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

New Castle (19720) – Delaware State Police have arrested a New Castle man and charged him in connection with the armed robbery of an area deli which occurred yesterday afternoon.

The investigation began at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, after a male suspect entered the Country Maid located at 192 Christiana Road. The suspect displayed a handgun and confronted a female clerk. He then demanded and received an undisclosed amount of money from the cash registers before exiting the business and fleeing on foot. The female clerk was not injured.

A witness who was entering the deli as the suspect was exiting, learned that he had just robbed the store and followed him in a northbound direction on Pleasant Place. This information was relayed to responding troopers, who located the suspect in the rear of the Pleasantville Elementary School. The suspect, later identified as Santos M. Banks, 31, ran from troopers, but was apprehended following a short foot pursuit.

Santos Banks was transported to Troop 2 where he was subsequently arrested and charged with Robbery 1st Degree and Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $45,000.00 secured bail.

Released: 081717 1420

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Middletown- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multi-vehicle crash which occurred this afternoon on DE Rt. 1, Middletown.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred today, Thursday, August 17, 2017 at approximately 1:33 p.m., on southbound DE Rt. 1 in the area of the Biddles Toll Plaza and includes multiple vehicles including an overturned tractor-trailer. Injuries have been reported in the crash, however, the exact number and extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

Both the northbound and southbound EZ Pass lanes at the toll plaza have been closed 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: 081717 1410

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

Bear- Delaware State Police have arrested one adult and three juveniles following the armed robbery of a Bear area pharmacy which occurred yesterday.

The investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 9:49 a.m. yesterday, Wednesday, August 16, 2017, as three male suspects entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 701 Governors Place. The suspects, who were all armed with handguns, approached the pharmacy sales counter where they confronted two female employees and demanded prescription medication. The employees complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of medicine to them. The three suspects then fled the store and entered a waiting car, which was being operated by a fourth suspect, later identified as Mark Singleton, 18, of New Castle. The vehicle, a tan Dodge Stratus, then fled the parking lot. The two female employees were not injured and were able to provide a description of the fleeing vehicle and the suspects to responding troopers.

A short time later, troopers conducting a search for the car, observed the Dodge Stratus traveling in a northbound direction on US13 (N. DuPont Highway) just south of Rogers Road, New Castle. A vehicle stop of the Stratus was then attempted, however, Singleton refused to stop. He then led troopers and other responding police agencies on a short vehicle pursuit on northbound US13. The Stratus subsequently exited the roadway in the area of S. Walnut Street south of A Street, Wilmington, where it became disabled. All four suspects then fled from the vehicle on foot, but were apprehended a short time later.

Mark Singleton, Halim Evans, 15, of Newark, Nadir Evans, 17, of Newark, and Jordyn Williams, 17, of Bear, were all transported to Troop 2 where they were each arrested and charged by detectives with Robbery 1st degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, and Aggravated Menacing. Singleton, who was additionally charged with multiple traffic offenses, was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $15,000.00 secured bail.

Nadir Evans and Jordyn Williams were arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center in default of $37,000.00 cash bail. Halim Evans was also arraigned at JP Court 2. He was committed to the New Castle County Detention in default of $44,000.00 cash bail.

Released: 081717 0640

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested two people following an investigation into illegal drug distribution.

On Monday August 14, 2017 at approximately 6:45 p.m. the Sussex County Drug Unit with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor's Task Force and Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant in the 24000 block of Concord Pond Road.  Upon arrival, Fred Clanton Jr., 58 of Bridgeville, and Willie J. Adamson, 53 of Seaford, were both taken into custody without incident.  Clanton was found to have 17.73 grams of crack cocaine and 113 bags (0.791 grams) of heroin in is possession.  Information was received that Clanton was storing a large amount of illegal narcotics in the truck of a white Acura that was parked at a residence located in the 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville.  Detectives responded to that location and obtained a consent search on the vehicle which yielded 2,440 bags (17.08 grams) of heroin.

Fred Clanton and Willie Adamson were both transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where Clanton was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity (Heroin), Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin, and Possession With Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine.  He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $90,000.00 cash bond.

Willie Adamson was charged with Maintaining a Drug Property and released on $4,000.00 unsecured bond.

