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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013118 1500

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1540

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1445

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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

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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.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 013018 1008

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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

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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: 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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