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

Newark- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives have arrested a New Castle man and charged him in connection with a series of robberies which had been occurring over the past month.

On Monday, May 8, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., troopers arrested Kori Thomas, 29, of New Castle, after he committed the armed robbery of the 7-11 located at 314 N. Union Street, Wilmington. After the robbery, Thomas fled the area in a white Hyundai Sonata which was spotted by troopers on I-495 near US13, New Castle. Troopers stopped the vehicle and were able to take Thomas into custody without incident. Evidence linking him to the robbery of the 7-11 was located in the vehicle.

Through further investigation, which included the review of video surveillance footage, Robbery Unit detectives were able to link Kori Thomas to a string of armed robberies which had been occurring in New Castle County since the middle of April. In each robbery, Thomas wound enter the targeted business, confront a sales clerk, and display a handgun. He would then demand and receive money from the cash registers before exiting the store and fleeing the area. There were no injuries.

Detectives were able to link Thomas to the following robberies:

1. 7-11, 284 Christiana Road, New Castle, Friday, April 14, 2017.
2. 7-11, 4865 Governor Printz Boulevard, Wilmington, Sunday, April 16, 2017.
3. Exxon, 4600 Stanton-Ogletown Road, Newark, Monday, April 17, 2017.
4. BP, 1713 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, Saturday, April 22, 2017.
5. Manor Park Liquors, 1405 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
6. BP, 2038 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, Sunday, April 30, 2017.
7. 7-11, 284 Christiana Road, New Castle, Sunday, April 30, 2017.

Thomas was charged by detectives with six counts of Robbery 1st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, six counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $366,000.00 cash bail.

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Released: 051017 0620

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

Stanton- Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit detectives are currently investigating a stabbing that occurred at Delaware Park late last week.

The initial investigation began on Friday, May 5, 2017, at approximately 11:00 p.m., after troopers responded to the bunk house area of Delaware Park, located at 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival, troopers located a male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds to his upper body. The victim received treatment at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries.

After conducting multiple interviews, troopers learned that the victim and another male subject had become involved in a verbal altercation which then turned physical. It was then that the male suspect produced an unknown type of knife and stabbed the victim. The suspect then fled the area.

The suspect was described as a short Hispanic male last seen wearing a white shirt. There is no further physical or clothing description at this time. 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 Detective David Myers at 302-365-8460. 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: 051017 0530

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Lewes – Stop by the Cape May – Lewes Ferry visitor lot, located at 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, on Thursday May 11, 2017 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to get a blue line placed on your back window as a tribute to Cpl/1 Stephen Ballard.

There is no fee for this sticker, however donations will be collected and presented to DSTA- Stephen Ballard Memorial Fund.

You will be directed to a lane and the sticker will be placed on your vehicle while you wait.

If possible, please make sure your rear window is clean.

Released: 050917 1050

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Terry R. McIntire Jr., 17 of Seaford, who is wanted for Resisting Arrest, Theft, and Criminal Mischief stemming from an incident that occurred on Friday April 28, 2017 when Probation and Parole Officers were attempting to take him into custody for a revocation of probation.  McIntire fled his residence after slipping out of the handcuffs and was able to elude the officers by cutting off an ankle bracelet.  Terry McIntire is also wanted for Violation of Probation.

If anyone has any information in reference to Terry McIntire’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Trooper M. Fezza at (302)-232-3161.  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: 050817 2010

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

Talleyville- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives continue to investigate the robbery of a Wilmington area PNC bank which occurred last month and are still asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The investigation began on 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.

On Friday, April 21, 2017, the same suspect is believed to have committed a similar robbery of the BB&T bank located at 1138 Town Square Road, North Coventry Township, PA.

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 or Detective Timothy Prouty at 610-323-8360. 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: 050817 1240

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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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