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.

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 031918 1210

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Newark – Delaware State Police have confirmed that a social media post regarding a planned shooting at a DuPont school is not related to Delaware.

Late Sunday evening Troopers were made aware of a threatening Snapchat post that was circulating on social media, directed at a “DuPont” school. While there was no specific reference to Delaware, the threat was taken seriously, and an investigation was immediately initiated.

Through a coordinated investigation involving Delaware State Police Youth Aid detectives, school resource officers, and analysts from the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC), it was quickly determined that the threat involved the DuPont Middle School in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and that there was no connection to any Delaware school. The Chicopee Police Department was already investigating the incident and subsequently made an arrest.

As a precautionary measure and in order to address any inquiries from parents and students there was an increased police presence this morning at AI DuPont High School, AI DuPont Middle School and HB DuPont Middle School.

The Delaware State Police continue to remain vigilant and take all threats seriously and will investigate these incidents to the fullest extent to ensure the safety of our children and the school community as a whole.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 031918 0820

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Seaford – Delaware State Police have arrested Rodney L. Dale, 43, of Seaford, after he led Troopers on a vehicle pursuit, in an attempt to avoid apprehension on domestic assault related charges.

The incident began at approximately 5:48 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018, when a 37 year old Bridgeville woman responded to Delaware State Police Troop 5, to report a physical domestic, which she had just been involved in, with her boyfriend Rodney Dale.

The investigation determined that at approximately 5:30 p.m., the victim and Dale became engaged in a verbal altercation in the driveway of his residence, in the 24000 block of Dove Road Seaford. The victim entered her vehicle and started the ignition, in an attempt to leave prior to the incident escalating. Dale immediately followed her and positioned himself at her driver’s door, not allowing her to close it. Dale then reached in to the vehicle, turned off the ignition and removed the keys, ignoring the victim’s pleas to allow her to leave.

The victim then began using her cell phone in an attempt to call 911, at which time Dale made threatening statements towards her, before striking her in the face with his closed fist. Dale then placed his forearm against the victim’s throat, restricting her breathing as he attempted to take possession of her cell phone. Dale was able to gain possession of the phone and after doing so caused damage, which rendered it inoperable.

After a brief struggle between the two, Dale threw the set of car keys at the victim, striking her in the face. Once re-gaining possession of the keys she was able to flee to a friends residence, before responding to Troop 5 to report the incident.

Once at Troop 5 an ambulance was requested for the victim, regarding injuries sustained during the altercation. She was subsequently transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.

Based on the victim’s statement Troopers prepared a warrant charging Dale with domestic assault related charges. Once the warrant was obtained attempts were made to locate Dale without success.

Troopers continued to search for Dale throughout the night and at approximately 1:39 a.m., on Sunday, March 18, a black, 2005 GMC Yukon, registered to Dale was located on Dove Road in Seaford. The Trooper activated the lights and siren on his fully marked patrol vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop, with a pursuit commencing, which ultimately ended when the Yukon struck a guardrail on Concord Pond Road, which caused disabling damage. Once the vehicle came to a stop the operator, who was confirmed to be Dale, fled on foot. The Trooper gave chase and eventually caught up with Dale, who then stopped running. Dale failed to comply with repeated verbal commands to get on the ground and instead turned and faced the Trooper in a fighting position. The Trooper then deployed his divisionally issued Taser, effectively taking Dale to the ground, at which time was taken in to custody without further incident.

Dale was transported to Troop 5 where he was arrested on the outstanding domestic related charges which consisted of:

• Unlawful Imprisonment
• Assault 3^rd Degree
• Terroristic Threatening
• Offensive Touching
• Malicious Interference with Emergency Communication
• Criminal Mischief

Additional warrants were prepared regarding the vehicle pursuit which included a total of 34 charges which consisted of:

• 5^th Offense Driving Under The Influence
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal
• Resisting Arrest (2 counts)
• Alcohol Related Reckless Driving
• 29 moving traffic violations (improper turns, improper lane changes, speeding, disregard stop sign)

Dale was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 and then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution, in lieu of $25,529 secured 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: 031818 1400

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