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Presented by Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Ocean View, De.-The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious hit and run crash that has left a male pedestrian injured this morning.

Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred today, Monday, June 12, 2017, at approximately 10:57 a.m. as Stephen K. Rapley, 69 of Bethany Beach, was standing near the passenger side of a 2016 Ford Econoline box truck in the parking lot of the Atlantic Community Thrift Shop located at 34634 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View. The suspect vehicle, an unknown make and model red vehicle, entered the parking lot and drove in a north east direction and struck the right side of the box truck which subsequently pinned the pedestrian in between the vehicles. After impact the vehicle stopped and the driver and passenger switched positions. The suspect vehicle then drove off in an unknown direction.

The 69 year old male was treated at the scene by the Sussex County Paramedics and was transported by ambulance to the Beebe Healthcare Medical Center and admitted with multiple injuries.

Troopers continue to collect and analyze evidence at the scene to determine make and model of the striking vehicle.

The parking lot in the area of the collision was closed for approximately one hour while the crash was investigated and cleared. Troopers continue to investigate this incident.

Troopers are attempting to locate the driver and vehicle that fled this crash and request anyone with information in reference to this incident to contact, the Cpl. T. Wright at Troop 4 at 302-752-3898. 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.”

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Released: 061217 1521

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

Seaford – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Kaylene Lowe, 22 of Seaford, who is wanted for Burglary and Theft.

Kaylene Lowe is wanted by troopers in connection with the burglary investigation that occurred this past May for entering a residence in the 24000 block of Jamore Drive and removing various items.

If anyone has any information in reference to Kaylene Lowe’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Lt. M. Wheeler at 302-232-3423.  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: 061217 1441

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington (19707)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a single vehicle fatal motor vehicle crash which claimed the life of a Hockessin woman this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 12:39 a.m. this morning, Monday, June 12, 2017, as Sarah R. Massaferi, 25, was operating a 2002 Honda CRV and was traveling in a westbound direction on SR48 (Lancaster Pike) in the area of Hickory Spring Road. For an unknown reason, Massaferi’s vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway and continued across the eastbound lane. It then left the south side of the roadway and traveled in a southwesterly direction where it struck a utility pole with its left front corner and left side before coming to rest.

Sarah Massaferi was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then transported to the Christiana Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Massaferi was not properly restrained at the time of the crash. It is unknown if alcohol or drug use was a factor in the crash.

Lancaster Pike was closed in both directions for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

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: 061217 1035

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Newark – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Newark area Wawa that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 1:08 a.m., Sunday, June 11, 2017, as a female suspect entered the Wawa located at 2754 Pulaski Highway.  The suspect confronted a male employee at the sales counter and demanded money.  The employee complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash before the suspect exited the business and entered a light colored passenger car that was parked on the side of the building before fleeing eastbound on Pulaski Highway. The clerk was uninjured in the incident.

The suspect was described as a female, 5’00”-5’02” tall, 150-160 lbs., last seen wearing all dark clothing and a dark mask covering her face (No further physical or clothing description available).  No weapon was displayed.

No video surveillance footage is available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery unit at 302-365-8566. 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: 061117 0810

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Delaware – The Delaware State Police would like to remind bicyclists of safety and laws while riding along the roadways.

From year to date there have been 15 collisions involving bicyclists on our highways, one of them was a fatal hit and run that occurred in north of Dover (**Update** Troopers Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Crash with Bicyclist-Dover).  Over the last week, state police have investigated two crashes in the Rehoboth area that involved pedal cyclists riding improperly on the roadway.

The first occurred Monday June 5, 2017 around 1:45 p.m., when a 21-year-old female was riding southbound in the northbound shoulder of Coastal Highway (SR1) at the intersection with Rehoboth Beach Plaza (across from Spring Lake Drive).  At the same time, a 2007 Kia Sedona was exiting the plaza to turn northbound on SR1 when the car struck the female on the bike.  The 21-year-old female was transported to Beebe with non-life-threatening injuries and was cited for Operating a Bicycle on the Wrong Side of the Road.

