Wilmington (19803) – Delaware State Police detectives have arrested Antoine L. Boston, 28, of New Castle, for his involvement in a pair of pharmacy robberies that took place on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

The first incident occurred at approximately 4:10 a.m., at the CVS Pharmacy located at 4020 Concord Pike, Wilmington, and the second incident occurred at approximately 9:55 a.m. at the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 1812 Marsh Road, Wilmington.

In each incident Boston approached an employee at the sales counter and presented a demand note for money. Boston was able to obtain an undisclosed amount of cash from the CVS before fleeing, however he was unsuccessful in obtaining any money from Walgreens.

Through various investigative measures, Boston was developed as a suspect and positively linked to both robberies. Boston was taken in to custody on Friday, April 20, 2018, and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2, where he was charged with one count each of Robbery 2nd Degree, Attempted Robbery 2nd Degree and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2, before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $14,000.00 secured bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact Det. T. Dukes of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-365-8412.

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

Click on the following link to view the original release;

Troopers Investigating a Pair of Robberies-Wilmington

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: 042118 0735

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The Office of Victims of Crime distinguishes those devoted individuals, programs and agencies every year that demonstrates exceptional service in support of victims. Historically, the National Crime Victims’ Service Award Ceremony has been presided over by the United States Attorney General and has been attended annually by victims of crime, victim advocates, allied professionals and survivors from around the country. The National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was observed on April 8^th to the 14^th   and on April 13th  of this year an award ceremony was held in Washington D.C. to honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of crime victims.  Debra M. Reed, Director of Victim Services for the Delaware State Police was a recipient of the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Service Award.

Excerpts from the Nomination letter:

“…Debra Reed began serving crime victims in her home state of Delaware working for the Division of Family Services, Department for Children Youth and Family Services, as a child abuse investigator.   In 1989, she was selected by the Delaware State Police to develop a victim services program as their Assistant Director of Victim Services. This was during a time when little help existed for victims in the state of Delaware.  She has been the Director of the Delaware State Police/Delaware Victim Center ever since.

Ms. Reed has contributed to the development of, and through the year’s revision of, the foundational policies of the Delaware State Police/Delaware Victim Center as they relate to such issues as victim services, sexual assault, domestic violence, death notification, and crisis response etc. As demands and needs of victims have changed, Ms. Reed has risen to the occasion and responded with new and unique programs, such as an emergency financial assistance program to assist crime victims with immediate needs such as housing, medical costs, counseling etc. Under her leadership, the DSP/Delaware Victims Center has grown to be the cornerstone to the services offered in Delaware.  The DSP/Delaware Victim Center not only provides victim services to the Delaware State Police, but also to most of the 37 municipalities across the state.  Ms. Reed has been a consistently provided resources and technical assistance to local law enforcement agencies whose administrations have turned to her for guidance on the implementation of their own victim service units.

In 2009, Delaware was faced with one of its most difficult, most egregious tragedy that continues to impact our State. A well-respected pediatrician was found to have an extensive history of sexually abusing his patients. Over the course the investigation, under the leadership of Ms. Reed, the DSP/Delaware Victims Center implemented a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to working with the families of the young victims of this predator.  Hundreds of victims were identified during the investigation.  Under the direction and supervision of Ms. Reed, victim services were afforded to all of those families, all while ensuring no interruption in the continuity of services to the numerous other victims who continued to require services throughout the state.

On February 11, 2013, a gunman opened fire in the New Castle County Courthouse at 8:30am, just as hundreds of employees entered the building to start their work day, and as two women, one of whom was there for a child support hearing and her friend, who accompanied her for support, women were fatally shot and two police officers wounded. With little information known immediately after the shooting, Victims Services throughout the shifted focus and priority to respond to the victims and witnesses of this horrific crime. Ms. Reed helped facilitate the coordinated response that day. When the courthouse needed to re-open two days later, Ms. Reed coordinated the response to ensure employees of the Courthouse and the members of the public felt safe and supported entering the building.

Known for her collaborative approach to victim’s services, Ms. Reed is often placed in active leadership roles on many local Boards and Task Forces. Some of these groups may include Victims Services Advisory Committee of the Delaware Criminal Justice Council, the Delaware Victim Rights Task Force, Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Delaware Center for Justice, the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence Board.

Ms. Reed received trained by the National Organization of Victim Assistance (N.O.V.A.) in national crisis response. She is the team coordinator for the state of Delaware and has responded to the aftermath of disasters in New York, Florida and Mississippi. She is also a Delaware Certified Domestic Violence Specialist through the Delaware Coalition against Domestic Violence.

She is active with many local Boards and task force groups to include, Victim Rights Task Force, Domestic Violence Task Force, Victim Advisory Board, Domestic Violence Advocacy Center Board, and the Delaware Coalition against Domestic Violence Board to name just a few. Ms. Reed is an instructor in the DSP academy and has also provided numerous public presentations throughout the community on topics related to crime victims. She also works in conjunction with several specialized DSP Units to include Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, Homicide, and Crash Reconstruction etc. She is also a SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) board member and is instrumental is having untested kits sent for analysis and then convening those results to victims. Ms. Reed has also been a valuable asset to the State of Delaware is the arena of assisting those victims of Human Trafficking…”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

“Receiving the 2018 National Crime Victim Service Award is truly an honor. I applaud The Delaware State Police for supporting a Victim Services unit for more than 30 years. The commitment to service for crime victims has been unwavering.  The process of receiving this award has also provided a great opportunity for me to shine some light on the great work that is being done throughout the State of Delaware.   Not one of us can do this type of work alone; it is a collaborative effort among all of us in this field.  It is also a great chance to honor all victims and survivors, as it is for them and with them that we continue this work.”

