Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

West Dover – Troopers are investigating a two car crash that occurred in the beginning of March resulting in the death of a Dover man.

The incident occurred around 9:18 p.m. Saturday March 4, 2017 as John D. Downs, 75 of Dover, was operating a 2007 Honda Ridgeline southbound on Chestnut Grove Road, stopped at the stop sign at Forest Avenue (SR8).  Kristina Schweitzer, 45 of Hartly, was operating a 2008 Jeep Cherokee westbound on SR8 approaching the intersection of Chestnut Grove Road.  The Honda pulled away from the stop sign to cross over SR8 and was struck on the driver’s side door by the Jeep’s front bumper.  After the impact, the Honda spun in a counter-clockwise direction traveling in a southwesterly direction before coming to a stop on the south edge of SR8.  The Jeep travelled in a southwesterly direction before coming to a stop in the east bound lane of SR8.

John Downs was properly restrained and transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where he was admitted in stable condition.  He was later transferred to Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital where he died on Tuesday March 21, 2017.

Downs’ 75-year-old wife was properly restrained in the passenger’s seat and was transported to KGH with non-life-threatening injuries.

Kristina Schweitzer was properly restrained and was transported to KGH where she was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be contributing factors on behalf of either driver.

Released: 032417 1355

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Frederica – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man after he was found to be in possession of drugs and a gun following a traffic stop on Wednesday.

The investigation began at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, as a trooper was on patrol in the area of North Market Street and North Frederica Road. It was at this time that a green Mazda CX5 was observed failing to stop at the stop sign and pulled out in front of the trooper.  The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the car, and upon coming into contact with the operator, and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Tyrell D. Clark, 25 of Dover, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside of the car. A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted at which time troopers located 2.19 grams of heroin, 6.83 grams of cocaine, 100.84 grams of marijuana, 5 doses of MDMA and a .45 caliber pistol.

Tyrell Clark was taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, four counts of Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Heroin/Cocaine/Marijuana/MDMA), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $47,501.00 secured bail.

Released: 032417 1125

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Dover-The Delaware State Police announces today, the retirement of Major Galen M. Purcell who has proudly served the citizens of Delaware with distinction and faithful service for 28 years.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Delaware for the last 28 years.  I have had the opportunity to work with and meet so many great people from our communities over these many years.  It is amazing to think of the technological advancements that have occurred within society in general and more specifically within the field of law enforcement these last three decades.  We now have instant communications and are able to use technology to track and solve crime.  What we are doing today were just concepts when I started my career.  I have had two opportunities to work with incoming recruits while assigned to the DSP Academy during my career, and I am so very proud to say that the individuals we have hired over the years are outstanding and are truly dedicated men and women who are driven to serve the citizens of our great state.  As I leave the Delaware State Police and explore new opportunities, I will always carry with me the Core Values instilled in me during my time as a Trooper, those being Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.”

Major Galen M. Purcell – Operations Major for Kent and Sussex Counties

Major Galen M. Purcell was hired on July 14, 1989 into the 59^th Delaware State Police Recruit Class, where he was selected as the Governor’s Outstanding Recruit Trooper. He began his career assigned to Troop 9 during his Field Training Officers’ Program and then was later assigned to uniformed patrol at Troop 3 in Camden. On November 1, 1992 he was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. At the rank of Corporal he was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Unit at Troop 3 of Kent County. On March 1, 1995 he worked in the Video Lottery Enforcement Unit and that following year was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Planning Section. After three years he was assigned to Staff Support and in the ensuing year was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Delaware State Police Academy as the Assistant Director. On March 17, 2003 he returned to operations as the Lieutenant in Odessa at Troop 9.  Two years later he would be selected to work in the Internal Affairs Unit. His promotion to the rank of Captain on October 1, 2005 led to his assignment as Director of the State Bureau of Identification where he served until August 2009. His next assignment returned him to Troop 9 in Odessa as Troop Commander and later the Troop Commander for Troop 3 in Camden. He returned back to the DSP Training Academy on December 22, 2013 as the Director and in just less than two years later was promoted to the prestigious rank of Major where he joined the Executive Staff as the Kent and Sussex County Operations Major on October 18, 2015.

