**Update** Serious Crash Investigated South of Odessa

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Odessa – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred Friday evening involving a motorcycle and car.

The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. Friday August 11, 2017 as a 43-year-old Townsend male was operating a 2007 Toyota Corolla southbound on DuPont Parkway (US13) before making a U-turn at the intersection with Chestnut Lane to travel northbound on US13.  As the Corolla turned onto northbound US13, a 2005 Kawasaki motorcycle, traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, stuck the rear passenger’s side of the Corolla.  The 18-year-old motorcycle operator was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on the roadway.  The Toyota came to an immediate stop after the impact.

The 18-year-old motorcyclist was transported from the scene by EMS and transported to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted in critical condition.

The 43-year-old male operating the Corolla was uninjured.

US13 northbound was closed for approximately two hours with the crash was investigated and cleared.  No charges have been filed as the investigation is ongoing.

Click to View Original Release: **Traffic Advisory** Serious Crash Investigated South of Odessa

Released: 081217 2015

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Kent County Drug Unit Arrest Six in Heroin and Cocaine Investigation

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Magnolia – The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit has arrested six people after the culmination of a four month long investigation into illegal drug sales from three separate residences.

On Thursday August 10, 2017 around 11:40 a.m., the Kent County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force and the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), conducted three separate search warrants for residences on Woodville Drive and Millchop Lane.  The first two were conducted simultaneously in the 100 block of Woodville Drive, Sonia J. Griffin, 52, Frank Ramos, 56, Allen J. Simms, 39, Lawrence D. Horsey, 42, and Ida M. Wright, 30, were all taken into custody without incident.  A search of one of the houses on Woodville Drive revealed 1.7 grams of crack cocaine, 0.455 grams of heroin, 11 Oxycodone pills, 16 doses of Carbidopa/Levodpa, a 9mm pistol with the serial number obliterated, an unknown type of revolver, and over $2,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.  No illicit narcotics were located in the second residence on Woodville Drive.

At the third residence, located in the 500 block of Millchop Lane, Amanda Turner, 29, was taken into custody without incident due to her involvement in the drug investigation.  No illicit narcotics were located in the residence.

All six subjects were transported back to Troop 3 where they were charged with the following:

Lawrence Horsey was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy 2nd, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $13,000.00 cash bond.

Ida Wright was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $7,000.00 secured bond.

Amanda Turner was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy 2nd, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $13,000.00 secured bond.

Sonia Griffin was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Maintaining a Drug Property, Conspiracy 2nd, four counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was arraigned at JP2 and released after posting $1,850.00 secured bond.

Frank Ramos was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Maintaining a Drug Property, Conspiracy 2nd, four counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP2 and released after posting $1,550.00 secured bond.

Allen Simms was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Conspiracy 2nd.  He was arraigned at JP2 and released after posting $1,115.00 secured bond.

 

Released: 081217 1000

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Collision Reconstruction Unit Investigating August 2nd Fatal Crash

Fatal Crash Silverside Rd

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Wilmington (19810) – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash after a 63-year-old man died from injuries in an August 2nd crash.

The initial investigation revealed the collision occurred around 10:36 a.m. Wednesday August 2, 2017 as a 21-year-old Wilmington man was operating a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer northbound in the parking of Shoppes of Graylyn stopped at the stop sign attempting to turn left to travel westbound on Silverside Road.  Dennis R. Smith, 63 of Claymont, was operating at 2006 Mercury Milan eastbound on Silverside Road approaching stopped traffic west of the exit at Shoppes of Graylyn and Marsh Road.  Smith crossed the double-yellow center line of eastbound Silverside Rd and passed stopped vehicles on the left to enter the left turn lane for northbound Marsh Road. Vehicles in the straight through lane of eastbound Silverside Road left space open to allow vehicles to exit from the shopping center and when the Mountaineer began to turn left for westbound Silverside Road, the Milan collided with left front corner of the Mountaineer.

Dennis Smith, who was not properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted with serious injuries.  He died as a result of his injuries on Thursday August 10, 2017.

The 21-year-old male was slightly injured, but refused medical treatment at the scene.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol and drugs are not contributing factors in this case.

