Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark-  Delaware State Police is currently investigating a shooting incident which has left a Newark man injured.

The initial investigation began at approximately 5:15 a.m. this morning, Friday, June 30, 2017, when troopers were called and responded to the Christiana Hospital after a 21 year old Newark man arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim, who was transported to the hospital in a personally owned vehicle which was occupied by two other subjects, was treated at the hospital for his non-life threatening injury.  Troopers have been unable to determine the exact location of the shooting or the circumstances surrounding it at this time.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Charles Strecker at Troop 2 at 302-365-8413. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 063017 1200

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

West Rehoboth – The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted robbery of a bicyclist that occurred over night near West Rehoboth.

The incident was reported to troopers this morning, Thursday June 29, 2017, around 11:00 a.m. but occurred sometime around 12:45 a.m. when a 21-year-old female was riding her bicycle southbound on the service road adjacent to Coastal Highway near the Secured Self Storage.  A male subject approached her from the right side and pushed her of her bike causing her to fall into some grass.  Once down, the suspect attempted to remove her backpack, but she resisted and was possibly scared off by a passing northbound motor vehicle.  The suspect was unsuccessful in obtaining any of the victim’s belongings and was observed entering a vehicle that may have fled southbound into Rehoboth.  The victim was not reported to be injured in this incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 5’08”-5’10” tall.  No further physical or clothing description available.  No description given of the vehicle.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 062917 1920

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Millsboro– A 72-year-old bicyclist involved in crash with a tractor-trailer on June 15, 2017 has died as a result of his injuries.

Kenneth Tull of Delmar, Maryland died Wednesday June 28, 2017 at Christiana Hospital.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  If anyone may have witnessed this crash, they are asked to contact Corporal N. Demalto of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Please click to view original release – State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit Investigating Serious Crash-Millsboro

Released: 062917 1745

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred early Wednesday evening south of Bridgeville.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday June 28, 2017 as Brandon L. Palmer, 18 of Bridgeville, was operating a 2006 Pontiac G6 southbound on Conrail Road south of Cannon Road.  For unknown reasons, the G6 drove off the west side of the roadway and struck the train tracks before overturning and coming to a stop on the railway.

Brandon Palmer was removed from the scene and airlifted by Delaware State Police Aviation to A.I. DuPont Hospital where he is admitted with undetermined injuries.  It is unknown if Palmer was properly restrained.

A 21-year-old male passenger was properly restrained and did not report any injuries.

Conrail Road was closed between Cannon Road and Hearns Pond Road for approximately one hour while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 062917 1735

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dover – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a subject which occurred in the parking lot of a South Dover area shopping plaza yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at approximately 4:30 p.m., as a male victim was preparing to remove laundry from his vehicle while parked in front of the North Gate Laundromat, located at 1140 South Bay Road.  It was at this time that the victim was approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects held his hand at the top of his pants implying that he had a gun and demanded the victim’s property.  The two suspects then went into the victim’s car and removed his cell phone, some keys, and an electronic device before running back to a passenger car parked on South Bay Road (US113) near Lafferty Lane where another suspect was waiting in the driver’s seat and drove off. The victim was not injured.

The first suspect was described as a black male, 25-30 years old, 5’08”- 5’10” tall, 140-145 lbs., and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants (no further physical or clothing description).  Possibly armed with an unknown type handgun.

The second suspect was described as a black male, 20-25 years old, 5’07”-5’08” tall, 135-140 lbs., and was last seen wearing a red tank top (no further physical or clothing description.  Unknown if he was armed.

The third suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 30-35 years of age, 6’00”-6’01” tall, 230-240 lbs., last seen wearing an orange shirt (no further physical or clothing description).  He was seen operating a newer model Mercury or Lincoln passenger vehicle with possible New Jersey registration.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit at 302-697-2104. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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. 

Released: 062917 0920

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Rehoboth – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Johnny A. Cohen Jr., 31 of Rehoboth, who is wanted for Burglary 2^nd, two counts of Terroristic Threatening, and Criminal Mischief.  He is also wanted on three capiases out of Sussex County courts.

Cohen is wanted in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on Monday May 22, 2017 around 4:25 p.m. when he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s residence and threatened to do harm to her and her house.

If anyone has any information in reference to Johnny Cohen’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Troop 7 at 302-644-5020. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 062817 1530

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Georgetown – A three car crash, including a prison van, sends five people to an area hospital this morning.

