Presented by the Public Information Officer Senior Corporal Robert W Colmery

Bridgeville, De. – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting which occurred early this morning east of Bridgeville.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at approximately 2:33 a.m., after troopers were called and responded to the area of Appletree Road (CR591) south of Oak Road (CR594) for the report of a male subject that had been shot.  Upon their arrival, troopers learned that a male victim had been shot and was treated on the scene by Sussex County Paramedics. He was then transported by EMS to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and later flown to the Christiana Hospital.

This shooting is still in its early stages and more information will be released as it becomes available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective D. Grassi at 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com and select submit a tip.

Released: 082417 1041

-End-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Kent County ~ On August 23, 2017, the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit, Mounted Patrol Unit, Troop 3 and Honorary Commanders joined together in the back to school initiative, “It’s “Cool” to go back to school.” The Delaware State Police with the help of community and clergy members visited the following areas: Meadowbrook Acre Community, Dover Air Park, Rodney Village, Alder Park and Capitol Park.

“I was thrilled to be a part of the back to school initiative. The children were so excited. They loved the freeze pops and interacting with us! It was a very positive day and experience” said, Corporal/1 Heather Imhof, Community Outreach Representative

State Police Sponsor – It’s “Cool” To Go Back To School Initiative

Released: 082317 1821

-End-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Camden~Wyoming – The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred west of Camden~Wyoming early this morning.

The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2017 as troopers responded to the unit block of Moose Lodge Road after a 9-1-1 call was placed for a reported home invasion with four suspects. The investigation revealed troopers quickly responded to the location and discovered one of the suspects forced entry into the residence and a struggle ensued with an elderly victim. During the confrontation the victim sustained an injury by one of the suspects.  The victim, who had procured a gun, discharged a round during the altercation striking the floor.  The suspects took the victim’s handgun and fled the residence.  A short time after the 9-1-1 call, troopers observed a suspicious vehicle on Moose Lodge Road and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Troopers observed four subjects with evidence linking them to the home invasion. The subjects were detained, until additional units arrived to assist. All subjects were then apprehended without incident. Upon removing one subject, two firearms were observed near him and seized.

The victim was removed from the scene and transported by EMS to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and treated for serious however non-life threatening injuries.

All four suspects were transported to Troop 3, Camden without incident and were formally charged as follows:

Tyson B. Beckett, 26 of Frederica, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and charged with Assault 1^st degree, Home Invasion, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $191,250.00 cash bond.

Joshua T. Walker, 29 of Georgetown, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and charged with Assault 1^st degree, Home Invasion, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $191,250.00 cash bond.

Brandon D. Satchell, 25 of Millsboro, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and charged with Assault 1^st degree, Home Invasion, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $191,250.00 cash bond.

Anthony Long, 18 of Millsboro,was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and charged with Assault 1^st degree, Home Invasion, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During a Felony and  two counts of Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $211,250.00 cash bond.

Released: 082317 1601

-End-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Milford, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a tractor trailer crash which occurred yesterday afternoon south of Milford.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017 as Donald A. Jones, 43 of Dover, was operating a 2017 Freightliner chicken truck westbound exiting from a private driveway crossing over Coastal Highway (SR1) northbound to travel south on (SR1) near Bakerfield Road. A 2013 GMC Terrain operated by Stephanie Marvel, 43 of Sudlersville, Maryland was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway in the right lane and struck the trailer of the truck with its front bumper. The vehicle traveled a short distance before coming to a controlled stop. The Freightliner truck remained in the crossover lane.

Donald A. Jones was seat belted and was not injured in the collision. He was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way.

Stephanie Marvel was seat belted and removed from the scene. She was transported by EMS to the Beebe Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Delaware State Police continue their investigation into this incident. SR 1 Coastal Highway in the area of the crash was impacted for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Update Road Open**Traffic Advisory** – Troopers Investigating Vehicle Crash with Chicken Truck– Milford

Released: 082317 1311

-End-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz 

Selbyville and Frankford– The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has charged fourteen people after the culmination of a three month long drug investigation into illegal drug sales from an “open air drug market” in the Pollybranch area of Selbyville. Two search warrants were executed at residences in Selbyville and Frankford.

On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit and the Governor’s Task Force worked with the Worcester County Maryland Criminal Enforcement Team, National Guard Counter Drug Programs of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Selbyville Police Department; concluded a joint drug investigation after three months in Sussex County.   The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team is comprised of members from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Ocean City Police Department, and the Pocomoke City Police Department.

