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. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012918 2211

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Newark – The Delaware State Police are investigating a pedestrian crash that occurred at the intersection of (SR 72) Sunset Lake Road and Old Baltimore Pike this past weekend.

The incident occurred around 1:55 a.m. Sunday, January 28, 2018 as David L. Parrett was operating a 2006 Hyundai Sonata westbound on Old Baltimore Pike approaching the intersection of Sunset Lake Road (SR 72). At this location and time there was an active accident investigation ensuing where two motor vehicles were both disabled in the middle of the intersection. Additionally, in the middle of the intersection, was a tow truck and a marked patrol vehicle with their emergency equipment lights activated investigating the crash.  Parrett continued through the intersection and subsequently struck the rear end of a black passenger car that was disabled from the previous accident. As the front end of Parrett’s vehicle struck the rear end of the black passenger car, the force pushed the black passenger car forward and ultimately striking the tow truck driver which knocked him off of his feet and forcefully threw him backwards. The tow truck driver sustained serious injuries as a result of being thrown to the ground. Parrett’s vehicle then continued forward and struck the driver side of the tow truck before ultimately coming to a stop.

The 40 year-old-male tow truck driver was transported to the Christiana Hospital by EMS personnel for further treatment for his injuries.

After contact was made with David L. Parrett, several preliminary indicators were detected and a DUI investigation ensued. He was transported to Troop 2 where he was subsequently arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Inattentive Driving and Vehicular Assault 2^nd Degree. Parrett was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11 and issued an unsecured bond.

Released: 012918 1421

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Hartly- The Delaware State Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a residential burglary. 

On Sunday, January 28, 2018 at approximately 6:05 a.m. Troopers were dispatched to a residence located in the 1200 block of Crystal Road for a burglary in progress complaint.  Upon arrival, contact was made with the residents, a 33-year-old male and his 29-year-old girlfriend.  The 33-year-old victim was able to detain the subject who had just broken into his residence while waiting the arrival of the State Police.  The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Jeffrey B. Smith Jr. of Wilmington was immediately taken into custody without further incident.   Further investigation revealed that Smith had forced entry into the residence through a rear sliding glass door.  Once inside, he was discovered by the 29-year-old female walking around in the living room, at which point police were immediately contacted.

Both the residences indicated that they did not know Smith and had no connections to him.  Neither of the residents or Smith were injured as a result of this incident.

Smith was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with Burglary 2nd degree and Criminal Mischief.  Smith also had six active capias on unrelated charges.  Smith was arraigned out of Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $7,750.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012918 1045

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Claymont- The Delaware State Police are investigating a single vehicle roll-over crash in which a Smyrna man was injured today.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 12:54 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The driver, Eric L. Johnson, 33 of Smyrna, was operating a 1996 Jeep Cherokee and was traveling northbound on I-495 in the right lane approaching the merge with I-95 northbound. The driver lost control before spinning out and rolling over. The vehicle then slid several feet before stopping in the right lane and partially on the shoulder.

Eric L. Johnson, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was transported by EMS to the Wilmington Emergency Room due to minor injuries. Johnson was cited for Failure to Maintain Speed Appropriate for Conditions.

Traffic on I-495 was not impacted as the crash was investigated and cleared.

**Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Crash-Claymont

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012818 1811

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Newark– The Delaware State Police are investigating a pedestrian crash that occurred Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3:26 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2018, as a 2006 Peterbilt tractor trailer was traveling southbound in the right lane of (SR7) Stanton Christiana Road just north of Churchmans Road. As the tractor trailer continued to travel south on SR7, suddenly, a pedestrian, ran across the  traffic lanes in an eastern direction into the path of the tractor trailer, where he was struck. The truck moved to the left shoulder and came to a controlled stop after the collision.

The 55-year-old male pedestrian from New Castle was treated on the scene by New Castle County Paramedics and transported to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted in serious condition. He was cited for Crossing at other than Crosswalk/Pedestrian Shall Yield ROW to all vehicles.

The 53-year-old male operator of the Peterbilt tractor trailer, from Milford, was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

SR 7 traffic on the southbound lanes were impacted for two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY-Pedestrian Struck* Route 7 at Stanton Christiana Road – Newark

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012818 1411

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Claymont– The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a crash on I495 northbound near Philadelphia Pike.

The incident occurred around 12:54 p.m. today, January 28, 2018 on I495 northbound with a reported single vehicle rollover crash. Injuries are unknown at this time.

I495 northbount 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012818 1331

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Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the male subject that died as a result of a shooting northwest of Bridgeville on January 25, 2018 as Tavyon M. Sykes, 18 of Greenwood.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at approximately 1:41 p.m., Troopers were notified that a victim had been dropped off by a private vehicle at the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. Upon arrival to the hospital, Troopers were informed that an 18-year-old male victim of Greenwood had been shot and succumb to his injuries. The shooting was reported to have occurred at the intersection of Newton Road and Adams Road, Bridgeville.

