Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Bear- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the assault of a grocery store customer which occurred last month and are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at approximately 11:40 a.m., as a 71 year old male victim was grocery shopping inside of the Shop Rite located at 1101 Governors Place. It was at this time that the victim was struck by a shopping cart being pushed by a second male (pictured suspect) as he attempted to pass the victim. The victim turned to look at the person who had struck him, at which point he was grabbed by him and pushed to the ground. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. The victim was subsequently transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his minor injuries and released.

The suspect was described as a white male 35-40 years of age. He was 5’07”-5’09” tall, weighed 240-300 lbs., and had wavy brown hair.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the pictured suspect, they are asked to contact Trooper Alexander Ricketts at 302-365-8538. 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: 070617 1600

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

Milton – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting which occurred late last night north of Milton.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at approximately 10:33 p.m., after troopers were called and responded to the 12,000 block of Reynolds Road, Milton for a report of a male subject that was shot.  Upon their arrival, troopers learned that a 21-year-old male had been shot in the upper torso and was taken from the scene by privately owned vehicle to the Milton Fire Department. The victim was then transported to the hospital by EMS where he was admitted in stable condition.

Through further investigation, troopers learned that several subjects arrived at the Reynolds Road address to fight another subject when an unknown male fired multiple shots striking the victim once in the upper torso.

No other individuals were injured as a result of this incident.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective R. Truitt at 302-752-3813. 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: 070617 0821

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle (19720)- The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has arrested a New Castle man and charged him in connection with an early morning shooting which occurred yesterday.

The investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, as a 28 year old Wilmington man and Kenneth D. Holmes, 25, of New Castle, were involved in a physical altercation in the parking lot of the Star Center located at 3125 New Castle Avenue. Following the altercation, Holmes left the area on foot, but returned a short time later. He then produced a gun and approached the victim, who was now seated in the passenger seat of a car parked in the lot. Holmes then fired the gun, striking the victim in the head before fleeing the area on foot.

The male victim was treated by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported to a local hospital with serious life-threatening injuries.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and after conducting multiple interviews and using other investigative measures, they were able to positively identify Kenneth Holmes as the suspect in the shooting. Detectives then obtained warrants charging Holmes with Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited. They were then able to take him into custody at his residence without incident.

Kenneth Holmes was transported to Troop 2 where he was arraigned at JP Court 2. He was then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $1,000,000.00 cash bail.

Click on link to view initial release.

Released: 070617 0800

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle (19720)- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting which occurred early this morning in New Castle.

The investigation began at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, July 5, 2017, after troopers were called to respond to the Star Center, located at 3125 New Castle Avenue, for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, responding troopers observed a male subject seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle which was parked in the lot, with a gunshot wound to the head. The male victim was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The Delaware State Police continue to investigate this incident and no arrests have been made. Further details will be released at a later time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Kyle Archer at 302-752-3791. 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: 070517 1530

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

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

The initial investigation began at approximately 1:39 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, July 5, 2017, when troopers were called and responded to 51 Webbs Lane, Alder Park Apartments for a shooting. When patrol units arrived, they contacted an 80 year old victim, with an apparent gunshot wound to his lower extremity. The victim was lying in bed sleeping when gun shots woke him up and then realized he had been shot. The victim was alone at the time in the apartment.

The victim was removed by EMS and transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he was treated for a non-life threatening injury.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact Detective D. Blomquist at Troop 3 at 302-698-8426. 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: 070517 1051

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

Felton – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred late this afternoon north of Felton.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred today on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 around 5:17 p.m. as John E. Watson, 50 of Woodside, was operating a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette traveling west bound on Irish Hill Road negotiating a slight left curve east of Canterbury Road approaching a silver Ford Focus. The 2014 Ford Focus operated by Chelsea E. Harris, 22 of Felton, was traveling east bound on Irish Hill Road East of Canterbury Road approaching the Corvette. The Corvette lost control as he was negotiating the curve and started to rotate counter clockwise crossing the center double yellow line in front of the Focus.  The Ford Focus struck the Corvette in the passenger side door with is front bumper in the east bound lane.  After initial impact the Corvette spun counter clockwise 360 degrees traveling down an embankment where it stopped south of the south edge of the roadway.  The Ford Focus started to rotate clockwise and came to rest in the east bound lane.

John E. Watson, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in this collision. He was transported from the scene by EMS to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital.  It is unknown if alcohol use on the part of the victim was a factor in the crash.

Chelsea E. Harris, who was properly restrained, was removed by EMS and transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with serious but, non-life threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash.  Irish Hill Road in the area of the crash was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Serious Crash-Felton

Released: 070417 2331

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

Felton – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on Irish Hill Road, Felton.

The incident occurred around 5:16 p.m. today, July 4, 2017 and involves two vehicles.  The extent of any injuries are unknown at this time.

Irish Hill Road between Fox Chase Road and Canterbury Road is currently closed and commuters are encouraged to use caution and seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 070417 1751

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

Laurel– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Delmar man after he was discovered unconscious in the bathroom of a local area Royal Farms convenience store.

The preliminary investigation has determined on Tuesday, July 04, 2017 at approximately 3:43 a.m., troopers responded to the Royal Farms convenience store located at 30983 Sussex Highway Laurel, after a report of a male subject found unconscious in the men’s bathroom. EMS personnel responded to the scene and transported him to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for further medical evaluation. The subject was later identified as Richard L. Oneal, 31 of Delmar. During the investigation drug evidence was gathered from the bathroom of the convenience store, the vehicle he arrived in and his clothing.

After being treated and released from the hospital, Oneal was arrested after a computer check revealed he was wanted for a robbery he committed on June 25, 2017 where he assaulted a subject and stole the victim’s wallet near Georgetown. He was also wanted as an absconder from probation.

Richard L. Oneal was transported to Troop 4, Georgetown where he was arrested and formally charged with Robbery 1^st Degree, Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and subsequently committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $60,800.00 cash bond.

Released: 070417 1711

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

Lincoln, DE– The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a burglary of a residence in the Lincoln area and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspect.

On Thursday, June 29, 2017, an unknown male suspect was able to obtain entry into a residence in the area of Kings Crossing in Lincoln. The male suspect may be operating a silver Hyundai, Elantra with possible New Jersey registration. The vehicle has damage and paint peeling off the rear bumper.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male approximately 6’00” tall with a beard wearing tan pants and a white t-shirt with a baseball cap.

If anyone knows the identity of the pictured suspect, they are asked to contact Detective K. Wideman at Troop 4, at 302-752-3832. 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: 070317 1151

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

The Delaware State Police are proud to announce that Senior Corporal Jen Potocki is the recipient of the 2017 Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) of the Year Award presented by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA).  

Selected from a pool of over 3,000 eligible TFO members worldwide, Senior Corporal Potocki’s performance of duties both in the air and on the ground demonstrate her commitment to the core values of the Delaware State Police and the Aviation Section making her a prime candidate for this award.  Her medic skills, instructional abilities, operation of tactical flight equipment, utilization and coordination of air and ground tactics are exemplary.  Her actions had a direct impact on officer safety for ground units, and enhanced public safety by saving lives and removing dangerous people from the streets.  

Senior Corporal Potocki distinguished herself by leading the section in Forward Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) apprehensions.  Her ability to quickly orient to a scene, establish perimeters, coordinate with ground units and locate missing or wanted subjects directly impacted both officer safety and public safety by apprehending dangerous or missing subjects. 

Released: 070317 1101

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