The two search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and the Kent County Drug Unit.  The locations are listed as follows:

30,000 block of  Washington Avenue, Selbyville– Investigation revealed this residence was occupied by Janie Handy.  Jayquan Bland was observed standing in front of the residence engaging in hand to hand drug transactions. He threw a plastic bag which contained 216 bags of Heroin.  During the search of the residence, detectives seized the following:  $2938.00 in suspected drug proceeds, seven bags of powder cocaine, eight suboxone strips, and 4.29 grams of Marijuana.

A Nissan Altima occupied by Delane Jacobs was parked in the area of the residence. Detectives made contact with Jacobs in the vehicle and detected the odor of marijuana.  A search of the vehicle was conducted which revealed .44 grams of powder cocaine, $612.00 in suspected drug proceeds and two suboxone strips. A nine year old child was present during the execution of the search warrant. Division of Family Services was notified.

30,000 block of Frankford School Road, Frankford- Investigation revealed this residence was maintained by Jeremiah Handy and Ashley Drummond. During the search of the residence, detectives seized the following:  5,380 bags of Heroin (37.66 grams), 7 grams of marijuana, a loaded Taurus 9mm semi auto handgun and $22,979.00 in suspected drug proceeds.  Detectives also seized $25,000.00 in assets from Handy and Drummond’s bank account.  A twelve year old child was located inside the residence.  The child was turned over to the maternal grandmother at the scene.  Division of Family Services was notified.

In total, Detectives seized 5,596 bags of Heroin (39.172 grams), $51,529.00 in suspected drug proceeds, 3.62 grams of powder cocaine, 11.29 grams of marijuana, 10 suboxone strips and a loaded 9mm handgun.

The following fourteen suspects were charged as a result of the investigation:

• Jeremiah Handy, 32 of Selbyville: PWITD Heroin Tier 4 Quantity, Possession Heroin Tier 5 Quantity, Possession Firearm by Person Prohibited, Money Laundering, Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $126,000.00 cash bond.
• Ashley Drummond, 30 of Frankford: PWITD Heroin Tier 4 Quantity, Possession Heroin Tier 5 Quantity, Possession Firearm by Person Prohibited, Money Laundering, Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $130,000.00 secured bond.
• Janie C. Handy, 28 of Selbyville: PWITD Cocaine, Maintaining a Drug Property, Possession Suboxone, Endangering Welfare of Child, and Poss Drug Para. She was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $10,500.00 cash bond.
• Jayquan Bland, 17 of Laurel: PWITD Heroin, Tampering Physical Evidence, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia, Drug Dealing and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center in default of $12,250.00 cash bond.
• Delane Jacobs, 30 of Selbyville: Possession Cocaine, Possession Suboxone, two counts of Possession Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $1,501.00 secured bond.
• Phillip Michael Smith, 29 of Frankford : Drug Dealing. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed in default of $50,000.00 cash bond.
• David M. Mitchell Jr, 25 of  Selbyville: Drug Dealing with an Aggravating Factor and Conspiracy 2nd degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $22,253.00 secured bond.
• Tycere Bryant, 17 of Selbyville: Drug Dealing. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center in default of $20,000.00 secured bond.

**DSP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following subjects**

• Frederick M. Lynch, 23 of Georgetown: Drug Dealing
• Deshawn C. Handy, 34 of Selbyville: two counts of Drug Dealing
• Edward L. Collick, 28 of Greenwood: Drug Dealing
• Cornell V. Gray, 33 of Greenwood: Drug Dealing
• Timothy E. Sample, 28 of Millville: Drug Dealing and Conspiracy 2^nd        
• Jhajuanye Q. Johnson, 23 of Selbyville: Drug Dealing and Conspiracy 2^nd

If anyone has any information in reference to the location of the listed wanted subjects, they are asked to contact Sergeant M. Dawson at 302-752-3815. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Released: 082317 1131

-End-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

The Delaware State Police would like to offer safety guidelines for a great beginning to this new and exciting school year. With the start of school in the next few weeks thousands of Delaware’s precious children will ride a school bus every day. Some of our youngsters will be introduced to school bus transportation for the first time.  Knowing this, everyone should consistently make safety a high priority for our children walking to and from the school bus stops. Motorists must share the road with buses during the school year and must take into account any possible delays and exercise good judgement and patience throughout the school year.

Delaware’s over 1,800 school buses travel great distances throughout the school year. It is most important to understand the dangers for children and their families. There are some easy steps children, parents and motorists can do to make this a safe school year for Delaware students.

PARENTS

• If your child’s bus stop is not near your home, walk the route to the bus stop with your child until they are familiar with it and follow safe practices.
• Familiarize yourself with the bus driver.
• Make sure you have the Transportation Director’s contact information just in case you have any questions or encounter a problem.