Another incident occurred on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at approximately 1:11 p.m., when a 21-year-old female was riding her bicycle northbound on the sidewalk approaching the entrance to IHOP which is located on the southbound side of SR1 north of Shuttle Road.  A 2017 Volkswagen Jetta was exiting the parking lot to travel southbound on SR1 when the two collided.  The female bicyclist was transported to Beebe with non-life-threatening injuries and was cited for Riding A Bicycle On a Sidewalk or Crosswalk Where Prohibited.

As we enter into the summer months, troopers would like to provide the following information for bicyclists riding in Delaware.  Obey the rules of the road.  Drivers and bicyclists are expected to observe traffic rules such as stop signs and red lights.  Ignoring these traffic rules can lead to injuries that would have otherwise been preventable.  Never ride against the flow of traffic.  Drivers and pedestrians alike may not be expecting bicyclists riding in that direction.  Also stay in your lane and don’t ride on the sidewalk if you’re an adult.  Avoid distracted riding much like you would if you were driving a car, and wait to check your cell phone until you’re safely off the road.

Visibility can be an issue for bicyclists in the dark, so take steps to ensure that motorists can see you.  Adding white front lights and red back lights to your bike, plus reflective tape or clothing can also help make you more visible in the dark.  It is against Delaware law to operate a bicycle at night without a front headlight.  And remember, visibility isn’t just an issue late at night; cloudy days and early mornings can impair motorists’ ability to see bicyclists on the road too.

More information on bicycle safety can be found on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website and laws can be found on the State of Delaware website under Online Delaware Code.

Released: 061117 0800

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Long Neck – The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation after an adult female was discovered deceased in the bathroom of a local McDonald’s.

The preliminary investigation has determined at approximately 7:12 p.m. Saturday June 10, 2017, troopers responded to the McDonalds, located at 24943 John J. Williams Highway, after a report of a female subject that was found unconscious in the ladies bathroom.  Sussex County Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the unidentified victim dead at the scene.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted to remove the female victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into the death of the female subject is in its early stages and foul play is not suspected.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Cathell at 302-752-3793. 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: 061117 0800

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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 or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 060917 1625

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Hartly – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Hartly man following an investigation into an alleged sexual abuse complaint.

The investigation began on May 15, 2017 when a 17-year-old female victim contacted Troop 3 in Camden to report a series of sexual assaults that had been occurring since November of 2016.  The victim advised John A. Metheny Sr, 72 of Hartly, had been continuously groping her breasts and buttocks on numerous occasions while the two were alone at different locations.  A few of those incidents occurred while the two were out of sight from other people at the Hartly Fire Company located at 2898 Arthursville Road.  Each time, the 17-year old victim would inform Metheny of her displeasure in him touching her and tell him to stop.

On Wednesday June 7, 2017, John Metheny turned himself in to detectives at Troop 3 and was charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.  He was arraigned at JP11 and released on $30,000.00 unsecured bond.

Because of the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.

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: 060717 0945

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Claymont- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives have identified the male suspect responsible for the robbery of a customer of a Claymont area Wawa which occurred early last week and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.

Detectives have obtained warrants charging Michael B. Reynolds, 25, of Wilmington, with Robbery 1st Degree after they identified him as the suspect who robbed a male customer inside of the bathroom of the Wawa convenience store located at 2621 Philadelphia Pike on Monday, May 29.

Reynolds is described as being 5’08” tall and weighing approximately 140 lbs. He has brown hair and green eyes.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the location of Michael Reynolds, they are asked to contact Detective Brian McDerby at 302-365-8436. 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 on link to view original release.

Released: 060817 0730

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

Each year for the past 21 years the Child Life Department at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children partners with the Delaware State Police and the Delaware State Trooper’s Association to organize a picnic for long term care patients. Many of the patients will unfortunately miss outdoor activities due to treatment and will not have the chance to enjoy the warm weather or the joys of a summer picnic. On June 14th, troopers, doctors, nurses and hospital volunteers will provide food, games and fun to the brave and spirited children who are being treated at the hospital.  Many of these courageous children have been admitted for months and have not been able to go home. Troopers will visit patients inside the hospital who are not able to come down for the picnic. This day offers a break from the stress often associated with the hospital experience letting patients to put aside their normal hospital routines and just be kids.

Contact: Walter Newton, DSTA Corresponding Secretary (302) 893-2218.

When: Wednesday June 14, between 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Where: A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE

The media is encouraged to attend.

Released: 060717 2231

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