Released: 081517 1100

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

Odessa – The 18-year-old motorcyclist who was seriously injured in the two vehicle crash which occurred on US Rt. 13 just south of Odessa on Friday, August 11, 2017, has succumbed to his injuries. The victim, identified as Josiah W. Wible, 18, of Townsend, was pronounced dead at the Christiana Hospital on Saturday, August 12, 2017.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Click on link to view original release.

Click on link to view first update.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Georgetown – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a bicycle and car that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred around 5:46 a.m. Sunday August 13, 2017 as a 59-year-old Lewes man was operating a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (US9) just east of Kits Burrow Court.  David L. Clark, 35 of Georgetown, was bicycling westbound in the travel lane just ahead of the Jeep.  The operator of the Jeep was unable to see the bicycle in time due to the low light and struck the rear of the bicycle with the front bumper.  The bicyclist was thrown up onto the front of the SUV before landing in the roadway.  The Jeep pulled immediately to the westbound shoulder after the collision.

David Clark, who was not wearing a helmet and was wearing dark colored clothing, was transported by EMS to Beebe Healthcare where he was admitted in serious but stable condition.  He was cited for Failure to Stay to the Right of the Roadway While Operating a Bicycle.

The 59-year-old Jeep driver was properly restrained and uninjured.

US9 between Gravel Hill Road and Prettyman Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Click to View Original Release: **Traffic Advisory** Serious Crash Investigated East of Georgetown

Released: 081317 1835

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford – The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the 31-year-old Bridgeville man that was killed in the early Sunday morning crash as Eliud Vasquez.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

Click to View Original Release: Single Vehicle Fatal Crash Investigated East of Seaford

Released: 081317 1755

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Wilmington (19809) – The Delaware State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred Saturday afternoon when a truck went down an embankment.

The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. Saturday August 12, 2017 as a 79-year-old Wilmington man was operating a 2015 Ford F150 pickup truck southbound on Carr Road from Marsh Road.  For undetermined reasons, the truck collided with a guardrail face with its front right bumper and then veered to its left, crossing over a concrete median into the northbound lanes, where it went through the guardrail on the opposite side. The truck then came to a stop nose down in a vertical position above Shellpot Creek.

The 79-year-old driver was extricated from the vehicle and transported by EMS to Christiana Medical Center where he was treated for undetermined injuries.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and no charges have been filed.  The roadway was closed for three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 081317 1145

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred east of Seaford.

The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Sunday August 13, 2017 as a 31-year-old Bridgeville man was operating a 2003 Hyundai XG sedan northbound on King Road just north of Dove Road at an apparent high rate of speed.  While attempting to negotiate a moderate right curve on a rain soaked roadway, the operator lost control, causing the car to rotate in a clockwise direction off the east side of the roadway.  The front of the Hyundai then struck a large tree causing a violent rotation, partially ejecting the driver, while simultaneously striking a second tree before coming to a stop.

The 31-year-old operator was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.  His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this case.  King Road was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 081317 0730

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Sussex County – A multi-jurisdictional investigation into the illegal drug trafficking organization involving multiple subjects conducted by the Delaware State Police and Delaware Department of Justice has concluded with the arrest or indictment of 40 individuals on over 190 criminal charges. This organization was responsible for the distribution of various amounts of cocaine and heroin in the last nine months.

Operation “Golden Horseshoe” concluded on June 14, 2017. The Sussex County Drug Unit and the Delaware Department of Justice organized and conducted this operation with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, Kent and New Castle County Drug Units, Kent and New Castle County Governor’s Task Force, the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware Department of Corrections, Seaford Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, along with Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey National Guard.  During this Operation, investigators used numerous investigative techniques to identify members involved in violent crime and the distribution of large amounts of Cocaine and Heroin in Sussex County.

Through the investigation, detectives were able to establish that the illegal drug trafficking organization headed by Lamont M. Johnson, Antonio P. Holder, James J. Jones, and Yusef L. Matthews, all whom have been charged with directing a significant cocaine and heroin network in western Sussex County, primarily the Coverdale area. Sonia E. Chavez (AKA – Maria Zakrociemski) was identified as organizing and distributing a significant quantity of heroin in the Oak Orchard and Long Neck areas.  The operation involved the execution of search warrants at 11 different residential locations throughout Sussex County which resulted in the arrest or indictment of 40 individuals on numerous drug and weapons offenses.