On Friday, January 26, 2018, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for suspect Jared C. Mitchell, 31 of Greenwood for Murder 1^st degree, two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Endangering, and two counts Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited.

Detectives Conducting Homicide Investigation-Bridgeville

If anyone has any information in reference to this investigation or Mitchell’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Detective J. King at 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012718 0041

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police are investigating the strong arm robbery of a male which occurred in the parking lot of a local area pharmacy that occurred late yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 3:09 p.m. yesterday, Thursday, January 25, 2018, as a 16 year old male was waiting at the bus stop in front of the Canby Park Shopping Center near the Walgreens when he needed to use the bathroom. The victim went inside the Wilmington Flea Market to use the bathroom. When he came out, the first male suspect came up to him and began walking beside him. This suspect began striking the victim and both went to the ground. As the victim attempted to defend himself he observed a second suspect run off with his cellular phone and get inside a gray colored SUV driven by a third suspect. All three fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim sustained minor injuries.

The first suspect is described as a white male. The second suspect was only described as a male wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt. The third suspect description is an unknown male. No video surveillance photos are available to be released 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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 2211

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Hartly- Troopers of the Kent County Governors Task Force and Probation Officers from the Dover Probation and Parole Office responded to the 700 block of Fords Corner Road, Hartly regarding a home visit of Curtis J. Kearney, a level three probationer.

During the home visit on Thursday, January 25, 2018, drug paraphernalia was located in plain view, which resulted in the approval of a Probation Administrative Search of the residence. During the administrative search, 18 bags of heroin, 1.5 dosage units of Xanax, additional drug paraphernalia and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun was located, which was reported stolen at Troop 9 in October 2017.

Curtis J. Kearney, 28 of Hartly, was arrested and brought before Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he was formally charged with two counts of Possession, Purchase, Own or Control a Firearm or Ammo by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession or Control of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited and Conspiracy 3^rd Degree. In addition, he was issued a Probation Administrative Warrant. He was subsequently committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $28,500.00 secured bond.

Elizabeth Challies, 25 of Hartly, was also located at the residence and was also brought before the Justice of the Peace Court 7 where she was formally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Xanax) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released on an unsecured bond. Mug shot not available.

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 2051

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Newark-The Delaware State Police recognized 33 graduates during a ceremony for the Citizen’s Police Academy Class on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. The event was held at the Delaware State Police Troop 2 located at 100 Lagrange Avenue, Newark, DE. 19702

The academy class learned about a wide variety of police activities consistent with what a Delaware Trooper experiences today during the nine consecutive sessions. The instruction phase, which started on November 14, 2017 to January 23, 2018, included criminal and traffic investigations, special units, tours, and various other law enforcement related topics. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to ride with patrol troopers.

During this program the CPA attendees sacrificed their valuable time to learn more about the DSP and it various units. Some of the highlighted presentations and special units who presented consisted of the Honor Guard, Pipes & Drums, DSP History & Overview, DSP Museum, DSP Academy, K-9 Demonstration, Collision Reconstruction Unit, Aviation, Special Operation Response Team, Tactical Control Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Scuba Team, Motorcycle Unit, Delaware Information and Analysis Center, Criminal Investigations, Firearms Training Unit.

A few quotations from our honored academy class:

“We left each presentation having the highest level of confidence in the officer’s abilities to perform their duties successfully. We can only imagine Colonel McQueen’s pride in leading such an outstanding group of men and women”. Michael Oliver

“What I take away from this experience is that our police force is just as human as I am: they are our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbors. They are just human beings trying to do a job. They work hard to protect and serve — even those that do not respect them. It gave me an opportunity to see past the uniform to a human being”. Sherry Mouser

“RISE…Respect, Integration, Service, and Excellence. Expectations for both the police and the community, in order to move forward successfully.” Mir Sadiq Ali Khan

On the final night of the program, the class was recognized by the keynote speaker, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. and Major Melissa Zebley, Operations Officer for New Castle County. They presented formal certificates of appreciation to the class attendees at the end of the night.

The Delaware State Police would like to formally thank the citizens who participated in the Fall/Winter Citizen’s Police Academy class.

“I was impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment that the class members showed. From the time and effort put into the initial application and reasons why they wanted to attend, to their dedication, participation and attentiveness week in and week out. They made my first experience as a facilitator of a Citizens Academy a rewarding one.”

Master Corporal Michael Austin – Delaware State Police Public Information Officer

Our next Citizen’s Police Academy will be scheduled in the Spring of 2018 in Kent County. If you are interested in future classes please follow us on Delaware State Police WordPress , Delaware State Police Facebook and Delaware State Police Nextdoor.com

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 1931

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