Newark (19711) – The Delaware State Police detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred inside a Newark area bar, that has left a man hospitalized in serious condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:21 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Rackers Bar, located at 1232 Capitol Trail, Newark, as two male patrons became engaged in a physical altercation inside the bar.

During the altercation, one of the involved subjects, a 28 year old Newark man, was shot one time in the abdomen, by the other subject. The male suspect then fled the scene prior to Troopers arrival. The victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.

Through investigative measures, warrants were obtained for the suspect identified as 21-year-old Benjamin A. Lepore of Wilmington.  On Thursday, December 28, 2017 Lepore was stopped by the Bridgeville Police Department for a traffic violation.  Subsequently, Lepore was taken into custody without further incident.  Lepore was charged with Assault First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited.  Lepore was arraigned out of Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $100,000.00 cash bond.

Troopers Investigating Shooting at Newark Area Bar

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: 122917 1700

-End-

Dover- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Harrington man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun and illegal drugs.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:07 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, as Troopers were on patrol in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and observed a 2009 Dodge Nitro with an equipment violation.  A traffic stop was then conducted and contact was made with the operator, identified as 33-year-old Stephen Obeda of Harrington.  It was determined that the operator’s drivers license was revoked.  Subsequently, he was removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed a concealed and fully loaded .22 caliber revolver which was previously reported stolen out of Denton, MD, 20.70 grams of marijuana and .375 grams of heroin both of which were packaged for sale.

Obeda was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Receiving a Stolen Firearm,  two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and several traffic charges.  Obeda was arraigned out of Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $59,600 unsecured bond.

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: 122817 1620

-End-

Newark (19711) – Delaware State Police detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred inside a Newark area bar, that has left a man hospitalized in serious condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:21 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Rackers Bar, located at 1232 Capitol Trail, Newark, as two male patrons became engaged in a physical altercation inside the bar.

During the altercation, one of the involved subjects, a 28 year old Newark man, was shot one time in the abdomen, by the other subject. The male suspect then fled the scene prior to Troopers arrival. The victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.

There were no other injuries as a result of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. G. Biddle of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit by calling 302-365-8567.

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: 122817 1540

-End-

Townsend – Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Townsend gas station, in which the suspect brandished a large knife.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:55 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at the Valero Shore Stop gas station, located at 4298 Dupont Parkway, Townsend.

A 57 year old female employee, was just about to close the business for the night, when a subject entered the store and approached her at the sales counter. The subject asked for a pack of cigarettes at which time the employee advised that she would be right with him. At this time the subject displayed a large knife and demanded a money bag which the employee was preparing to deposit. The employee complied with the demand, turning over the money bag which contained an undisclosed amount of cash.

Once obtaining the bag, the suspect fled into the parking lot, to an awaiting vehicle, which fled northbound on Dupont Parkway. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years of age, 5’5”-5’7” tall, with a thin build, wearing a black jacket, black hoodie, black pants and in possession of a large knife.

The investigation is ongoing and any one 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: 122717 1200

-End-

Middletown – Delaware State Police are investigating a crash involving an overturned tractor trailer that has closed Summit Bridge Road.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:54 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017, on Summit Bridge Road (DE 71) northbound, south of Old School House Road, Middletown.

A 2010 Freightliner tractor trailer, operated by a 34 year old North Carolina man, was traveling Summit Bridge Road northbound, south of Old School House Road, when a deer crossed the roadway, directly in front of his vehicle. The driver swerved to avoid striking the deer at which time he lost control of the vehicle, with it overturning onto its right side. Prior to the vehicle coming to rest, the trailer struck and snapped a Delmarva utility pole, causing damage to a transformer. The tractor trailer, which was hauling assorted produce, came to rest, blocking all lanes of Summit Bridge Road.

The driver, as well as a 56 year old passenger, also from North Carolina, were able to exit the vehicle under their own power, prior to being transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Summit Bridge Road remains closed between Marl Pit Road/Armstrong Corner Road and Boyds Corner Road/Churchtown Road, as the cargo is off-loaded and the vehicle removed. Delmarva Power crews are also on scene making repairs to the utility pole.

The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.

For traffic updates as well as road closure information log onto: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

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: 122817 1100

-End-

Milford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Cedar Creek Road (SR30) south of Wilkins Road (CR 206) earlier this evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 as a 14-year-old male from Lincoln was operating a Go-Kart traveling northbound on the shoulder of Cedar Creek Road.  A 2009 Toyota Camry driven by a 36-year-old Lincoln women was  traveling southbound on Cedar Creek Road approaching the Go-Kart.  For unknown reasons, the operator of the Go-Kart swerved to the left and crossed into the path of the Camry.  The operator of the Camry was unable to avoid the Go-Kart, causing the front end to collide with the right side of the Go-Kart.  After the impact, the operator of the Go-Kart was ejected and came to rest in the middle of the southbound lane of Cedar Creek Road.  The operator of the Camry continued southbound for a short distance before coming to a stop with the Go-Kart partially lodged under its bumper.

