Lewes- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 19, 2018.

The incident occurred on Monday, March 19, 2018 at approximately 2:05 p.m. as a 2014 Toyota Sienna was traveling southbound on Camp Arrowhead Road south of Angola Road.  The operator, identified as 73-year-old Charmla K. Capanaro, of Lewes, failed to maintain the travel lane, causing her vehicle to exit the west edge of the roadway and strike a mailbox, utility pole, and several tress before overturning on its side for its final resting place.

Capanaro was removed from the scene by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit and transported to the Christiana Hospital where she was admitted in critical condition.  On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at approximately 7:08 a.m., Capanaro succumbed to her injuries.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

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.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032818 2220

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Wilmington (19808) – Delaware State Police have arrested Li Cheng, 44, of Wilmington on felony assault charges stemming from an altercation with a co-worker.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:53 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2018, at the RICE restaurant, located at 2015 Limestone Road, Wilmington, when Cheng and a 42 year old male co-worker became engaged in a physical altercation while working in the kitchen. During the altercation Cheng struck the victim in the head with a metal kitchen utensil and threatened him with a knife, before the two were separated by fellow employees.

The victim was treated on scene by EMS for a laceration to his head and then transported to the Christiana Hospital for further treatment.

Cheng remained on scene and was taken in to custody by responding Troopers without incident. Cheng was then transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with one count each of Assault 2^nd Degree (F), Aggravated Menacing (F) and Terroristic Threatening (M).

Cheng was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released on $17,000.00 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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 1430

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Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police is releasing the name of the man that was killed in the Friday, March 23, 2018 crash on Murphy Road east of Thomas Road as Mark P. McGee, 53 of Wilmington, DE. 

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

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash-Wilmington

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 032718 1424

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Bear – Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery involving a knife that took place yesterday morning at the Gamestop located in Bear.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:09 a.m., Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Gamestop, located at 1015 Governors Place, Bear. A white male suspect approached the 29 year old female employee at the sales counter while displaying a knife, and demanded money from the register. The victim complied with the demand by opening the cash drawer at which time the suspect reached in and removed an undisclosed amount of cash. After obtaining the money the suspect exited the store, and was last seen fleeing eastbound on foot towards the K-Mart. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a middle aged white male, 5’10”, 150-200 lbs., wearing a dark jacket which partially concealed his face, knit cap, jeans and in possession of a knife.

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 032718 1320

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Dover – The Delaware State Police are issuing the following advisory in response to a recent increase in reported incidents involving virtual kidnapping scam phone calls. While these most recent incidents were in New Castle County, this advisory is applicable statewide.

Virtual kidnapping is an extortion scheme that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a family member they believe is being threatened with violence or death. Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom.

Law enforcement agencies have been aware of virtual kidnapping fraud for at least two decades, but recently, this scam which was once limited to Mexico and southwest border states has evolved, so that U.S. residents anywhere could be potential victims.

The FBI has provided the following tips to avoid falling victim to this specific scam trend:

Don’t Become a Victim

The success of any type of virtual kidnapping scheme depends on speed and fear. Criminals know they only have a short time to exact a ransom before the victims unravel the scam or authorities become involved. To avoid becoming a victim, look for these possible indicators:

• Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
• Calls do not come from the supposed victim’s phone.
• Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim.
• Calls include demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer; ransom amount demands may drop quickly.

If you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap victim, the following should be considered:

• In most cases, the best course of action is to hang up the phone.
• If you do engage the caller, don’t call out your loved one’s name.
• Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
• Ask questions only the alleged kidnap victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about yourself or your family.
• Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim if they speak.
• Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone, text, or social media, and request that they call back from their cell phone.
• To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
• Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.

This information was provided through the FBI website located at:

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/virtual-kidnapping

Many of these scams are difficult to investigate. They will target persons of all age groups.  Delaware State Police is asking citizens to remember the tips previously mentioned in order to not become a victim of one of these scam artists.

If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, contact your local law enforcement immediately.

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

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: 032618 1730

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Frankford- On Friday, March 23, 2018, the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop (A.C.T.S.) donated $50,000 to Camp Barnes Inc.   The Atlantic Community Thrift Shop is located at 34634 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, DE 19970, and has been a huge supporter of Camp Barnes.

Camp Barnes, a non-profit organization, is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police in which there is no fee to attend.  The camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 10-13.  The Camp has served the needs of thousands of children throughout Delaware. For over 60 years, Camp Barnes has remained basically unchanged. It was originally designed to provide the children who were unable to attend summer camp an opportunity to experience life at a summer youth camp.

The donation from the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop will go towards the continued renovations and general operations of the camp.    A.C.T.S. has supported the camp over the years through financial donations, and staff members volunteering at the camp.

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: 032618 1420

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The first incident occurred on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, when Troopers responded to the Manship Chapel Church located at 4912 Burnite Mill Road, Felton for a theft complaint.  It was discovered that two suspects had entered the property and removed parts from an exterior air-conditioning unit.  Surveillance cameras on the property captured a white male and a white female on the property, driving an older model Buick Regal.