Seaford- The Delaware State Police are investigating an incident in which shots were  discovered to have been fired at a residence.

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at approximately 8:28 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 11000 block of Henry Drive for a report of shots being fired.  Upon arrival, contact was made with a 27-year-old female resident who advised she heard several gun shots right outside her residence.  Further investigation led to the discovery of three bullet holes that had entered the residence from the exterior.  The bullets traveled through one bedroom wall and continued through a second bedroom wall.  A vehicle that was parked on the property also sustained damage to its rear passenger’s side window.

Also present in the residence during this incident where two other adults along with two small children.  None of the residents were injured as a result of this incident.

This case remains under investigation and the Delaware State Police is requesting anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Troop 5, Corporal Bastianelli at 302-337-1090. 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: 042018 1507

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Seaford-The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred at the intersection of Old Furnace Road (CR 46 )and Middleford Road (CR 535) late last evening.

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at approximately 11:14 p.m. when a 1995 Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound on Old Furnace Road approaching the intersection of Middleford Road.  A  1999 Peterbilt Tractor Trailer was traveling westbound on Old Furnace Road attempting to make a left onto Middleford Road.  For unknown reasons, the operator of the Camry failed to stop at the posted stop sign and continued through the intersection into the direct path of the Tractor Trailer.  As a result, the front bumper of the Camry struck the front bumper of the Tractor Trailer, causing the Camry to rotate around the Tractor Trailer before coming to a rest in the intersection.

The operator of the Camry who’s identity has not yet been confirmed, was properly restrained and removed from the scene by EMS.  He was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford where he was listed in critical condition, and awaiting transport to the Christiana Hospital.

The 38-year-old male operator of the Tractor Trailer was properly restrained and not injured as a result of this crash.

There were also two passengers in the Toyota Camry.  One male passenger who was not properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was later airlifted to the Christiana Hospital in critical condition.  The second male passenger who was not properly restrained was also removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the investigation was conducted and the roadway was cleared.

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: 042018 0756

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Hartly- The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the manufacturing of Methamphetamine (Meth).

The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at approximately 5:54 p.m. when Troopers responded to the 800 block of Yoder Drive in reference to subjects possibly cooking methamphetamines.  Upon arrival, 49-year-old Narven Marvel of Hartly and 38-year-old Douglas Hutchins Jr. of Dover were observed in the camper and taken into custody due to having active warrants. Also present in the camper during this incident where Marvel’s three children, ages 7, 6, and 4. A search was subsequently conducted and Hutchins was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. A further search of the camper and the yard outside yielded a total of 1.15 grams of methamphetamine and materials used in the manufacturing of meth.

Members of the Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit (KDU) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) arrived at the scene and confirmed the meth manufacturing lab was present on the property.  No evacuations were ordered as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents.

Marvel was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Operating a Clandestine Laboratory, Conspiracy Second Degree, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $7,000 secured bond.

Hutchins was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Operating a Clandestine Laboratory, Conspiracy Second Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $6,000.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041918 2239

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Lewes- The Delaware State Police have arrested the second suspect in connection with a robbery.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at approximately 1:18 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 20000 block of Wil King Road for a report of an assault.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with a 67-year-old resident who advised that he engaged in an argument with one of his tenants, 25-year-old John Schaefer of Georgetown.  The argument led to Schaefer physically assaulting the victim.  While the victim was on the ground, Schaefer took his wallet and removed cash.  He furthermore removed the victim’s cell phone, eye glasses and keys.  Also present during this incident was 27-year-old Amber Hoopes of Lewes.  Both Schaefer and Hoopes fled the residence in the victim’s black Cadillac Escalade bearing DE registration 22607. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

On Thursday, April 19, 2018, members of the First State Fugitive Task Force responded to a residence in the 20000 block of Wil King Road, Lewes, where Hoopes was located and taken into custody without incident.

Hoopes was transported to Troop 7 where she was charged with Robbery First Degree, Criminal Mischief, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Malicious Interference with Emergency Communication, Conspiracy Second Degree, and Resisting Arrest.  She was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $14,000 secured bond.

