WILMINGTON, Del. – With snowfall intensifying, Governor John Carney has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent County and New Castle County beginning at 2:45 p.m. The Level 1 Driving Warning will remain in effect until further notice.

A Level 1 Driving Warning means:

• Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle.
• Motorists are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.

“With snowfall continuing to accumulate across Kent and New Castle counties, everyone who can stay off the roads, should stay off the roads,” said Governor Carney. “DelDOT crews are working hard to keep our roadways clear. Thank you to everyone from DelDOT, the Delaware National Guard, and all state and local officials for their work responding to this storm.”

Effective at midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Governor Carney issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery efforts. The authorization allowed the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties.

The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

Click on the following link for updated weather related information:

https://deldot.gov/About/faqs/index.shtml?dc=snowFAQ

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 032118 1630

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Sussex County- The Delaware State Police has partnered with the Delaware Department of Education in hosting Violent Intruder Preparedness and Response (VIPR) seminars. The first two seminars are scheduled to take place at district schools in Sussex County.

The first session will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Sussex Central High School located at 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown. The second session will take place on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Indian River High School located at 29772 Armory Road, Dagsboro. Both seminars will run from 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.

These free training sessions will include topics related to active shooter threats, emergency preparedness, suspicious activity reporting, and hometown security threats. Future seminars are currently being scheduled to incorporate other high schools throughout the entire state.  The seminars are open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032118 1418

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police have arrested a pair of suspects on outstanding shoplifting charges after they unintentionally turn themselves in at Troop 1.

The investigation began at approximately 12:22 p.m., Monday, February 22, when Troopers responded to the Kohl’s department store, located at 401 Concord Pike, Wilmington, in reference to a shoplifting incident. It was determined that initially, a male suspect attempted to make a fraudulent return, but was refused based on prior suspicious return activity. Immediately after that denied transaction, a female who was accompanying the male, removed merchandise from the display and exited the store without rendering payment, despite an attempt by store security to detain the pair. The suspects were last seen fleeing the in a silver, Hyundai Tucson.

Through various investigative leads, Troopers were able to positively identify the pair as Christopher R. McDowell, 34, and April J. Wright, 48, both of Wilmington. Shoplifting warrants were obtained and kept on file as the suspects remained at large.

On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, a white male, who appeared to be intoxicated, voluntarily walked in to Troop 1 and requested a ride home. Troopers immediately recognized the subject as McDowell and took him in to custody without incident.

After being processed on one count each of Shoplifting and Conspiracy 3rd Degree charges, McDowell was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on $1000.00 unsecured bail.  After being released McDowell phoned an acquaintance for a ride home.

When the female subject who was supposed to drive McDowell home arrived at Troop 1, Troopers recognized her as April Wright, at which time she was taken in to custody without incident.

Wright was processed on one count each of Shoplifting and Conspiracy 3rd Degree charges, in reference to the Kohl’s incident, as well as a Shoplifting charge from an unrelated incident. Wright was arraigned and released on $1500.00 unsecured bail.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 032118 1230

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Georgetown- The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the above pictured suspect who is wanted for multiple charges.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 8, 2018 when Troopers responded to an abandoned building located at 20707 Dupont Boulevard in an attempt to locate 27-year-old Michael H. Debarr of Lewes.  Debarr who was hiding in the building was eventually located and taken into custody without incident. Debarr was transported back to Troop 4 where he was later transported to a local area hospital due to a medical related issue. 

Upon Debarr’s release, Troopers have been unable to locate him.  Warrants for the arrest of Debarr have been obtained including charges of Burglary 3rd, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Impersonation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

If anyone has information on his whereabouts they are asked to please contact Troop 4, Detective T. Ralston at 302-752-3823.  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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032018 1550

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Wilmington – A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:32 pm., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, which had I-495 southbound completely shut down, north of Edgemoor Road has been cleared, and all lanes are now open.

Motorists are being advised to use extreme caution if they must drive, and are encouraged to avoid travel if possible, as road conditions continue to deteriorate.

Click on the following link to view the original release:

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Multi-vehicle Crash Has I-495 Southbound Closed North of Edgemoor Road – Wilmington

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 032018 1503

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Wilmington– Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:32 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, that has all lanes of southbound I-495, closed north of Edgemoor Road.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.

Click on the following link for updated traffic conditions and road closure information:

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 032018 1411

Dover-Weather forecasts currently indicate a winter storm that will impact the region beginning Tuesday, March 20th, with a light wintery mix expected today.  Heavy snow and significant impacts are expected throughout the day tomorrow.  This type of weather pattern can create treacherous conditions for motorists who are traveling along Delaware roadways.