As a result of the investigation, eleven search and seizure warrants were approved by the Superior Court of Sussex County for the following locations:

• 11000 block of Evans Drive, Bridgeville
• 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville
• 20000 block of Booker T. Washington Street, Bridgeville
• 11000 block of Evans Drive, Bridgeville
• 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville
• 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville
• 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, Bridgeville
• 400 block of Elizabeth Cornish Landing, Bridgeville
• 30000 block of Mount Joy Road, Millsboro
• 26000 block of Bay Farm Road, Millsboro
• 30702 Sussex Highway, Relax Inn, Laurel

The total seizure amount during the investigation is listed as follows:

• $156,124.00 in suspected drug proceeds
• 278.95 grams of powder cocaine
• 12.15 grams of crack cocaine
• 2262 bags of Heroin(15.834 grams)
• 157.52 grams of marijuana
• Glock 9mm pistol
• Various items of stolen property were also recovered.

The below subjects were linked and charged with the following crimes:

Lamont M. Johnson, 38 of Bridgeville: Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWITD) a Controlled Substance in Tier 4 quantity; Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity; Conspiracy 2nd (6 counts); Money Laundering; Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (6 counts); Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance – Second Offense; Possession Drug Paraphernalia.  Committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $637,200.00 cash bond.

Antonio P. Holder, 28 of Bridgeville: PWITD Controlled Substance (3 cts); Conspiracy 2nd (4cts); Money Laundering; Possession Firearm by Person Prohibited; PWITD Controlled Substance Tier 4 quantity; Possession Controlled Substance Tier 5 quantity; PWITD Controlled Substance Tier 2 quantity. Committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $659,000.00 cash bond.

James Jones, 28 of Bridgeville: Possession of a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 quantity; PWITD Controlled Substance in Tier 4 quantity; Money Laundering (2cts); PWITD Controlled Substance (3cts); Conspiracy 2nd (3cts).  Committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $194,000.00 cash bond.

Yusef L. Matthews, 40 of Seaford: PWITD a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, PWITD a controlled substance (3cts), Possess a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity, Conspiracy 2nd (3cts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd. Committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $50,000.00 secured bond.

Sonia Chavez, AKA Maria Zakrociemski, 65 of Millsboro: PWITD a controlled substance (27cts), Conspiracy 2nd (25cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd (6cts), PWITD a controlled substance in a Tier 2 quantity. Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts). Committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (DJBWCI) on $242,400.00 cash bond.

Patrisha Cannon, 32 of Laurel: Possession Controlled Substance Tier 5 quantity; PWITD Controlled Substance Tier 4 quantity; Conspiracy 2nd; Possession Drug Paraphernalia (2cts).  Held at DJBWCI in default of $122,400 cash bond.

Donald Carey, 28 of Lincoln: Possession Controlled substance Tier 3 quantity; Possession Drug Paraphernalia (2cts); Conspiracy 2nd (3cts) PWITD Controlled Substance Tier 2 quantity (2cts); Criminal Solicitation 2nd.   Held at SCI in default of $85,000.00 bond.

Nyier Starks, 24 of New Castle: PWITD a controlled substance, Conspiracy 2nd. Held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $12,000.00 cash bond.

Duayne L. Thompson, 34 of Seaford: PWITD a controlled substance, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Held at SCI in default of $15,000.00 cash bond.

Odrift M. Ulysses, 33 of Laurel: Second Offense PWITD a control substance (2cts), Possess a controlled substance in a Tier 1 quantity with two aggravating factors, Possession of Marijuana – Subsequent Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts), PWITD a controlled substance (2cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd, Possess/Consume Marijuana Personal Use Quantity 21 or older – Civil Violation. Held at SCI in default of $61,000.00 cash bond.

Lavocia I. Callahan, 46 of Millsboro: PWITD a controlled substance, Conspiracy 2nd. Held at SCI in default of $10,000.00 secured bond.

