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

New Castle– The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on  U.S. 13 and SR 72 that occurred around 12:59 p.m. this afternoon.  At this time it is unknown how many people are injured and the extent of their injuries.

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

Wilmington, DE – The Delaware State Police is currently investigating a serious crash that occurred west of Wilmington last night.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred around 9:21 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017 as Joseph S. Latina 3^rd, 19 of Wilmington, was operating a 2006 BMW westbound on Lancaster Pike in the right lane approaching Court Drive. A 2008 Scion XD, operated by Carrie A. Wiles was traveling eastbound on Lancaster Pike in the left lane also approaching Court Drive. After stopping at Court Drive the Scion began to make a left turn into the BP gas station located at 4001 Lancaster Avenue.  As the Scion turned left across the westbound lanes of Lancaster Pike, the BMW struck the Scion with its front bumper. After the initial collision the BMW then struck a light pole in front of the BP gas station. The Scion travelled westbound across eastbound lanes of Lancaster Pike and came to a stop in the right lane of westbound Lancaster Pike.

Joseph S. Latina 3^rd, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics for non-life threatening injuries. He was subsequently transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center. He was cited for Unreasonable Speed.

Carrie A. Wiles, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics and transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center with serious injuries. She was cited for Failing to Yield Right of Way.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Lancaster Pike in the area of the crash was closed approximately one hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 050717 1041

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

Bear – The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash involving an overturned crane that occurred this morning.

The incident occurred around 7:46 a.m. Saturday, May 06, 2017 as Francis J. Roberts, 52 of Middletown, was operating a 2005 Peterbilt Crane Truck southbound on SR 1 south of School Bell Road north of Bear. The Peterbilt Crane Truck had a tire blowout on the front left side of the vehicle which caused the truck to swerve into the center median. The crane truck then struck the center guard rail and overturned onto its left side. After striking the center median flying debris struck passing vehicles which sustained minor damage and with no injuries.

The New Castle County Paramedics and the Christiana Fire Company responded to the crash. The driver was trapped for approximately 75 minutes while troopers and multiple rescue crews worked safely to remove the driver. The driver was transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers continue their investigation into this incident. SR 1 southbound in the area of the crash was closed for approximately four hours and then limited to just the right lane and shoulder south of route 273. All lanes of SR 1 northbound are currently open at this time. Motorists are advised to use caution as crews are still working in the area.

Released: 050617 1801

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**Traffic Advisory- Overturned Crane-Bear**

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

Bear, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash involving an overturned crane.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:46 a.m. today, Saturday, May 6, 2017 as troopers responded to the area of SR 1 between Rt. 273 and SR 40. A tractor trailer was traveling southbound on SR 1 and for unknown reasons flipped over onto the driver’s side onto a metal guardrail and grass median. The driver is entrapped in the cab and emergency EMS is on the scene working to extract the driver. The tractor is a Peterbilt three axle truck with a crane body single unit.

Currently all northbound and southbound lanes are shutdown. Unknown injuries at this time. Motorists should use caution in the area as there will be traffic delays. Travelers are asked to safely find alternate routes of travel.

More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 050617 0831

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

Dover, DE- At a ceremony held  on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the Delaware State University, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., announced the winners of the annual Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year awards.

Trooper of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one trooper for the Trooper of the Year Award. To be nominated, a trooper must exceed performance standards and be recognized by his or her peers as one who consistently displays integrity and work ethic.

This year, ten Delaware State Troopers were nominated. The Executive Staff selected Trooper First Class Christopher Garcia from Troop 4 as the 2016 Trooper of the Year for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Division and the citizens of Delaware.

Tfc. Garcia has been a member of the Delaware State Police since February 21, 2014. In Tfc. Garcia’s brief career, he has already shown he is a dedicated, highly motivated, and hardworking Trooper. Tfc. Garcia prides himself on reflecting a good image of the Delaware State Police to the public, his fellow Troopers, and other law enforcement agencies. While on duty, Tfc. Garcia always displays a terrific work ethic, and he is always the first person to answer a call on the radio to assist an Officer in need. Almost every shift that he works, he is conducting vehicle searches where he locates illegal drugs.  These stops have often led to the recovery of guns and additional criminal activity such as prostitution.

Tfc. Garcia devotes large amounts of his time with activities that build strong community bonds. He does so through community events, recruiting, translation for other units and agencies and even speaking with students at school events. Tfc. Garcia also helps to raise money for the Delaware Special Olympics by dedicating his off time to get sponsors and donations. Tfc. Garcia is currently a part time recruiter and he has assisted with applicant oral boards and other recruiting procedures for DSP Recruit Classes.   He has also displayed willingness to continue growing in his role by participating in numerous training courses. Additionally, Tfc. Garcia has demonstrated a desire to become a staple in his community by being very proactive in the Hispanic community.

