Millsboro– The Delaware State Police have arrested a suspect in connection with an armed robbery of a Chinese Restaurant that occurred late yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:38 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the First Wok Chinese Restaurant located at 24832 John J. Williams Highway.  Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with the owner of the business who advised that a subject had entered the restaurant displaying a handgun and demanding money.  The owner complied with the suspects demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect fled the scene on foot towards the rear of the business.

The suspect was described as a white male with a beard, wearing a light colored hooded sweatshirt, with letters tattooed on his right hand, and displaying a handgun.  Also present in the restaurant during this incident were three employees and two children.   The victims were not injured as a result of this incident.

Later that evening, at approximately 11:00 p.m., further investigation led detectives to the Sea Esta Motel II located at 100 Rudder Road, Longneck.  Members of the Sussex Governor’s Task Force and Major Crimes Unit observed the suspect exit a vehicle in the parking lot and subsequently took 31-year-old Christopher Pfaffenrath, of Millsboro into custody without incident.  A search warrant was obtained for both the motel in which Pfaffenrath was staying and also his residence located in the 30000 block of Kill Deer Lane, PotNets Bayside.  Upon execution of the search warrant at the residence in PotNets, detectives located an airsoft BB gun, a sweatshirt and black hat that were consistent with the clothing worn during the robbery.

Pfaffenrath was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with Robbery 1^st, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, 6 counts of Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  He was also a fugitive from Pennsylvania.  Pfaffenrath  was arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $138,000.00 cash only bond.

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 020218 0925

-End-

Dover (19901) –The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred last evening in Capital Park.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 9:46 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018 when Troopers responded to the 100 block of South Governors Boulevard for a reported home invasion.  Upon arrival, contact was made with the home owner, a 31-year-old female, who advised she heard a knock at her door, and when she proceeded to open the door, multiple subjects armed with handguns had forced their way into the residence.  Also inside the residence at the time were four children ranging from ages 5 to 14 who were asleep in their rooms.

Through investigative measures, it was determined that the intended target was the 31-year-old victim’s ex-boyfriend who no longer lives at the residence.  The home owner along with her four children were not injured as a result of this incident.

This case continues to remain under investigation and if anyone has information in reference to this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective J. Dear, Troop 3 Criminal Investigative Unit at 302-698-8540.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, 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

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: 020118 1625

-End-

Millsboro– The Delaware State Police are investigating the manufacturing of  methamphetamine (meth) in a residence in which one suspect is wanted.

On Monday, January 29, 2018, Troop 4 patrol units responded to the 30000 block of Millsboro Highway for a domestic related complaint. Upon arrival, contact was made with a resident who advised that she believed her son, 39-year-old Elijah L. Cantrell of Millsboro was manufacturing methamphetamine within the residence.  Further investigation revealed that items believed to be consistent with manufacturing methamphetamine were located in a trash container in the garage.  Members of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) and Sussex Drug Unit (SDU) responded to the scene and confirmed that a meth lab was present.

A hazmat response was coordinated with DNREC, Millsboro Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services. The residence was searched and numerous items consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine and additional drug paraphernalia were located and disposed of by DNREC.  No evacuations were ordered as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents.

Elijah Cantrell fled the residence prior to the arrival of the police.  Warrants have been obtained for his arrest including charges of Operating a Clandestine Laboratory and two counts of Drug Paraphernalia.

If anyone has any information in reference to the location of this individual, 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 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: 013118 1925

-End-

Delaware– Applications for Camp Barnes will be available online or at any Delaware State Police Troop on March 1^st 2018.  Applications can be downloaded at the camp’s website.  www.campbarnes.net .  Dates for the camp and camp orientation will be listed on the website.

Camp Barnes is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police and there is no fee to attend.  All Children that are residents of the State of Delaware and are between the ages of 10-13 are eligible.  Below are some of the many activities campers participate in throughout the week:

• Swimming in an Olympic size pool
• Kayaking in Millers Creek
• Archery
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Arts and Crafts
• Nature Walk
• Fishing/Crabbing
• Talent Show

Camp Barnes has a staff of 14 counselors (7 male and 7 female). All Counselors are required to submit to a criminal background and are interviewed prior to being hired.  The staff also includes 1 on site nurse, 1 head cook, and 1 assistant cook. A State Trooper will be on duty at all times when the camp is in session.  Camp Barnes is NOT a boot camp or intended for youth with behavior or disciplinary problems.

Campers are required to get a physical exam or an updated physical exam prior to being accepted to Camp Barnes. It is encouraged that all parents get an updated physical for their children as soon as possible in preparation for the camping season. The camp will fill up very fast, and Campers will not be assigned a week until an up to date physical is submitted.

The Delaware State Police is also seeking individuals to fill the position of camp counselor:

• Starting salary is $300.00 per week
• Camp Weeks: June 25^th – August 3^rd
• Food and lodging provided
• Weekends off
• Must be a graduating senior in high school or college student

Applications may also be found on the camp’s website at www.campbarnes.net

History-In 1947, the Delaware Association of Chiefs’ of Police, an organization which was composed of active law enforcement and correctional officers, accepted the challenge to undertake a project to combat juvenile delinquency in the First State. A committee was appointed to investigate the problems confronting youth. The committee’s resulting recommendations led to the establishment of Camp Barnes for the recreation of deserving youth from throughout the state.

Camp Barnes, located on Miller’s Creek, a tributary of Little Assawoman Bay, has since served the needs of thousands of children from throughout Delaware. Camp Barnes was originally designed to provide the children who were unable to attend summer camp an opportunity to experience life at a summer youth camp. Camp Barnes has remained basically unchanged, providing Delaware children with these outdoor experiences for over 60 years.