Pamela J. Bergman, 56 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription (2cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd (2cts), Conspiracy 2nd (2cts). Held at Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $2,500.00 secured bond.

Robert Levan, 34 of Harrington: PWITD a controlled substance (2cts), 3rd Offense – PWITD a control substance (2cts), Tampering with physical evidence, Conspiracy 2nd Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3cts). Released after posting $53,000.00 secured bond.

Lexus M. Bailey, 21 of Blades: PWITD Controlled Substance; Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Leslie A. Johnson, 40 of Seaford: PWITD a controlled substance (5cts), Conspiracy 2nd (4cts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts). Released on unsecured bond.

Lakota S. Norwood, 24 of Harbeson: PWITD a controlled substance, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Jose A. Serpa, 37 of Bridgeville: PWITD a controlled substance, Possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 3 quantity, Possess a controlled substance Tier 3 quantity and an aggravating factor, PWITD a controlled substance w/ an aggravating factor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Released on unsecured bond.

Donshell T. Weston, 32 of Seaford: PWITD a controlled substance (2cts), 3rd Offense – PWITD a control substance (2cts), Tampering with physical evidence, Conspiracy 2nd Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3cts). Released on Bond.

Todd D. Culver, 49 of Greenwood: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription w/aggravating factor, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts), Driving While Suspended, Failure to have insurance identification in possession. Released on bond.

Keith A. Dockins, 58 of Salisbury, Maryland: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription w/aggravating factor, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2cts), Failure to Signal. Released on Bond.

Shaina Andell, 29 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription w/aggravating factor, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

James V. Bryant, 61 of Ocean View: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription (5cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd (5cts), Conspiracy 2nd (5cts). Released on bond.

Karin M. Flowers, 36 of Georgetown: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

April A. Grant, 35 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Keith A. Grew, 51 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

William J. Hendrickson, 61 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Chad E. Hopper, 33 of Frankford: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Tiffany R. Klinger, 38 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Colleen J. Patterson, 57 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

David G. Richards, 48 of Rehoboth Beach: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Joseph Unsworth, 43 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Raymond H. Willis, 46 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Brad A. Wilt, 35 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd. Released on unsecured bond.

Robin A. Wriston, 52 of Rehoboth Beach: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd.  Released on unsecured bond.

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

• Demetrio R. Stewart, 37 of Milford: PWITD a controlled substance, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd
• Vera E. Curtis, 38 of Dagsboro: PWITD a controlled substance (2cts), Conspiracy 2nd (2cts).
• Sarah A. Seamen, 55 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd.
• Larry C. Reich, 47 of Palmyra, Pennsylvania: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription, Criminal Solicitation 2nd, Conspiracy 2nd.
• Ernest M. Lofland, 50 of Frankford: PWITD a controlled substance, Conspiracy 2nd.
• Brian K. Barlow, 33 of Millsboro: Possession of a Controlled/Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone w/o prescription (2cts), Criminal Solicitation 2nd (2cts), Conspiracy 2nd (2cts).

“Heroin is a major contributor to criminal activity in Sussex County and throughout Delaware. The State Police and DOJ deputies, investigators and staff have worked tirelessly to address it, and Attorney General Denn has made dealing with substance use issues a priority. Heroin, fentanyl and mixtures of these drugs are a danger to public safety for drug users, police, emergency personnel, and others who may come into contact with them. Mere contact with these substances can be fatal,” said David Hume, Sussex County Prosecutor at the Department of Justice. “Operation Golden Horseshoe dealt a significant blow to criminal organizations responsible for the presence of heroin and other dangerous drugs in Sussex County. In addition to our law enforcement partners at the Delaware State Police, I would like to recognize the contributions of Deputy Attorneys General Haley King and Michael Tipton for their continuing efforts in this case.”

“The success of this investigation demonstrates that it will take the collaborative efforts of all of our law enforcement partners and the cooperation and support of effected communities to target and dismantle drug organizations plaguing neighborhoods across our State” said Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent of Delaware State Police.  “Thank you to our Troopers, prosecutors and all of our federal state and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this investigation.  All of our agencies remain committed to working with our communities to reduce violent crime and drug trafficking throughout the State of Delaware.”

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: 081317 0700

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