The 14-year-old operator of the Go-Kart was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 36-year-old operator of the Camry was properly restrained and was not injured as a result of this crash.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor on behalf of either operator at this time. Cedar Creek Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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.

**Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Serious Crash-Milford

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 122717 2218

-End-

–

Milford – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash on Cedar Creek Road at Wilkins Road.

The incident occurred around 4:41 p.m. Wednesday, December  27, 2017 on Cedar Creek Road at Wilkins Road involving a vehicle and a go-kart.  Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

Cedar Creek Road at Wilkins Road is currently shut down.  Commuters should expect delays in the area and find alternate routes of travel.

Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.

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

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 122717 1725

-End-

Newark – The Delaware State Police have identified John W. Simon Jr. 77, and Irma Simon 92, both of Mantua N.J., as the victims who were killed in a crash that occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m., Saturday, December 23, 2017, on Delaware Park Boulevard, west of Ogletown-Stanton Road (DE Rt. 4), Newark.

John W. Simon Jr. was the operator, and Irma Simon the front seat passenger of a Mercury Grand Marquis that was struck head on by a stolen Nissan Altima, driven by Stephen R. Goodman 33, of Wilmington.

As a result of the crash Goodman has been charged with 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide 2nd Degree, and one count each of Receiving Stolen Property, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Driving at an Unreasonable Speed, and Driving While Suspended.

Goodman was arraigned by the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas on Sunday, December 24, 2017, and remanded to the custody of the Delaware Department of Corrections on $71,100 secured bond.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Aube of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8483. 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 link to view the related release: *UPDATE #2* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash – Delaware Park

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: 122717 1600

-End-

Wilmington (19802) – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man for assaulting and attempting to remove a Troopers firearm, while being taken into custody on drug related charges.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2017, as the Trooper was on routine patrol in the area of N. Claymont Street and Todds Lane, Wilmington. The Trooper observed a subject, later identified as Kyon A. Miller, 37, of Wilmington, open a small package, and proceed to snort the contents.

The Trooper, who was in full uniform, exited his patrol vehicle and approached Miller, at which time he fled on foot, disregarding verbal commands to stop. Miller was located after a brief foot pursuit, at which time he proceeded to actively resist arrest, disregarding numerous verbal commands to stop resisting.

A struggle ensued, with both subjects going to the ground, as the Trooper continued  his attempt to take Miller into custody. As the two wrestled on the ground, a black female, who was seen with Miller prior to him fleeing, approached and proceeded to remove items from his pants pockets. The Trooper directed his attention to the female and ordered her to back up, however she refused to comply and continued to remove items from Miller’s pockets, at which time the Trooper observed several white pills fall onto the ground.

As the Trooper diverted his attention to the female, he lost control of Miller, who was then able to position himself on top of the Trooper. Miller then began pulling on the Trooper’s firearm, in an attempt to remove it from his holster. As the two struggled over the firearm, assisting Troopers arrived on scene and were able to take Miller into custody. As a result of the physical altercation the Trooper sustained an injury to his knee.

A subsequent search of Miller produced three small plastic bags containing heroin.

Miller was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 1 for processing, at which time he gave a fictitious name. After confirming Miller’s true identity he was charged with one count each of: Attempting to Remove a Firearm from Possession of a Law Enforcement Officer, Assault 2nd Degree (Injure a Law Enforcement Officer), Resisting Arrest, Criminal Impersonation and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Miller was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $33,035.00 secured bond.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Biddle at 302-365-8567.

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

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: 122717 1400

-End-

Lewes – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the thefts of multiple packages from front porches in which both suspects have now been arrested.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2017, in the 21000 block of Acorn Way, Oakwood Village at Lewes, as a suspect was observed running up to a front porch, removing packages, and then fleeing in a white Kia Optima.  Through investigative measures, the suspect identified as 55-year-old Mary E. Murphy of Lewes was arrested on Felony Theft, Theft, Tampering With Physical Evidence, Falsifying Business Records, Hindering Prosecution, Conspiracy 3rd, Criminal Mischief, and two counts of Criminal Trespass 3rd.  Murphy was arraigned out of Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $3351.00 unsecured bond.

The second suspect in this case has been identified as 32-year-old Derek J. Rice of Lewes.  Through investigative measures, it was discovered on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 that Rice was at Murphy’s residence located in the 22000 block of Dogwood Lane, Angola by the Bay.  As Troopers approached the residence, Rice attempted to flee and was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.  Rice was arrested on Felony Theft, Tampering With Physical Evidence, Theft, Falsifying Business Records, Hindering Prosecution, Conspiracy 3rd, Criminal Mischief, and two counts of Criminal Trespass 3rd.  Rice was arraigned out of Sussex County Court of Common Pleas and released on $3450.00 unsecured bond.

Murphy was also arrested again on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 for Noncompliance of Bond Conditions and Hindering Prosecution.  She was arraigned out of Sussex County Court of Common Pleas and released on $2000.00 unsecured bond.

The investigation remains ongoing and any other individuals who may have been a victim are asked to please contact Troop 7 at 302-644-5020.  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

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: 122717 1122

-End-