Any questions, please contact Master Corporal Shawn Hatfield at 302-752-3834 or james.hatfield@delaware.gov.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released 013118 1540

-End-

Wilmington (19802) – Delaware State Police are investigating the attempted armed robbery of a north Wilmington BP gas station that occurred last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at the BP gas station located at 3507 Miller Road, Wilmington. A black male suspect approached the 56 year old female employee at the sales counter, implied that he had a weapon and demanded cash from the register. A customer then entered the business, which caused the suspect to flee before receiving any money. He was last seen on foot towards the Miller Road Shopping Center. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, 40-45 years of age, 5’9”-5’10”, wearing all dark clothing, to include a face covering.

No surveillance photos 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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013118 1500

-End-

Middletown – The New Castle County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) has arrested a Middletown man on gun and drug charges after being stopped for a traffic violation.

On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at approximately 9:20 p.m., GTF detectives stopped a black Chevrolet Impala, operated by Gary E. Earl Jr., 34, of Middletown, for a traffic violation, on DE Rt. 299 in the area of SR 1, Middletown. During the course of the traffic stop it was determined that Earl, who is a registered sex offender, was in violation of a court order for not properly reporting his address. A subsequent search of Earl’s person revealed that he was also in possession of 6 grams of marijuana.

An administrative search was then conducted at Earls’ residence in the 900 block of Janvier Court, Middletown, which resulted in the location and seizure of the following:

• 1 Ruger 9 mm handgun
• 36 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition
• 7 rounds of 9 mm ammunition
• 134 grams of powder cocaine
• $2,759.00 in suspected drug money

Earl was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was charged with 1 count each of Possession of Cocaine in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 2 counts of Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited as well as the following traffic violations: Failure to Signal and Failure to Remain within a Single Lane.

Earl was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $222,253.00 cash bail.

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 Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1540

-End-

Middletown – A two week investigation by the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) has culminated in the arrest of Richard A. Thorpe Jr., 23, of Middletown, on weapons and drug charges.

Based on numerous complaints from community members, the GTF initiated an investigation into suspected drug dealing at Thorpe’s residence in the 100 block of Liborio Lane, in the development of Middletown Village, Middletown.

Through various investigative measures, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence, which was subsequently executed on Thursday, January 25, 2018. As a result of the search detectives recovered the following:

• 1 Glock 9 mm handgun
• 1 Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun
• 242 grams of marijuana
• $501.00 in suspected drug money

Thorpe was charged with 2 counts each of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, as well as 1 count each of Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Thorpe was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $32,500.00 secured bail.

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 Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1445

-End-

Laurel– The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a crash on Laurel Road between Christ Church Road and Old Stage Road.

The incident occurred at approximately  8:54 a.m. today, January 30, 2018 on Laurel Road with a reported truck striking a bridge and leaking diesel fuel.  Injuries are unknown at this time.

Laurel Road between Christ Church and Old Stage Road is currently shut down. Commuters should expect delays in the area and find alternate routes of travel.

Please follow the Real Time Travel Advisories through DelDOT to get updates on the road opening by click: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 013018 1030

-End-

New Castle – Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a New Castle 7-11 convenience store that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m., Monday, January 29, 2018, at the 7-11, located at 284 Christiana Road, New Castle.

A white male suspect entered the business and was observed lingering in the area of the sales counter. As the 45 year old male clerk opened the register to complete a transaction for another customer, the suspect approached him behind the counter, pushed him out of the way, and then grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. Once obtaining the money, the suspect fled on foot, northbound on Airport Road. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20-25 years of age, 5’5”, 200 lbs., wearing a light colored hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and a dark colored hat. No weapon was displayed or implied.

No surveillance photos 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

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1008

-End-

Frederica –The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion in which the second suspect has been identified and arrested.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018 when troopers responded to the 80 block of Barefoot Lane for a reported Home Invasion.  The investigation revealed that an unknown suspect had approached the residence and knocked on the door.  Upon the homeowner/victim, 31-year-old male of Frederica opening the door, he was struck in the head by an unknown blunt force object.  As the victim fell to the floor, a scuffle ensued.  The victim was subsequently held down by the suspect who then began communicating with a second suspect who entered the residence.  The second suspect proceeded to the bedroom where he removed three firearms, several boxes of ammunition, and an undisclosed amount of cash.  Once these items were obtained, both suspects fled the residence on foot.

The victim was transported to a local area hospital by a private vehicle where he was treated and released with non-life threatening injures that he sustained during this incident.

While on patrol on Monday, January 15, 2018 at approximately 4:02 p.m., Troopers observed a light blue Dodge Dakota fail to stop at a stop sign located on Jackson Street, Frederica.  A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the operator, identified as 37-year old Eric Huffstutler of Frederica.  Huffstutler was subsequently arrested and charged with Home Invasion, Robbery First Degree, Assault First Degree, three counts of Theft of Firearm, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy Second Degree, and Terroristic Threating.

On Monday, January 29, 2018, the second suspect identified as 36-year-old Eric V. Garrison of Frederica, was contacted by the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force during a warrant attempt in the unit block of McKinley Circle, Magnolia. Upon arrival, Garrison was taken into custody without incident.  Garrison was arrested and transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with; Robbery First Degree, Assault First Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Home Invasion, three counts of Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy Second Degree, Terroristic Threatening, and three counts of Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of A Violent Felony. Garrison was arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $227,000 cash bond.

This incident continues to remain under investigation for a possible third suspect that was involved.  If anyone has information pertaining to this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective B. Beck, Troop 3 Criminal Investigative Unit at 302-698-8527.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Click on the following link to view the original release:

State Police Investigate Home Invasion- Frederica

*Update* Arrest Made -Home Invasion- Frederica

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012918 2211

-End-