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

Dover– The 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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Who:

• 84^th 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 84^th 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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

Dover, DE- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address.  If anyone knows the location of these subjects, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Released: 081117 1800

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

Newark (19711) – The New Castle County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) have arrested a New Castle man after he was found to be in possession of illegal drugs in the parking lot of an area apartment complex.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, after GTF members were conducting proactive enforcement in the Abbey Walk Apartments, located at 39 Abbey Lane, Newark, following public complaints of drug dealing in the complex. It was at this time that Task Force members observed a silver Ford Focus in the parking lot. The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, never entered into any of the buildings of the complex and did not appear to be a tenant of any of the apartments. The male subject was, however, approached by two female subjects on two separate occasions and appeared to conduct drug transactions with each of them. GTF members then approached the Ford Focus at which time the male subject, later identified as Jose A. Silvestre-Soto, 30, was observed throwing bags of illegal narcotics into the back seat. Silvestre-Soto was then removed from the vehicle. Task Force members subsequently located 15.3 grams of heroin, 8.7 grams of crack cocaine, and 5 grams of powder cocaine inside of the car.

Silvestre-Soto was transported to Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released after posting a $123,500.00 secured bail.

Released: 081117 1125

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

Wilmington (19804) – Delaware State Police have arrested a 15-year-old Wilmington youth and charged him with multiple crimes following a burglary investigation.

The investigation began on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at approximately 4:30 a.m., after troopers responded to the C.A.R. Shop, located at 2205 Mitch Road, following an alarm activation. Upon their arrival, troopers observed five subjects flee from the business and gave chase on foot. Four of the subjects were able to escape, however, a 15-year-old Philadelphia male was located and apprehended a short distance away after falling off a wall and injuring his leg. The male suspect was transported from the scene by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital, where he was admitted for his non-life threatening injuries.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered that the suspects had smashed the front window of the C.A.R. Shop and gained entry into the business. The suspects then removed 18-20 sets of vehicle keys from inside. It was later discovered that a red Hyundai Tiburon, which was found parked in front of the business had been stolen from Juarez Auto Repair, located at 2209 Mitch Road. Troopers also located the vehicle keys, which had been stolen from the C.A.R. Shop, inside of the Hyundai. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had also attempted to steal a Nissan Sentra, which was also parked near the businesses.

On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, troopers again responded to the C.A.R. Shop for a second burglary to the business. The suspects gained entry to the business by breaking through a sheet of wood that had been placed over the window which had been  broken the morning before. The suspects proceeded to remove a lock box containing vehicle keys, cash, and a business credit card from the business. They then proceeded to steal a red 2009 VW Jetta and black 2007 Nissan Murano belonging to customers of the business.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a Delaware State Police detective, who was conducting a follow-up investigation and canvas of the area, observed the stolen black Nissan Murano parked on Fenwick Avenue, in the Kiamensi Gardens development. A 15-year-old Marshallton male, and lone occupant of the car, was taken into custody without incident. It was learned that prior to the discovery of the car, a second occupant of the vehicle, identified as I’Zaya Radke, had exited the car and had responded to his home located on Stanton Road. Responding troopers then secured the perimeter of the home. A short time later, I’Zaya Radke’s mother arrived at the residence and advised troopers of his current location. Radke was then taken into custody at a local business without incident.

A search warrant of the home was then executed at which time detectives located evidence linking I’Zaya Radke to the burglaries and car thefts. Further investigation revealed that Radke was also responsible for an attempted burglary of Major Motors, located at 2010 Mitch Road, which had occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017.

Radke was subsequently transported to Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Burglary 3rd Degree, 4 counts of Criminal Mischief, 3 counts of Conspiracy 2nd degree, Theft, 2 counts of Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center in default of $25,500.00 secured bail.

The investigation into these incidents is continuing and more arrests are expected. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Bridget Harris at Troop 2 at 302-365-8410. 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.

Released: 081017 1640

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police Drug Diversion Unit investigators have arrested a Philadelphia woman and charged her in connection with providing fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances to numerous individuals.

The investigation began in May of 2017, after members of the Delaware State Police Drug Diversion Unit (DDU) responded to the Walgreens Pharmacy, located at 38 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear, in reference to a subject who was attempting to use a forged prescription for narcotic drugs. Upon their arrival, agents took Devon Hawkes, 25, of Bear, into custody. They then learned that Hawkes had responded to the pharmacy and had presented a prescription which was purportedly signed by a Wilmington area doctor however, it was determined that the prescription was ficticious.