Tfc. Garcia is a Certified Spanish Translator and he assisted GTF, Drug Unit, CRU, Major Crimes, Financial Crimes, Property Crimes, Homicide Unit, Headquarters and Patrol Units in Sussex County with countless translations and interviews in 2016.

Civilian of the Year

Each year the Delaware State Police Executive Staff selects one civilian employee for the Civilian of the Year Award. Civilian employees who are nominated for this award display outstanding performance and meet the following criteria:

1. Exceptional service as identified by the employee’s performance evaluations
2. A consistent record of such service through their years of employment
3. Recognition by their peers for outstanding character and integrity.

This year, nine civilian Delaware State Police employees were nominated. The Executive Staff of the Delaware State Police selected M. Lisa Seymour from the State Bureau of Identification as the 2016 Civilian of the Year.

Lisa Seymour began her career 23 years ago within the Finger Print Section of Delaware State Police’s State Bureau of Identification as a latent print examiner. Through her hard work, passion for her chosen career path and dedication to the Delaware state Police, and the citizenry we serve, she worked her way up the ranks and now serves as the Automated Finger Print Systems (AFIS) Biometric Administrator at SBI while supervising nine subordinates.

Ms. Seymour is an extremely conscientious, unselfish, and dedicated employee who takes great pride in her work. Her administration, peers and subordinates recognize Lisa as having outstanding character and integrity.  Having a pleasant personality, she is loved and respected by everyone at SBI and by many who know her from other DSP sections and outside law enforcement entities.

In addition to the Trooper of the Year and Civilian of the Year Awards, Delaware State Police awarded 41 troopers with citations for Exceptional Performance, Life Saving, or Acts of Valor. The troopers receiving the citations are listed below.

Exceptional Performance

 Trooper Zachery Bonniwell, Trooper First Class Matthew McHenry, Trooper Benjamin Nefosky, Trooper First Class Jennifer Buzzuro, Corporal Brock Adkins, Trooper First Class Christopher Garcia, Master Corporal David Hanich, Detective William Harris , Detective Christian Hevelow, Detective John Penrod, Detective Scott Weaver, Trooper Chase Lawson, Master Corporal Daniel McColgan, Trooper Earle Marchione, Corporal James J.J. Smith, Corporal Adam Jewell, Trooper First Class Andrew Jones, Corporal Joshua Scaramazza

Life Saving

Senior Corporal Michael Branch, Corporal Grade One Mark Thomas, Lieutenant Ed Schiavi, Master Corporal Elvin Thompson, Corporal Mike McCann, Corporal Nicholas Ciglinsky, Corporal Brock Adkins, Corporal Patrick Schlimer, Trooper First Class Christopher Garcia, Trooper First Class Dustin Yencer, Master Corporal Natalie George, Trooper First Class Matthew Kerrigan, Sergeant Jeremiah Lloyd, Master Corporal Mark Ryde, Trooper First Class Michael Spudis, Trooper Corporal Wyatt Bullock, Corporal Grade One Jason Sydnor, Corporal Brian McDerby, Trooper First Class Eric Saccomanno

 Valor

Trooper Randel Abrenica, Corporal Sean Rodrigues, Senior Corporal Edwin Justiniano, Master Corporal Scott Mauchin, Trooper First Class Pierre Lawler

Released: 050617 1701

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

Greenwood, De. – The Delaware State Police continues with the proactive initiative and investigation to reduce illegal drug activity at Unity Lane, Greenwood.

On Thursday, May 4, 2017 members of the Kent County Drug Unit with the assistance of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) and the Department of Justice responded to the unit block of Unity Lane for an active nuisance abatement case. As troopers responded, Courtney Cox, 38 and John Cox 26 both of Harrington were observed engaging in a suspected drug transaction with a male suspect wearing a mask. Both Courtney and John Cox were taken into custody without incident. The male suspect wearing the mask fled on foot. After troopers engaged in a lengthy foot pursuit, the suspect later identified as Jermaine Boyd, 26 of Dover, was taken into custody without further incident. During the course of the foot pursuit two troopers had sustained minor injuries.

Jermaine Boyd, 26 of Dover was found to be in possession of more than $2,220.00 in suspected drug proceeds. A search of where he ran from revealed a loaded .38 Caliber handgun and over 129 baggies of heroin.  Boyd was transported to Troop 3, Camden where he was formally charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammo by Person Prohibited, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Drug Dealing, Wearing a Disguise During a Felony, two counts of Assault 2nd on Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest and Violation of a No Contact Order.  His bonds on the prior charges were revoked as well as a Violation of Probation. Boyd also has a Superior Court No Contact Order with Unity Lane and is out on bond for Drug and Firearms charges pertaining to previous drug arrests.

John Cox was transported to Troop 3, Camden and a computer check revealed he was wanted for Burglary 2nd Degree from Superior Court. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center for his Burglary charge. He was also charged with Criminal Impersonation, Criminal Solicitation and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree .

Courtney Cox was transported to Troop 3, Camden and charged with Criminal Solicitation, Conspiracy II and Violating a No Contact Order. She was committed to the Department of Corrections. Courtney has an active No Contact Order for Unity Lane.

Also contacted on Unity Lane was Kyle Vanhoy, 32 of Summersville, West Virginia. He was found to have three active capiases in Kent County, Delaware from 2010.  He was also committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

Released: 050617 1451

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

Newark, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash involving an overturned crane.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:46 a.m. today, Saturday, May 6, 2017 as troopers responded to the area of SR 1 between Rt. 273 and SR 40. A tractor trailer was traveling southbound on SR 1 and for unknown reasons flipped over onto the driver’s side onto a metal guardrail and grass median. The driver is entrapped in the cab and emergency EMS is on the scene working to extract the driver. The tractor is a Peterbilt three axle truck with a crane body single unit.

Currently all northbound and southbound lanes are shutdown. Unknown injuries at this time. Motorists should use caution in the area as there will be traffic delays. Travelers are asked to safely find alternate routes of travel.

More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 050617 0831

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

Dewey and Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit have arrested four people following an investigation into an assault complaint.

On Friday, May 5, 2017, Troopers were dispatched to an assault complaint at the Sea Esta motel IV in Dewey Beach. Responding troopers made contact with two victims who both suffered facial injuries from an apparent assault.  Through the investigation it was learned the victims were familiar with the suspects named, Ardarious Cato and Victorian West. The assault occurred inside their motel room during a drug related incident.

An ambulance was contacted and responded to the scene. Both victims were transported to Beebe Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The victims were treated and later released from the hospital.

Troopers and the Rehoboth Beach Police Department worked together to locate the suspects in the assault. Information was received that the suspects were located in the 19,000 block of Norwood Street in West Rehoboth. Upon arrival, officers obtained consent to enter the residence and while inside the residence the officers observed a quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana in plain view.  All subjects inside the residence were then contacted which included Ardarius Cato, Marteze Waples, and Brandon White.  Brandon White resisted arrest by attempting to flee however was arrested without further incident.  Both of Marteze Waples’ two children (both under five years old) were present and later turned over to a family member.  Crack cocaine over 26 grams and marijuana over 20 grams were seized during the initial contact.

The Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit executed a search and seizure warrant for the residence and vehicles on the property in the 19,000 block of Norwood Street.   A further search of the residence was conducted which revealed additional contraband including over 63 grams of Crack Cocaine, over 44 grams of Marijuana, a .380  auto handgun and more than $19,600.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

Victorian West received information she was wanted and turned herself in at Troop 7, Lewes during the investigation.

Ardarius D. Cato, 29 and Victorian West, 30 both of Rehoboth Beach, were transported to Troop 7 and arrested for two counts of Assault 2^nd ; two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment 1^st, Conspiracy 2^nd degree, two counts of Terroristic Threatening and two counts of Endangering the Welfare.

Ardarius Cato was also arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2^nd , two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two counts of Endangering the Welfare.

Brandon D. H. White, 25 of Rehoboth Beach was transported to Troop 7 and arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2^nd, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, two counts of Endangering the Welfare and Resisting Arrest.

Marteze D. Waples, 29 of Rehoboth Beach was transported to Troop 7 and arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine Tier 4, PWITD Cocaine Tier 4, two counts of Possession Tier 5 Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Tier 5, Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2^nd, Endangering the Welfare and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The court and bond amounts are pending at this time.

From left to right: Ardarius D. Cato, Victorian West, Brandon D. H. White and Marteze D. Waples

Released: 050517 2111

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Rehoboth Beach – State Police have arrested Joshua D. Williams, 19 of Rehoboth Beach, for four counts of Rape 4th stemming from alleged incidents that took place at his residence over the course of a weekend beginning March 31, 2017.  He was taken into custody Thursday evening (May 4, 2017) during a traffic stop on Coastal Highway near Lewes after detectives received numerous tips from the public on his whereabouts.

Williams was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $40,000.00 secured bond.

Click to view original release: Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance in Locating Wanted Subject

Released: 050517 2030

###

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

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.”

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

Dover– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred late last night involving a car and a bicycle.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 11:48 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017 as an unknown driver operating a dark sedan southbound on McKee Road approached Kevin S. Freese, 52 of Dover, who was riding his bicycle in the same direction. The vehicle approached the bicycle from the rear and struck the bicycle’s rear tire which caused the victim to be ejected and come to rest on the grassy shoulder along the southbound lane. The dark sedan fled the scene in a southern direction.

Kevin S. Freese, who was not wearing a bicycle helmet was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital Emergency Room where he succumbed to his injuries. Freese did not have on reflective clothing and his bicycle did not have a light on the front or rear. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this collision.

McKee Road in the area of the collision was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  If anyone may have witnessed this crash or has any knowledge of the crash they are asked to contact Sergeant J. Wheatley of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-697-4454. 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. 

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Released: 050517 1911

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