Debra M. Reed, Director of Victim Services for the Delaware State Police

“It was my honor to nominate Ms. Debra Reed for consideration for the 2018 National Crime Victim Service Award. Ms. Reed is an integral part of our agency and has brought her mindfulness, support efforts and hopeful healing through our service programs and community outreach. With a distinguished career of over three decades serving crime victims in Delaware, I am truly proud of her commitment to others which ultimately led her to being a recipient of the National Crime Victim Service Award for the Delaware State Police.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

Presented by the Director of the Public Information Office, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 042118 0701

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Bear – Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place after an intentional motor vehicle collision.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:31 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018, on DE Route 71 (Red Lion Road), in the area of Old Summit Road, Bear. A 30 year old Middletown woman was travelling DE 71 eastbound, at the posted speed limit, when she observed a vehicle approach from behind at an increased rate of speed. As the victim’s vehicle continued moving forward, without slowing or braking, it was struck from behind by the trailing vehicle.

Immediately after the collision the victim pulled on to the shoulder of the roadway, followed by the striking vehicle. Both operators exited their vehicles and the victim began to inspect the damage to her vehicle. The suspect proceeded to walk past the victim without speaking, then entered her vehicle and drove off. A second suspect, who was a passenger in the striking vehicle, then moved to the driver’s seat and also drove off.

The victim’s vehicle was recovered in Philadelphia later the same night.

Suspect #1 could only be described as a male, 6’00, 180 lbs., wearing all dark clothing.

Suspect #2 could only be described as a male.

The suspect vehicle was described as a dark, four door vehicle.

While staged car crashes are typically carefully planned and are primarily related to insurance fraud, similar tactics may be utilized to commit vehicle theft. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision immediately call 911 to initiate a police response. If you are alone or in an isolated area, trust your gut instincts and remain in your secured vehicle if possible, to wait for the police to arrive. If you fear for your safety, stay on the line with the 911 operator to keep them apprised of the situation as well as your current location, if it is necessary to move from the original scene.

In addition to the tactic used in this incident, described below are other common schemes used to stage a motor vehicle crash.

The T-Bone Accident: In this scenario, a scam artist will wait for your car to proceed through an intersection and then jam the gas pedal and T-bone your vehicle. When the police arrive, phony witnesses, also known as “shady helpers,” will then claim you were the one who ran the stop sign or traffic signal.

The Wave: In this scam, the other driver will notice your attempt to switch lanes and subsequently wave you ahead. As you attempt to maneuver into the lane, he will accelerate, causing a collision with your car. When the police arrive, he will deny ever providing a courtesy wave, placing you at fault.

Dual Turn Sideswipe: A driver in the outer lane of the dual turn rams into you if you go even the slightest bit out of the inner lane as the two of you are making your turns. They may also drive a bit into your lane and swipe your car and then blame you. “Witnesses” working with the con artist may corroborate his story.

Brake Slam: This simple scam involves the driver in front of you slamming on their brakes for no reason so that you cannot avoid rear-ending her vehicle.

Swoop and Stop: In this scenario, a car will suddenly pull in front of yours and stop. Another vehicle will simultaneously pull up alongside your car, preventing you from swerving to avoid an accident.

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: 042018 2125

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Wilmington (19804) – The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that took place Wednesday evening, which has claimed the life of a New Castle woman.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:34 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the intersection of DE Route 4 and Boxwood Road, Wilmington. A 2000 Dodge Caravan, being driven by a 21 year old Newark woman, was traveling westbound on DE Rt. 4 in the left lane, approaching Boxwood Road, with a solid green light. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra, being driven by Janet Hicks, 78, of New Castle, was traveling DE Rt. 4 eastbound, and proceeded to turn left onto Boxwood Road, directly in to the path of the Dodge, at which time the two vehicles collided. After impact both vehicles came to rest in the northwest corner of the intersection.

The operator of the Dodge, who was properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Hicks, who was also properly restrained, was admitted to the Christiana Hospital in critical condition, however she died as a result of her injuries on Friday, April 20, 2018.

Impairment is not being considered a factor on the behalf of either operator.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 042018 1940

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Lewes – Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a pharmacy that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 20, 2018 at approximately 2:08 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 17239 Five Points Square for a report of a robbery.  Further investigation revealed that two suspects had entered the pharmacy and proceeded to jump over the counter, while two other suspects served as lookouts.  One of the suspects ordered the pharmacist to unlock the safes.  The suspects obtained several bottles of oxycodone, liquid promethazine, and codeine prior to fleeing the scene.

As the four suspects fled the scene, Troop 7 patrol units observed the fleeing vehicle and a pursuit ensued.  Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was able to maintain a visual of the suspects’ vehicle.  The vehicle eventually fled into Maryland and was pursued by their Troopers.  The vehicle eventually crashed into a fence and the suspects proceeded to flee on foot.  After a brief foot pursuit, all four suspects were taken into custody.  During the course of the pursuit a duffle bag containing the stolen medications was thrown out of the vehicle, which was later recovered.

The suspects were transported to the Maryland State Police Barracks were they were identified as 25-year-old Steve T. Gantt of Washington DC, 24-year-old Earic Lewis of Washington DC, 32 year-old Antonio Jackson of Roswell Georgia, and 20-year-old Daniel Smith of Washington DC.

All four suspects remain in custody in Maryland on felony charges related to the pursuit.  Warrants for their arrest have been obtained for Robbery Second Degree and Conspiracy Second Degree, pending their extradition back to Delaware.

This case continues to remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to please contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit, Detective D. Cathell at 302-752-3793. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 042018 1608

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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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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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

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

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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