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

Townsend- Delaware State Police Troop 9 will be holding a Community Café on Monday, May 1, 2017. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Little Italy Pizzeria located at 325 Main Street, Townsend. The Community Café will have Troop 9 Administration, the New Castle County Community Outreach Officer, Mayor Rudy Sutton, Representative Jeff Spiegelman, and Representative Kevin Hensley in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public. This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

Released: 041917 0930

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

On Saturday, April 8th through Sunday, April 9th, 2017, The Delaware State Police working with 14 other states completed the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware”. The law enforcement agencies in each state focused on traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 and other targeted roadways to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The enforcement initiatives focused on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, as well as motorcycle and commercial vehicle safety and enforcement. There were 5,368 total citations for  the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives Traffic Initiative.

In Delaware along the I-95 corridor (26 miles), a total of 170 traffic arrests were issued with 56 for speeding, 11 for aggressive driving, eight for cell phone violations, one DUI arrest, eight seatbelt arrests, one child restraint arrest, 11 driver’s license arrests, five registration violations, 25 dangerous moving violations, with 44 other moving violations and one drug arrest.

In the Delaware Drive to Save Lives, the Delaware State Police along with Camden Police Department, Delaware Capitol Police Department, Delaware City Police Department, Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Milford Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Selbyville Police Department and Smyrna Police Department, participated in the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” by conducting traffic enforcement across approximately 96 miles of the State of Delaware.

Delaware Troopers with support of their allied partners conducted traffic enforcement statewide by ground and air, targeting roadways throughout the state. In the first state our allied partners issued a total of 853 traffic citations and the Delaware State Police issued over 237 traffic citations.

The Delaware State Police would like to thank everyone who participated in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives Traffic Initiative and the “Drive to Save Lives Delaware.” A special thank you to all of the drivers who make Delaware roads safer.

Released: 041817 1611

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 “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” and “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” Traffic Initiatives April 8-9, 2017

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

The Delaware State Police in partnership with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety have coordinated a multi-state traffic campaign to reduce serious and fatal crashes during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The Delaware State Police are joining forces with 14 other states and local allied partners to reduce traffic deaths and injuries through traffic enforcement. These initiatives will be a contributing effort to support the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiative, “The Drive to Save Lives Campaign.” The IACP leaders’ goal is to change the high-risk behaviors of motorists in order to decrease the number of collisions through a greater awareness, education, strong partnerships, and high-visibility traffic enforcement.

According to NHTSA, 2015 marked the largest increase in traffic fatalities since 1966. Also, the first half of 2016 revealed a similar pattern of increase.  The approximate 1,920 miles of I-95 has been ranked among the top 10 in fatalities for the past several years and furthermore, I-95 is the fifth most dangerous interstate in the U.S.

Distracted Driving fatalities increased 8.8% in 2015 and distracted driving is believed to be responsible for 10% of all fatal crashes. With the first six months of 2016 showing an increase in fatal crashes compared to the first six months of 2015, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month proved to be an appropriate time for this initiative.

On Saturday, April 8th through Sunday, April 9th, 2017, law enforcement agencies in each state will conduct traffic enforcement along 1,920 miles of I-95 and other targeted roadways to keep motorists safe and reduce fatalities. The enforcement initiatives will focus on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, as well as motorcycle and commercial vehicle safety and enforcement.

All 15 states that line Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida (Maine State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Rhode Island State Police, Connecticut State Police, New York State Police, New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware State Police, Maryland State Police, Virginia State Police, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, and the Florida Highway Patrol), will be participating in the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” safe driving campaign, led and coordinated by the Delaware State Police.

The following municipalities– Camden Police Department, Delaware Capitol Police Department, Delaware City Police Department, Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Milford Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Selbyville Police Department and Smyrna Police Department, will be participating in the “Drive to Save Lives in Delaware” by conducting traffic enforcement across the approximately 96 miles of the State of Delaware.

Delaware Troopers with support of their allied partners will be out in full force on Saturday April 8 through Sunday April 9, 2017 conducting traffic enforcement statewide by ground and air, targeting the following roadways, and others throughout the state:

New Castle County

I-95, I-495, SR-1

Kent County

US 13, US 113, SR 1

Sussex County

US 13, US 113, SR 1

“Proactive traffic enforcement during the National Distracted Driving Awareness month is a great example of the continued commitment to maintain safer roads. The Delaware State Police working in conjunction with our state and local allied partners strives to reach our collective goals of increasing awareness of traffic safety and reducing crashes.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

“The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is proud to support the I-95 Drive to Save Lives traffic initiative as part of a multi-state program working to decrease fatal crashes and serious injuries on I-95 and to bring attention to April as National Distracted Driving Awareness month. We want drivers to arrive alive – so put your phone down, reduce your speeds, wear your seatbelt and don’t drive impaired.”