The incident occurred around 8:43 a.m. Wednesday June 28, 2017 as 42-year-old male driver of a 2014 Dodge Caravan (Delaware Department of Correction) was stopped for a flagger behind a line of traffic in a construction zone on Old Furnace Road just west of Rementer Road traveling eastbound.  A 27-year-old male driver of a 2012 Chevrolet Impala was stopped directly behind the prison van.  Wilahemina V. Dowdell, 72 of Seaford, was operating a 2011 Jeep Patriot eastbound approaching the stopped traffic and failed to come to a stop.  She struck the rear of the Impala which in turn struck the rear of the Caravan.

The 42-year-old operator (Correctional Officer) of the Caravan, along with another Correctional Officer that was seated in the front passenger’s seat and a 56-year-old male inmate seated in a rear seat, were all transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (NMH) where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 27-year-old operator of the Impala was transported to NMH and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Wilahemina Dowdell was taken to NMH and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  She was cited for Inattentive Driving and Failure to Have Insurance in Possession.

Released: 062817 1450

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

The Delaware State Police is pleased to announce the application process for employment with the Division is now on-line with the State of Delaware Vendor JobAps. The system went live on June 22, 2017 after nine-months of configuration with JobAps, who has been the state vendor for the past few years.  The State Police’s application requirements differ significantly from the other State Agencies.  These proprietary requirements include comprehensive background investigations, physical testing, panel interviews, and medical testing that was not previously part of the State’s contract with JobAps.

The newly designed JobAps module for the State Police replaces the old paper application for all positions within the Division. This on-line access will enhance the State Police’s efficiency internally, but more importantly for those applying for positions with the Division. It is always a challenge recruiting for law enforcement positions and having an applicant complete paper applications was a hurdle, especially for the men and women serving in our military.

The Delaware State Police accepts applications for the position of Trooper Recruit continuously and is currently accepting applications for 92^nd DSP Recruit Class tentatively scheduled for 2018.  However, applicants wishing to begin the testing process in early August must have their applications submitted in JobAps by 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2017.  Applicants received after this date will be considered for a future testing cycle.   For more information, or to apply for a position with the Delaware State Police, visit www.BecomeaTrooper.com .

Released: 062817 1431

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

South Dover – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after information was received linking him to burglaries and a series of robberies in the south Dover area.

Jarel M. Williams, 26, was taken into custody by Dover Police Department at his residence located on Alder Road Tuesday June 27, 2017, after information was received by detectives that he was involved in burglaries to local gas stations and the recent rash of robberies in Kent County.

Detectives were able to associate Williams to two burglaries that were committed near the end of April at the Valero gas station located at 1491 South Governors Avenue as well as two that were committed at the other Valero located at 1612 South Governors Avenue.  In all four cases, Williams smashed a glass door to gain entry, causing more than $2,000.00 in total damage, and then removed over $1,500.00 worth of cigarettes.  Clothing associated with his burglaries were identified through surveillance images and would later be helpful in the recent robbery investigations.

After taking Williams into custody, a search warrant was conducted at his residence and detectives located some of the clothing he wore during the commission of the crimes, in particular, a white hooded sweatshirt that had the words; REHO-BOTH-BEACH printed on the front.  This sweatshirt was worn by Williams during one of the burglaries and in two of the robberies.  A search warrant was also conducted on a vehicle in which Williams was seen operating just prior to his arrest and during the search, a 12 gauge shotgun was recovered.  A computer inquiry revealed the shotgun has been reported stolen from a residence in Frederica on June 13, 2017.

Jarel Williams was transported to Dover Police Department and charged by troopers with three counts of Robbery 1st, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, seven counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Burglary 3rd, four counts of Conspiracy 2nd, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, two counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, four counts of Theft, four counts of Criminal Mischief.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $361,750.00 cash bond.

If anyone has any information on these incidents or additional suspects, they are asked to contact Sergeant J. Lloyd at 302-698-8434. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP

See the following links for robbery releases:

Detectives Investigating Robbery of South Dover Gas Station

Troopers Investigating Robbery of Rodney Village Liquor Store

Troopers Investigate Gas Station Robbery- Felton

Released: 062817 1415

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle (19720) – All of the northbound lanes of I-95 south of the I-495 split have been re-opened to traffic. Commuters should still expect heavy traffic in the area.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Click on link to view original advisory.

Released: 062817 1000

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