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:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041918 1939

-End-

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

-End-

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041918 0922

-End-

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 041818 1400

-End-

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 041718 1421

-End-

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.