Released: 081217 0850

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Pedestrian Struck on Philadelphia Pike – Claymont

Philly Pike Harvey Rd Ped Crash

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Claymont – The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash in which a pedestrian was struck early Friday evening.

The incident occurred around 9:51 p.m. Friday August 11, 2017 at a 22-year-old Chester, Pennsylvania woman was operating a 2010 Mazda sedan southbound on Philadelphia Pike (US13) approaching Harvey Road.  The Mazda was initially in the center through lane and moved into the left turn lane when she struck a 48-year-old Claymont man standing in the middle of the turn lane. The male was forced up into the windshield of the car before falling to the ground upon the vehicle coming to an immediate stop.

The 48-year-old man, whose name is being withheld pending family notifications, was transported by EMS to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted in critical condition.  He was cited by troopers for Failure to Cross at a Marked Crosswalk and Failure to Carry a Light on a Public Roadway.

The 22-year-old female driver was uninjured in the collision.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.  When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.  Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Tips for pedestrians:

  • Wear reflective clothing, a blinking light or use your cell phone’s flashlight.
  • Use a crosswalk.
  • Be focused. Be aware of your surroundings and not distracted with your cell phone.
  • Walk on the sidewalk when available, not the shoulder. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  • Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
  • Never walk under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Tips for drivers:

  • Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
  • Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
  • Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Pedestrian safety information to educate and share can be found at http://www.ohs.delaware.gov/pedestrian.shtml. For more information on pedestrian safety visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians.

Released: 081217 0755

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Hartly Man Arrested After Hit and Run Crash near Woodside

 

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Woodside – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Hartly man after he crashed into another vehicle and fled the scene.

The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. Friday August 11, 2017 as Shawn R. Shane, 37, was operating a 1999 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck westbound on Walnut Shade Road stopped in the road just east of South DuPont Highway (US13).  A 53-year-old Magnolia man, operating a 2004 Buick SUV, saw the truck parked in the roadway and noticed it wasn’t moving with the traffic.  He then drove around the truck and parked in front as he noticed the operator passed out at the wheel.  When the 53-year-old male knocked on the window of the truck, the male operator who was later identified as Shane, woke up and accelerated into the back of the Buick.  The Buick driver was not injured.

A 9-1-1 call was placed by the 53-year-old male about the collision and EMS and troopers were dispatched to the scene.  EMS personnel arrived at the scene first and attempted to remove Shane from the driver’s seat, but he placed his vehicle in drive and drove away almost striking one of the EMTs and dragging the other.  Neither of the EMTs were injured.

Troopers were able to locate the truck about a mile north of the initial scene on US13 northbound near Longacre Drive, but the driver had fled on foot through the development and was not located.  Information inside the vehicle identified Shawn Shane as the driver.

Later that day around 2:00 p.m., Shane turned himself into troopers at Troop 3 near Camden and was charged with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (the Truck), Reckless Endangering 1st, Reckless Endangering 2nd, Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument (Knife located in vehicle), Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana (2.12 grams located in vehicle), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision, Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Failure to Have Insurance in Possession, Failure to Provide Information at a Collision Scene, Inattentive Driving,  and No Person Shall Stop, Park or Leave Standing any Vehicle Upon a Roadway.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $8,153.00 secured bond.

Released: 081217 0715

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State Police Investigating Home Invasion – Ellendale

Ellendale Home Invasion

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Ellendale – The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred in the town limits of Ellendale early this morning.

The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Friday August 11, 2017 when troopers responded to the 13000 block of South Old State Road for a reported home invasion. The investigation revealed that an unknown subject wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt knocked on the door and requested to use the phone.  After being refused entry, the suspect went to another door and forced his way into the residence, displaying a knife.  The suspect then direct all four occupants of the house to get down on the floor while demanding money.  Within a few minutes, the suspect fled without any money or items through a rear door after observing one of the victims on a cell phone.  None of the victims were injured in the incident.

The suspect was described as a male, 5’05”- 5’07” tall, 150-160 lbs, wearing dark clothing consisting of a hooded sweatshirt, black mask, dark color jeans, and displayed a kitchen style knife.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective T. Williams-Snipes at 302-752-3897. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Released: 081117 2015

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**Traffic Advisory** Serious Crash Investigated South of Odessa

Odessa Serious Crash

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Odessa – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and car.