This is forecasted to be a heavy, wet snow which will be difficult to shovel and will stick to trees and power lines.  It is likely that the snow fall and combination of strong winds could lead to power outages and tree damage.  Coastal flooding is also a concern, with minor flooding expected tonight and minor to moderate flooding throughout the day on Wednesday.

Delaware State Police statewide continue to plan and prepare for the forecasted winter storm, as they will be ready and available to patrol, assist disabled vehicles, and manage roadway incidents and hazards for the duration of the event. Most calls for service received by Troopers during winter storms are for vehicle crashes, disabled vehicles, and abandoned vehicles which cause a major problem for DelDOT snow removal equipment and for Troopers responding to emergency situations. Troopers strongly encourage motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.

Troopers urge all motorists who must travel to use extreme caution as road and weather conditions may change rapidly over the course of the event:

• Motorists should be prepared for snow-covered and slippery roads, along with strong winds and limited visibility which make driving conditions difficult.
• Use caution while driving when approaching intersections and off ramps, especially bridges and overpasses.
• Remember to reduce speed and increase following distance between vehicles.
• Allow ample time to reach your destination, allow extra space between vehicles, and keep vehicle headlights on to increase visibility.

This would be an excellent time to check your vehicle ensuring it is in good working order for the expected conditions:

• Fill up the fuel tank in advance.
• Check the windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay with your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening.
• Be sure to have an emergency kit in the vehicle consisting of a blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger, and a flashlight.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032018 1124

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Dover (19901)- The Delaware State Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred on Sunday, in which the suspect remains at large.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at approximately 1:01 a.m. when Troopers were dispatched to a stabbing incident in the unit block of Congress Place, Dover. Upon arrival, the victim, a 44-year-old man of Houston, DE was located in the residence with a stab wound to his upper torso.  The victim was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to a local area hospital where he was treated.

Further investigation revealed that the victim and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Ronsha S. Jones of Dover engaged in a verbal argument which led Jones to pull a knife from the front pocket of her hooded sweatshirt and stab the victim.

Jones fled the scene prior to police arrival and Troopers have been unable to locate her.  She currently has active warrants out of Troop 3 for Assault 2^nd Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, and Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Jones, they are asked to please contact Troop 3 CIU, Detective S. Carbine at 302-698-8444. 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 Melissa Jaffe

Released: 031918 1333

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Newark (19702) – Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newark area pharmacy that took place Saturday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:58 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the Walgreens pharmacy, located at 500 Plaza Drive, Newark. A black male suspect entered the store just prior to the 10:00 p.m. closing time, under the premise of making a purchase. As the cashier opened the cash register to complete the transaction, the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded all the money from the register. The victim complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash to the suspect, who then fled on foot in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 18-24 years of age, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, baseball cap, light colored jeans and in possession of a black unknown make and model handgun.

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 302-365-8466.

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 031918 1300

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Kent County – Detectives from the Troop 3 Property Crimes Unit have arrested two suspects, for their involvement in a series of vehicle break-ins that took place throughout Dover and Camden over a month and half time period.

Beginning on February 2, 2018, and continuing through March 16, 2018, detectives investigated a series of vehicle break-ins that were occurring in Dover and Camden. During this time period a total of 15 incidents were reported.

On Friday, March 16, 2018 Troopers responded to the 3000 block of Upper King Road in Dover for the report of nine vehicles that had been broken in to, with property being stolen. During the course of this most recent investigation and based on various investigative measures, detectives were able to develop two possible suspects, who were identified as Shawn L. Barber, 42 , of Dover and Christina A. Jarman, 32, also of Dover.

Detectives then responded to Jarman’s Dover residence where they made contact with Barber, who was taken in to custody without incident. Jarman was unable to be located at this time.

Through further investigation, detectives were able to positively link both Barber and Jarman to all 15 State Police incidents as well as a series of similar incidents being investigated by the Camden Police Department.

Barber was arrested and formally charged with 26 criminal offenses consisting of the following:

• Theft Under $1500.00 Where a Victim is 62 years of Age (1 count)
• Theft Under $1500.00 (3 counts)
• Attempted Theft Under $1500.00 (10 counts)
• Criminal Trespass 3^rd degree (10 counts)
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)

Barber was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and then committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in lieu of $8,725 secured bail.

On Monday, March 19, 2018, Jarman turned herself in at Troop 3 on warrants related to this incident, at which time she was arrested and processed on the identical charges as Barber.

Jarman was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $10,250.00 unsecured bail.

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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Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 031918 1210

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