New Castle County and Kent County – A multi-agency operation conducted on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at targeted locations in both counties has resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals on criminal charges.

This crime blitz covered several jurisdictions and areas including Middletown, Odessa, Townsend, Smyrna, Southern New Castle County and Northern Kent County.  The operation was initiated in these areas to target ongoing criminal activity and to address quality of life issues.

During the eight hour enforcement blitz, police arrested 44 individuals for either a criminal charge or outstanding capiases. The following were seized: four firearms (1 stolen), over 140 grams of Cocaine, 251.88 grams of Marijuana, .602 grams of Heroin, 3.5 Prescription Pills, over $3,500.00 in United States Currency and 124 ammunition rounds. We made 31 traffic arrests, 33 criminal arrests and 3 civil citations during the crime blitz.

This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Delaware State Police, Probation and Parole, New Castle County Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Newport Police Department, Capital Police Department, Department of Corrections and Justice of the Peace Courts.

This combined effort highlights how the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies can effectively combat crime which in turn increases the quality of life for the communities we serve.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 1751

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Newark – Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Newark area McDonalds that occurred last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:54 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2018, at the McDonalds, located at 2351 Glasgow Avenue, Newark. A black male suspect entered the business and remained inside for approximately five minutes before walking behind the counter. A 27 year old female employee became alarmed as the suspect approached, due to him having his hand in his pocket, implying he had a weapon. The employee moved to the rear of the business at which time the suspect accessed the cash register, removing an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then exited the business and was last seen walking towards the eastbound lanes of U.S. Rt. 40. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6’00”, 220, wearing all dark clothing to include the covering which concealed his face.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 012618 1727

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Newark – Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Newark area pharmacy that occurred yesterday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:01 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Rite Aid pharmacy, located at 4607 Stanton-Ogletown Road, Newark. A white male suspect approached a 29 year old female employee at the sales counter and ordered her to give him all the money from the register. The employee complied with the demand by placing an undisclosed amount of cash in a bag and then turning it over to the suspect. Once obtaining the bag, the suspect exited the store and fled on foot in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect, who did not display or imply that he had a weapon was described as a white male, 30-35 years of age, 5’7’, average build, wearing all dark clothing to include gloves and a hat.

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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 012618 1705

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New Castle County- A two-day multi-agency operation was conducted earlier this week throughout northern New Castle County which focused on prostitution enforcement, for the purpose addressing the issue of human trafficking.

The initiative, which was a joint partnership comprised of the Delaware State Police, Department of Homeland Security, State of Delaware Attorney General’s Office, Department of Probation and Parole, FBI and the State of Delaware Victim Services Unit, took place on Monday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 23, 2018.

Over the course of the two day operation a total of 44 individuals were arrested for prostitution related offenses. There were 29 subjects charged with prostitution and 13 for Patronizing a Prostitute. There were also 20 active warrants cleared, with two being out of state fugitives.

The internet site Backpage.com was utilized as the primary mode of communication for initiating and arranging the eventual face to face meetings, which led to the arrests.

Once in custody all the subjects arrested for prostitution were interviewed by Victim Service specialists for the purpose of gaining possible human trafficking intelligence information but also to provide appropriate resources to include substance abuse counseling, as well as health and social service counseling. It was learned through the course of these interviews that some of the women arrested had come to Delaware for the sole purpose of working as a prostitute, which is indicative of human trafficking. States of residency for these subjects included California, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and New Jersey.

The goal of the operation was not strictly punitive in nature, rather it was an opportunity to identify and offer services to potential victims of human trafficking while at the same time sending a message to the public that prostitution is not a victimless crime. It is a significant quality of life issue that has far reaching effects.

The following subjects were arrested for Prostitution on both nights of the operation: Amber Robinson, 33, Visalia, California, Dawn Skovronski, 27,  Bear.

The following subjects were charged with Patronizing a Prostitute: Roman Shah, 31, Baltimore, Maryland, Enrique Salinas-Salinas, 32, Wilmington, Byron Hernandez, 28, Silver Spring Maryland, Stephen Whaley, 44, Clayton, Howard Gesner, 54, Newark,  Shaun McCoy, 45, Bear, Jeffrey Cordrey, 32, Wilmington, Jose Milan-Hernandez, 36, Newark, Christopher Cortes, 26, Newark,   Eugene Chen, 41, Wilmington.

Additionally, highlighting the serious nature of the human trafficking issue, on Tuesday January, 23, 2018, Governor John Carney signed a proclamation, and the Delaware 149th General Assembly, passed House Concurrent Resolution Number 42, both recognizing the month of January 2018 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Delaware

For more information regarding the issue of Human Trafficking click on the following links:

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

http://www.theiacp.org/humantrafficking

To report suspected human trafficking:

1-866-347-2423

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:

1-888-373-7888

or text HELP or INFO to

BeFree (233733)

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: 012618 1705

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Dover– The following are not wanted.   This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification.  If you have information that any of the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 1641

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Newark– Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian has been struck by a Tractor Trailer. State Route 7 southbound is currently open.

Motorists should use caution in the area.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 012618 1621

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Magnolia- Delaware State Police arrested a Magnolia teenager after it was discovered that he posted threatening comments on social media towards a High School.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at approximately 10:00 a.m. when Troopers were informed by an employee of the Caesar Rodney School District of a concerning post that was posted on social media.  The post depicted a subject holding a handgun while making a threatening statement towards Salesianum High School, Wilmington.  Through further investigations, it was determined that the subject in the post was identified as 14-year-old Timothy S. Walters 3rd.  Timothy had recently been removed from Salesianum High School and was in the process of being enrolled at Caesar Rodney High School.

On Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at approximately 11:50 p.m., Troopers responded to Timothy’s residence located in the unit block of Apple Blossom Dr., Magnolia.  Contact was made with Timothy and his mother.  It was discovered at this point that there were firearms in the residence that had all been accounted for.

On Thursday, January 25, 2018 at approximately 1:05 p.m., Timothy was brought to Troop 3 with his parent, and subsequently charged with Possession of a Firearm (Handgun) by Person Prohibited (Juvenile) and Terroristic Threatening.  Timothy was arraigned out of Family Court and committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center on $12,500.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 012618 1500

Bear – Delaware State Police with the assistance of the New Castle County Police, have arrested Thomas Watson, 33, of Bear, for his involvement in a string of armed robberies, after a stand-off with police yesterday afternoon, at a Bear area residence.

Beginning on December 30, 2017, Troopers began investigating a series of armed robberies that were occurring in the Bear/Newark/Glasgow vicinity, in which the suspects description and actions were similar. With information provided by New Castle County Police detectives, regarding a similar robbery that they were actively investigating, Watson was developed as a suspect.

On Thursday, January 25, 2018, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Troopers responded to an armed robbery that had just occurred at the 24/7 Food Mart, located at 2445 Pulaski Highway, Newark, in which a white male suspect approached the cashier, displayed a handgun and demanded money. Utilizing the intelligence information previously provided by the New Castle County Police, Watson was positively identified as the suspect in this incident. Detectives were also able to ascertain that Watson fled the scene in a blue Ford Taurus.

While assisting with the search for Watson, Delaware State Police helicopter Trooper 4 located a blue Ford Taurus and was able to maintain visual contact with the vehicle, as it pulled in to the driveway of a residence in the unit block of Primrose Drive, in the development of Brennan Estates, Bear. Troopers responded to the residence and were able to confirm the presence of both Watson and the Ford.

Due to Watson being armed with a handgun, a perimeter was immediately set up, which contained Watson within the residence. As a precautionary measure adjacent residences were notified of the situation and subsequently evacuated.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations & Response Team (SORT) responded to the residence and were able to take Watson in to custody without incident. Also taken in to custody was Jeannie M. Yu, 36, of Wilmington, who was observed moving the suspect vehicle from the driveway to the side yard of the residence, in an attempt to conceal it.

Through various investigative measures, along with evidence collected during a search of the residence, Watson was able to be linked to the below listed robberies.

• Valero 4434 Summit Bridge Rd. (12/30/17)
• VIP Cleaners 2430 Pulaski Hwy. (01/09/18)
• 24/7 Food Mart 2445 Pulaski Hwy. (01/10/18)
• Salem Dry Cleaners 16 Salem Village Square (01/15/18)
• Tai Chi Spa 1231 Quintilio Dr. (01/16/18)
• 24/7 Food Mart 2445 Pulaski Hwy. (01/25/18)

Watson was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with 7 counts of Robbery 1^st Degree. He was then arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2, before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $140,000.00 cash bail.

New Castle County Police also have warrants on file for Watson, charging him with the robbery of the 7-11, located at 60 Gerald Drive, Newark, which occurred on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

Yu was arrested and charged with 1 count each of Conspiracy 2^nd Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. She was also arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2, before being committed to the Dolores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in lieu of $2000.00 cash bail.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents are 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

Click on the following links to view related releases:

*UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY* Robbery Suspect Being Contained Inside Bear Residence

Robbery Suspect Being Contained Inside Bear Residence

Troopers Investigating Armed Robbery of Bear Area Spa

Troopers Investigating Armed Robbery of Newark Area Dry Cleaner

Troopers Investigating Armed Robbery of Newark Area Convenience Store

Troopers Investigating Armed Robbery of Newark Area Dry Cleaner

State Police Investigate Robbery of a Gas Station-Middletown

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: 012618 1305

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Bridgeville (19933) – The Delaware State Police are conducting an investigation into a homicide that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at approximately 1:41 p.m., State Police 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.

Newton Road at the intersection of Adams Road was closed for approximately one hour while Troopers secured and investigated the scene.  The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

This incident continues to remain under investigation by the homicide unit and further information will be released as it becomes available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Detective J. King at 302-698-8561. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at 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: 012618 0550

Newark (19701) – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of Angela J. Moore, 85, of Bear.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:31 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2018, on U.S. Rt. 40 (Pulaski Hwy.) westbound, at Glasgow Drive, Newark.

A 2016 Ford Mustang, being driven by a 22 year old New Castle man, was traveling U.S. 40 westbound in the left lane, proceeding through the intersection with Glasgow Drive. Moore, who was driving a 2003 Nissan Sentra, turned right, off of Glasgow Drive, onto U.S. 40 westbound, proceeding into the left lane and directly into the path of the Ford. In turn the Ford rear-ended the Nissan, forcing it into the grass, center median where it came to a stop. The Ford came to a stop in the U.S. 40 westbound lanes, just west of the point of the collision.

Moore, who was properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital where she was admitted with serious injuries. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Impairment is not being considered as a factor on her behalf. Moore was issued a citation on the date of the collision for Failing To Yield Right of Way.

The operator of the Ford who was also properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Impairment is not being considered as a factor on his behalf.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486

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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Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 012518 1835

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