The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. Friday August 11, 2017 on northbound DuPont Parkway (US13) in the area of Spring Creek Drive just south of Odessa.  One person has been transported from the scene with serious injuries.

US13 northbound south of Spring Creek Drive is currently closed.  Commuters should expect delays in the area and find alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 081117 2000

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Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Fraud Suspects

Skimming Suspects

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Sussex County – Delaware State Police are investigating incidents in which a credit card skimming device may have been used at Seaford area gas stations in July 2017.

Detectives with the Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit have been investigating credit card frauds that have taken place at the end of July 2017 after a customer found fraudulent transactions on their account.  Investigators were able to use the fraudulent purchases to track them back to a pair of gas stations on Stein Highway near Seaford that may have had the gas pumps tampered with by someone installing skimming devices.

Through further investigation, which included reviewing video surveillance footage, troopers were able to identify possible suspects in the incidents (pictured) and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying them.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the pictured suspects, they are asked to contact Sergeant D. Rementer at 302-752-3814.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Troopers are offering tips on how to detect skimming devices:

1. Check for Cameras
Look for cameras anywhere that would have a view of the keypad. These cameras are installed by scammers so they can tape you entering your PIN. Covering the keypad with your other hand while you enter your PIN will help defeat most cameras.

2. Pull on the Card Slot
The actual skimming device is usually placed directly over the actual card slot, but since scammers don’t often have hours to properly install skimmers, the illegal device may come off in your hands with just a few gentle tugs.

3. Wiggle the Keypad
Since placing your hand over the keypad will defeat most PIN-stealing cameras, some suspects are placing their own keypads over the ATM’s as a way of recording users’ PINs. So give that keypad a wiggle and if it feels loose, find another ATM.

If you notice any suspected tampering, immediately notify the store manager.

  • Monitor your account on a regular basis so that suspect activity can be identified quickly and reported to the bank. You can quickly and easily review your activity through the bank’s online, mobile or telephone banking which may help you identify suspect activity quickly.
  • Online and mobile banking also offer a variety of email and text alerts when a card transaction is processed on your account so that you can have the bank restrict your card if you have transactions you did not authorize.

Released: 081117 1925

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Homeless Sex Offender Notification

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

DoverThe 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.

Please click on thumbnails to enlarge:

Released: 081117 1800

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LAW ENFORCEMENT GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT

84 Municipal Class Photo

Who:

  • 84th Municipal Recruit Class

When:

  • Friday, August 11, 2017, at 4:00 p.m.

Location:

  • Dover High School (Auditorium)
  • 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, Delaware

Dignitaries Addressing the Graduates:

  • Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, State of Delaware
  • Lieutenant Governor Bethany A. Hall-Long, State of Delaware
  • Attorney General Matthew P. Denn, State of Delaware
  • Secretary Robert M. Coupe, Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security
  • Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Superintendent, Delaware State Police

Key Agenda Events:

  • Class Speech:
  • Patrolman Alvin V. Hudson III, Dover Police Department
  • Keynote Speaker:
  • Major General Tom Thomas, Retired, United States Air Force

Resume:

Dover, DE – Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. announces the graduation ceremonies for the 84th Municipal Recruit Class.

The ceremonies will celebrate and recognize the successful completion of Law Enforcement training of 15 Law Enforcement Officers representing the Cheswold Police Department, Delaware State University Police Department, Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes, Dover Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Newark Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

**Awards**

The Attorney General’s Award for Legal Excellence:

  • Patrolman Michael A. Kealty, Smyrna Police Department

The Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Award

  • Patrolman Alvin V. Hudson III, Dover Police Department

The Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council Award 

  • Deputy Tyler A. Sipple, Office of the State Fire Marshal

The Delaware State Police Academy Law Enforcement Core Values Award

  • Patrolman Brayan M. Chavez-Rivera, Georgetown Police Department

The Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award

  • Patrolman Anthony E. Sapienza II, Delaware State University Police Department

The Delaware State Police Academy Physical Fitness Award

  • Patrolman Alvin V. Hudson III, Dover Police Department

Released: 08/11/17 1800

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