Devon Hawkes was transported to Troop 2, where after further investigation, it was learned that a former medical assistant at the Wilmington area doctor’s office, identified as Annette Scott, 49, had stolen blank prescription pads from the office and forged the doctor’s signature on them. She then distributed 23 prescriptions, all of which were for controlled substances, to several individuals, including Devon Hawkes. The individuals would then fill the prescriptions at area pharmacies and use their Medicaid Insurance to pay for the fraudulent prescriptions.

Annette Scott, who arrested by DDU agents on Monday, July 31, 2017, was charged with a total of 23 felonies including Theft of a Blank Prescription Form or Pad, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, Forgery 2nd Degree, Insurance Fraud, Identity Theft, and Conspiracy 2nd. She was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution in default of $43,000.00 secured bail.

Devon Hawkes was arrested by agents on June 30, 2017. He was charged with a total of 19 felonies and 2 misdemeanors to include Obtaining or Attempting to Obtain a Controlled Substance by Fraud, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Forgery, and Receiving Stolen Property. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $10,500.00 unsecured bail.

This investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Released: 081017 1615

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

The Delaware State Police celebrated the winners of the 2017 Delaware State Police Community Outreach Art Contest at an award ceremony on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at the Delaware State Police Museum in Dover. Students from schools throughout the State participated in this very neat art contest from Kindergarten through Sixth Grade.

Sergeant Richard Bratz said, “I would also like to thank the moms and dads, brothers and sisters and other family members who lend a hand to help these very fine artists with their drawings. It is not only the picture of art that we appreciate; it’s also the message of each boy and girl expressed in their title that we are grateful for. Titles like: “Police Help Our Community, Police Are Our Friends, In Honor Of Our Police, Protected By The Blue, Police Are A Part Of Our Community, Police Rock!, Nation Protectors.” I particularly liked the artwork titled “Officer Ponytails, Heroes Helping, Trooper In Action and last but certainly not least, Community Friend.” Choosing a good title for your art is important. It says something about what the drawing means to you. Boys and girls, we are humbled by your kind words and strengthen by your inspiring message, so…thank you for sharing your art with all of us.”

The honorary speaker was our Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. and Corporal Heather Imhof.

Also those in attendance were Deputy Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Monroe Hudson, members of the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit, Captain Glenn Dixon, and Senior Corporal Juanita Huey. Additionally, over 100 family members and friends of the honored students came out to support the event. The artwork will be proudly displayed here at the Delaware State Police Museum.

Delaware State Police Sponsors Children’s Art Contest

Delaware State Police Announces Winners of Art Contest

Released: 081017 1521

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

Wilmington- Sara Freebery , the 35-year-old female pedestrian who was struck on US202 on Saturday, July 29, 2017, has succumbed to her injuries. Freebery was pronounced dead this morning at the Christiana Hospital, where she had been admitted in critical condition.

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

Click on link to view first update.

Click to view original release.

Released: 081017 1505

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

Newark – The Delaware State Police continue to investigate a multi-vehicle crash in which three people were injured that occurred yesterday afternoon near Newark.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at approximately 3:19 p.m., as Alfonzo Cruz, 39, of Elkton, MD, was operating a 2014 Dodge Ram and was traveling in a southbound direction on SR1, north of DE273 (Christiana Road). Traffic traveling in front of Cruz stopped suddenly due to debris in the roadway. Cruz, however, was unable to stop which caused the front of his truck to strike the rear of a 2008 BMW 528i, which was being operated by a 32-year-old Dover, DE man. A 1999 Toyota 4-Runner, which had been traveling directly the Dodge Ram, and which was being operated by a 70-year-old Bear, DE woman, was able to stop behind the Ram. However, the rear of the Toyota was then struck by the front of a 2017 Rexhall tractor-trailer, which had been traveling directly behind the Toyota, and which was being operated by a 51-year-old Middletown, DE man. The force of the impact drove the Toyota into the rear of the Dodge Ram. It then became airborne and flipped over before coming to rest in the roadway.

The 70-year-old operator of the Toyota, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was trapped in her vehicle for approximately 15 minutes until she could be extricated by responding fire department personnel. She was then treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Alfonzo Cruz, who was also properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to the Christiana Hospital. He was cited by troopers with Following Too Closely.

The 32-year-old operator of the BMW, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was also treated at the scene by paramedics. He was then transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries.

There were no other injuries and only one vehicle overturned.

Southbound SR1 was closed for a period of time as the crash was being investigated and cleared.

Released: 081017 0705

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