CHILDREN

• Start your day with plenty of time to get to the bus stop.
• Stay alert as you walk to the bus stop. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Know your bus driver and bus number.
• Wait for the bus in a safe place. Avoid horseplay that may cause you to fall into the street.
• Never run to or from the bus.
• When the bus arrives make sure it comes to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
• Don’t push or shove when getting on or off the bus.
• Always keep your arms and head inside the bus.
• Learn about the “danger zone”. There is a 10-foot wide area on all sides of the bus, where the driver cannot see you. When you get off the bus, step outside of the danger zone until you can see the driver’s face.
• Only cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
• Never run behind the bus, or bend down to pick up an object. The bus driver may think you’ve crossed safely and start to move.
• Do not distract the bus driver so that he/she may get you safely to and from school.
• Listen to the bus driver and bus aid to ensure your safety.
• Make sure to be courteous and respectful to the school bus driver.

MOTORISTS

• Please slow down and give yourself some time to make adjustments to the new change in your schedule and traffic patterns.
• Drivers traveling in either direction on a two-lane road must stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights and stop sign or arm.
• Drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus on a four-lane, divided road must stop for a stopped school bus. Drivers travelling in the opposite direction are not required to stop.
• Delaware law requires vehicles to stop even when the bus is stopped to load/unload students on private property.
• Anyone convicted of passing a stopped school bus can be fined as much as $230 dollars for the first offense, and as much as $575 for the second offense. The individual will also have their license suspended for between 1 and 12 months.
• Please watch for the little ones crossing the roads and parking lots to and from the bus or private vehicles.
• Please watch your speed at all times especially in school zones. The School Resource Officers and other law enforcement officers will monitor the safety of all who are going to and from the schools.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

• Thank you so much for doing your part to help keep our precious cargo safe and secure! We thank you for your continued professionalism and courtesy while you drive each day with our children.
• The Delaware State Police wants you to Be Smart, Be Alert, and Be Safe this School Year!

Released: 082317 0931

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle- The Delaware State Police continue to investigate a serious motor vehicle crash which seriously injured a New Castle man this morning.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 10:29 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, August 22, 2017, as Joseph Doughty, 35, was attempting to run across the westbound lanes of DE 273 (Christiana Road) in a southbound direction, just east of Airport Road. As Doughty, who was not utilizing a marked cross walk at the time of the crash, entered the left hand lane, he was struck by a 1994 Honda Accord which was being operated by a 31-year-old Newark woman. The force of the collision vaulted Doughty into the air. He then landed in the roadway where he came to rest. The female operator of the Honda was able to bring her vehicle to a controlled stop at the scene.

Joseph Doughty was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then removed from the scene by ambulance and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries. Doughty was cited by troopers with Failure to Yield the Right of Way, and Crossing at Other Than a Cross Walk.

The female operator of the Honda, as well as an 11 month old female passenger, were also treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to the Christiana Hospital with minor injuries.

Both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane of DE 273 were closed for approximately 1.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Click on link to view original release.

Released: 082217 1845

-end-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Milford- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multi-vehicle crash which occurred this afternoon on SR 1 northbound south of Milford.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred today, Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at approximately 3:10 p.m., on SR 1 northbound in the area of Slaughterneck Road. The crash involves a small vehicle and a chicken truck. Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

All lanes are currently closes in the area of the crash to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 082217 1551

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle: Delaware State Police are currently investigating a motor vehicle crash which has seriously injured a male pedestrian. 

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 10:29 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, August 22, on westbound DE 273 (Christiana Road) east of Airport Road, and involves a single motor vehicle and a male pedestrian. As a result of the crash both the pedestrian and the operator of the motor vehicle have sustained injuries and have been transported to the Christiana Hospital.

Both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane of DE 273 have been closed to traffic. Commuters should expect delays in the area and are asked to seek alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 082217 1057

-end-

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

When: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Where: Delaware State Police (Troop 3) – 3759 South State Street, Camden, Delaware 19934

The Delaware State Police Troop 3,  will sponsor a back to school initiative in Kent County on August 23, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be a short briefing at Troop 3 in the conference room prior to leaving for the communities.  The goal of this initiative will be to target and make a positive impact on the children that live there.  Our hope is to help remind them that it’s “cool” to go back to school. Troopers will be walking through the communities interacting with the children and handing out “COOL” freeze pops. The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit, Public Information Office and the Mounted Patrol Unit will assist in this effort with additional community members, clergy and civic leaders.

Schedule:

Meadowbrook Acres, Magnolia at 12:00 p.m.

Rodney Village, Alder Park, Dover at 1:00 p.m.

Capitol Park, Dover at 2:00 p.m.

Media is invited to the event and the troop for a short briefing at Troop 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Released: 082117 1451

-End-