Jana Simpler, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety

Released: 040617 1241

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

Newark (19713)- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newark area gas station that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Monday, April 17, 2017 at approximately 5:06 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Exxon, located at 4600 Ogletown Road. The suspect approached the sales counter where he then brandished an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a male sales clerk. He then demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the business and fled in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’06”-5’08” tall, weighed 130-140 lbs., had a dark complexion, and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light-colored jeans, and sneakers. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance photos are available to be released at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 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.”

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Released: 041817 1445

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

Talleyville- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Wilmington area bank branch and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The investigation began this afternoon, Monday, April 17, 2017, at approximately 4:30 p.m., as a male suspect (pictured) entered the PNC bank branch located at 4111 Concord Pike. The suspect then approached a male teller and presented him with a demand note for cash. The note implied that the suspect was armed, however, no weapon was displayed. The teller complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the bank and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 25-30 years of age and approximately 6’00” tall with a thin build.

If anyone knows the identity of the pictured suspect or has any information in reference to this incident 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.”

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Released: 041717 1835

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

Wilmington- Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Wilmington area 7-11 store that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at approximately 5:10 p.m., as a male suspect entered the 7-11 located at 4865 Governor Printz Boulevard. The suspect approached the sales counter where he confronted a male clerk. He then displayed an unknown make and model handgun and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to him. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 20-25 years of age, 5’11″- 6’02” tall, weighed 165-185 lbs., and was last seen wearing a dark zip up style hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and black sneakers.  There is no further physical or clothing description available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 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.”

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

Wilmington, De.- All lanes of I-295 southbound have been re-opened. Troopers continue their investigation into this incident.

Released: 041517 1211

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**Traffic Advisory**

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

Wilmington, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 10:08 a.m. this morning, Saturday, April 15, 2017, on I-295 southbound north of I-495. It has been reported that multiple vehicles are involved with unknown injuries.

As a result of the crash, the left lane and center lane of I-295 southbound are closed at this time. Commuters are asked to slow down and use alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Further details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 041517 1121

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

Wilmington, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 10:08 a.m. this morning, Saturday, April 15, 2017, on I-295 southbound north of I-495. It has been reported that multiple vehicles are involved with unknown injuries.

As a result of the crash, the left lane and center lane of I-295 southbound are closed at this time. Commuters are asked to slow down and use alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Further details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 041517 11:21

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

Kent County and Sussex County, De. – Darus L. Young, 18 of Dover, was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 during a traffic stop on Milford-Harrington Highway, Milford. Young was charged by the state police with Manufactures, delivers, or PWID a controlled substance,  Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, seven counts of Robbery First Degree, seven counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, seven counts of Conspiracy Second Degree, four counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Terroristic Threatening, four counts of Aggravated Menacing, three counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Attempted Robbery First Degree.

Darus L. Young was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $1,003,500.00 cash bail.

Through investigative measures Darus L. Young was identified as the suspect in the following two armed robberies:

On January 14, 2017, Delaware State Police investigated an armed robbery of the Valero, located at 1885 Bay Road, Milford. The investigation revealed two armed black male suspects entered the store fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

On January 16, 2017 the State Police detectives investigated another robbery of the Family Dollar, located at 126 Front Street, Frederica, Delaware. Investigation revealed two armed black male suspects entered the store and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

On April 11, 2017, members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force located Darus Young inside of a vehicle on Milford Harrington Highway. Young was taken in to custody without incident. At the time of his arrest Young was in possession of 1.95 grams of crack cocaine, .119 grams of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Young also had additional robbery warrants issued for his arrest by Sussex County Superior Court. These were a result of an investigation by detectives on four additional armed robberies that occurred in February 2017 and one armed robbery investigated by Laurel Police Department.

The Delaware State Police continue the investigate these robberies. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Click to view: **Update #2 – Subject Charged** Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Robbery Subject

Released: 041417 2131

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

Greenwood, De. – The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit has arrested multiple suspects after the culmination of a three month investigation into the purchasing of illegal narcotics at Unity Lane, Greenwood.