Click on the link for the original release: Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Wanted Suspects

*Update* Robbery Suspect Arrested Second Still At Large

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041918 1939

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The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Administration held a community meeting on Wednesday, April, 18, 2018 at the DNREC Conference Room, 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes, led by Captain Darren Short.  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 7 in 2017.  Achieving a 49.2% reduction in Burglaries, a 14.3% reduction in Thefts, 11.1% reduction in Fatal Crashes as well as a 32.9% 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 a Robbery Clearance rate of 46.9% and an Aggravated Assault clearance rate of 64.9% clearly shows the dedication of our troopers to solve crime when it occurs.

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 7 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:

• The 2nd Annual Delaware State Police Honorary Commander Program
• Community Outreach Focus Group
• Community Café at Surf Bagel in Lewes
• Neighborhood Watch Program
• Church, Community, and Home Safety Assessments

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, including Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security Robert Coupe and Senator Ernie Lopez for joining us to learn more about DSP T7.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041918 1042

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Seaford- The Delaware State Police are investigating an incident in which a single bullet was discovered to have been shot at a residence.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at approximately 11:35 p.m. when Troopers responded to a residence in the 24000 block of Clench Jean Lane for a report of shots fired.  Upon arrival, contact was made with a 67-year-old female resident who advised that while she was in her living room she heard a loud noise.  It was then discovered that a single bullet had entered the residence through the siding and into the living room where it struck a wooden table.  Also present in the residence at the time was a 20-year-old female who was in the bathroom.  Both residents were not injured as a result of this incident.

This case remains under investigation and the Delaware State Police is requesting anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Troop 5, Trooper Mongiello at 302-337-1090. 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: 041918 0922

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Smyrna– Delaware State Police have arrested three suspects in connection with a shots fired complaint that occurred Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at approximately 4:34 p.m. when Troopers responded to the 200 block of Bryn Lane for a shots fired complaint.  Upon arrival, it was determined that a female resident had been in her bedroom when a bullet had entered the room from the north side of her residence.  The female was not injured as a result of this incident.

During this time an additional victim on Bryn Lane reported the front door to his residence had been struck by a bullet.  The victim was not injured as a result of this incident.

While Troopers were canvassing the area, they observed a subject, 27-year-old Joseph Swiggett 0f Smyrna, walking from a field towards Mount Friendship Road. Two other individuals identified as 27-year-old Anthony Price of Dover and 24-year-old Symone Brooks of Dover were also observed in the area.  Located in their vicinity was a box of unused 9 mm ammunition, and spent 9 mm, .45 caliber and used shotgun ammunition.

Further investigation led to the discovery of a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun in Swiggett’s vehicle located on Mt. Friendship Road.  Later discovered by K-9 partner Marshall was a 9 mm handgun concealed in brush along the wood line of Mt. Friendship Road.

Swigett, Brooks and Price were charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Endanger First Degree, Conspiracy Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass Third Degree and Tampering With Physical Evidence.  Price was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited.  Swigett was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released after posting $15,001.00 secured bond.  Price was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $35,001.00 cash only bond.  Brooks was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $15,001.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041818 1400

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Wilmington (19803) – Troopers are investigating a pair of robberies in the North Wilmington area that occurred today.

The first incident occurred at approximately 4:10 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the CVS Pharmacy located at 4020 Concord Pike Road, Wilmington, when three suspects entered the business and presented a demand note for money. The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash before the suspects fled out of the store. The employee was not injured.

The first suspect is described as a black male approximately 30-34 years old, approximately 6’01”-6’03”, weighing 250 lbs, wearing dark clothing.

The second suspect was described as a black male approximately 28-30 years old, approximately 5’05”, 150 lbs, wearing dark clothing.

The third suspect was described as a black female approximately 25-30 years old, approximately 5’05”, 145 lbs, wearing light colored top with dark pants.

The second incident occurred at approximately 9:55 a.m. on April 17, 2018 at the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 1812 Marsh Road, Wilmington, when a suspect entered the business and made a purchase. The suspect exited the store and returned a short time later and approached the counter with a demand note for money. The suspect did not obtain any money and fled the business. The employee was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male approximately 30-34 years old, approximately 6’00”-6’02”, 250 – 300 lbs, wearing dark clothing. (no further physical or clothing description).

No surveillance photos are available in either incident.

If anyone has any information in reference to either of these incidents, they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, at 302-365-8566.Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at 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: 041718 1421

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and failed to comply with his commands, at which time the officer deployed his Taser.  Peterson continued to remain combative and as attempts were made to place handcuffs on him, he assaulted the officer.  It was also discovered that Peterson had caused damage to a window pane at the residence.