private yard on the south west corner of the intersection. The locomotive which was pulling five empty grain cars and one additional locomotive was stopped upright on the tracks south of the intersection.

The operator of the Ford Focus, Raelyn Huffman, 22 of Delmar, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased on scene as a result of the injuries she sustained in this collision.

The Engineer and the Conductor on the train did not sustain any injuries.

The locomotive is a 1970 General Motors Diesel GMD SD40-2, owned by Delmarva Central Railroad.

The traffic signal crossing warning devices were checked and found to be functioning properly following the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration were contacted and notified of this collision.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was notified and found no fluids or contaminants to be leaking.

The roadway in the area of the crash was closed for approximately four hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo of the Troop 7 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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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050518 0831

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Dover– The following are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 050418 2011

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The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Administration held a community meeting on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, 21911 Rudder Lane, led by Captain Rodney Layfield.  Troopers were privileged to have hosted a meeting where the public was provided with an overview of the great work done by the men and women of DSP Troop 4 in 2017.  Achieving a 35.3% reduction in Robberies, a 17.8% reduction in Burglaries, and 28.8% reduction in Shopliftings simply exemplifies the exceptional work the troopers are doing.  Moreover, when you examine many of our clearance rates of crime we demonstrate a deep desire to solve our crime.  With Aggravated Assaults having the highest clearance rate since 2008, Thefts having the highest clearance rate on record, and an overall reduction in crashes clearly shows the dedication of our troopers.

Equally important to our crime fighting and traffic enforcement measures is our commitment to suppress and prevent crime through our community outreach and engagement efforts.  In 2017, Troop 4 embarked on several community based programs to build trust, open lines of communication, foster positive and open relationships that are inclusive of all citizens and the police, all aimed at crime reduction and making our communities as safe as possible. Some of the most memorable events in 2017 included:

• Hosting Community Cafés at the McDonalds in Selbyville and Fenwick
• Participating at the Brandywine Assisted Living Mother’s Day Event
• Assisting with the Georgetown Elementary Career Day
• Partnering with the DSP Mounted Patrol Unit for a Camp Barnes Demonstration
• Participating in the Anti-Drug March in Georgetown
• Hosting the DSP Trunk or Treat
• Assisting with the Turkey Delivery at the Boys and Girls Club in Georgetown

These pro-active efforts not only provide the community with a better understanding of the Delaware State Police, it also enhances Troopers awareness of the various cultures that exist within the communities they serve.

We truly appreciate and thank all those in attendance for joining us to learn more about DSP T4.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 050418 1433

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Newark (19702) – Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery at a Newark area gas station that took place yesterday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:07 a.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Shore Stop, located at 796 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. A black male suspect approached the 24 year old male employee at the sales counter and proceeded to make a purchase. As the employee was completing the transaction, the suspect demanded money from the register while implying that he had a gun. The employee complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash. Once obtaining the money, the suspect fled in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as black male, 6’00”-6’4” tall, 150-190 lbs., wearing a light colored shirt and jeans.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 050418 1210

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