This proactive initiative concluded on April 13, 2017 as members of the Kent County Drug Unit (KDU) with the assistance of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) and the New Jersey National Guard Counterdrug Task Force responded to unit block of Unity Lane in order to conduct a search warrant in response to numerous individuals purchasing illegal narcotics in an open air style drug environment. During the drug investigation eight search warrants were obtained within the community. The ring leaders of the drug organization were identified as Frank Lovett and Jermaine Boyd.

State Police detectives with the assistance of patrol units, Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Dover Police Department, Army National Guard, Harrington Police Department, Dewey Beach Police Department and the Delaware Department of Justice assisted with the search and arrest warrants.

As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

Over 101 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, 531 baggies of heroin (3.717 grams), 48 grams marijuana, Loaded .357 Ruger handgun which was reported stolen in 2016, Loaded 9mm Hi Point Model 995 Assault Rifle, .22 caliber handgun, Shotgun, Loaded .380 Browning handgun, ammunition and over $2,300.00 in suspected drug proceeds was also seized.

All subjects were transported to Troop 3 in Camden where they were each charged with Racketeering, Drug Dealing, Wearing a Disguise During a Felony, Conspiracy II, five counts of Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Tier 5 Possession, Tier 4 Possession and Tier 3 Possession.

Jermaine Boyd, 26 of Dover, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $169,500.00 cash bail.

Mark Boyd, 59 of Greenwood, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $152,000.00 cash.

Joseph Rayshawne Palmer, 25 of Greenwood, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $152,000.00 cash bond.

Shanun Handy, 32 of Greenwood, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $152,000.00 cash bond.

Frank R. Lovett, 29 of Harrington, was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $89,000.00 secured bail.

During the investigation, 36 additional defendants were also charged by members of the Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit and the Governor’s Task Force for various drug offenses. Between the months of January to April 2017 the following were arrested as part of this active and ongoing investigation:

Stanley Spencer, 47 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia.

Joyce Chapman, 49 of Dover, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine.

Frank Lovett, 29 of Greenwood, was arrested for Resisting Arrest.

David Vilone, 27 of Harrington, was arrested for Resisting Arrest, Tampering and Drug Paraphernalia.

Roxanne Higham, 47 of Townsend, was arrested for Felony DUI.

Vicki Porter, 51 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia.

Shaynee Boone, 28 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Conspiracy.

Jacquelyn Schlegel, 30 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Conspiracy.

Melinda Reed, 28 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Drug Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Sarah Reed, 23 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Drug Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Carrie Cain, 38 of Milton, was arrested for Criminal Solicitation.

Jamie Seeger, 35 of Felton, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Conspiracy and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

James Obyrne, 23 of Dover, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Conspiracy and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Amdrea Farley, 25 of Felton, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Melissa Lindenmeier, 35 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Drug Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Reginald Marshall, 36 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Drug Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Corey Comstock, 23 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Paraphernalia.

Larry Owens, 55 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

Douglas Coppock, 26 of Frederica, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Paraphernalia.

Laurie Wilcutts, 37 of Frederica, was arrested for Tampering with Evidence, Conspiracy, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and traffic violations.

Ashlee Gillespie, 27 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Heroin and Conspiracy.

Jamie Chrisler, 30 of Dover, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Tina Herzog, 28 of Milford, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Gerimino Gomez, 43 of Harrington, was arrested for Tampering and Drug Paraphernalia.

Angela Evans, 39 of Felton, was arrested for Possession of Heroin, Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Eric Estabrook, 39 of Frederica, was arrested for Possession of Heroin, Paraphernalia and Conspiracy.

Randal Reny, 34 of Hartly, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

Courtney Krebel, 38 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Heroin and Paraphernalia.

Bayard Spence, 27 of Houston, was arrested for Possession of Heroin and Paraphernalia.

Lilton Stevens, 40 of Harrington, was arrested for Delivery of Crack Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine and Paraphernalia.

Ryan Lefort, 25 of Harrington, was arrested for Possession of Heroin and Paraphernalia.

Jeremy Howard, 36 of Magnolia, was arrested as a local fugitive.

Katherine Leech, 31 of Magnolia was arrested as a local fugitive.

Travis Crowe, 41 of Magnolia was arrested as a local fugitive.

Ashley Henderson, 26 of Harrington, was arrested for Criminal Solicitation and Drug Paraphernalia.

Melissa Glenn, 37 of Seaford, was arrested for Criminal Solicitation and Drug Paraphernalia.

This is an active and ongoing investigation with continued proactive enforcement.

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Released: 041417 1611

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