Major Galen M. Purcell, who proudly served Delaware and its citizens, retires today Friday, March 24, 2017 after 28 years of dedicated service.  Major Purcell resides in Magnolia, Delaware with his wife Lana.  He is a very proud father of Amanda, Patrick and Caitlin.

“The women and men of the Delaware State Police congratulate Major Galen M. Purcell on his 28 years of dedicated service to the citizens of the State of Delaware.   We are grateful for his service and commitment throughout his career and for his leadership as part of the executive staff. We also applaud his outstanding recruiting efforts and his service as a member of the United States Navy. He has had a true impact on the entire law enforcement community. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with him. We wish him and his family all the best.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.  – Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

The women and men of the Delaware State Police thank Major Galen M. Purcell for 28 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and leadership to the Division, and wish him and his family the very best wishes in their future endeavors.

Released: 032417 1321

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

Bear- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a single vehicle fatal crash which occurred early this morning in Bear.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash happened at approximately 12:17 a.m. this morning, Friday, March 24, 2017, as Donald W. Shaw, III, 31, of Bear, was operating a 1999 Chevrolet 2500 and was traveling in a northbound direction on DE Rt. 896 (Summit Bridge Road), just north of Red Lion Road. For an unknown reason, the Chevrolet drifted off of the right hand side of the roadway and partially onto a grass embankment. Shaw attempted to re-enter the roadway by steering the car to the left, however, he over-corrected which caused the vehicle to rotate clockwise and then overturn. As the Chevrolet was overturning, it struck a road sign and then came to rest in the right hand northbound lane of Rt. 896 on its passenger side.

Donald Shaw, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was partially ejected and was pinned under the vehicle. He was declared dead at the scene. It is unknown if alcohol or drug use was a factor in this crash at this time. There were no other occupants in the Chevrolet.

The northbound lanes of Summit Bridge Road were closed for approximately 3.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.

Released: 032417 0640

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Milford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred around 11:18 a.m. Thursday March 23, 2017 as David E. Thompson, 29 of Dover, was operating a 2005 Honda CBR southbound on Bay Road (US113/SR1) just north of Tub Mill Pond Road.  Anthony L. Howard, 35 of Parkville, Maryland, was operating a 2016 Western Star Tractor pulling a car hauler northbound on Bay Road stopped in a cross-over preparing to turn left into the I.G. Burton car dealership parking lot (605 Bay Road).  The car hauler began to cross the southbound lanes of Bay Road when the motorcycle tried to brake and lost control, striking the front of the trailer portion of the hauler in the middle of the roadway.  The truck continued westbound 19 feet before coming to a controlled stop.

David Thompson, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anthony Howard was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. There is no evidence at this time that supports drug or alcohol use by either operator.  Bay Road southbound at exit 79 (Thompsonville Road) was closed for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

If anyone may have witnessed this incident, they are asked to contact Master Corporal B. Killen at 302-698-8451. 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.”

Click to View: ** Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating a Fatal Crash North of Milford

Released: 032317 1905

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

Wilmington (19803)- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a bomb threat that was called in to a Wilmington area department store this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that at approximately 1:23 p.m. this afternoon, an unknown male suspect called the Target store, located at 1050 Brandywine Parkway, claiming that there was a bomb inside of the store. The suspect demanded an undisclosed amount of cash, and stated that if he did not receive it, he would detonate the bomb. The store was immediately evacuated and was then searched by K-9 units from the Delaware State Police, Capital Police, and the Department of Natural Resources. No items of suspicious nature were located and the store was re-opened for business at approximately 4:00 p.m. There were no injuries.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact Troop 1 at 302-761-6677. 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: 032317 1845

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Woodside woman after she attempted to bring heroin and marijuana into a prison during a visit.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday March 22, 2017 when Ashley M. Everett, 32 of Woodside, entered the visiting area of James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution, located at 1181 Paddock Road, to visit an inmate.  A Correctional Officer informed Everett that she would be searched for any contraband.  Everett became emotional and was found to have .84 grams of raw heroin and 3.52 grams of marijuana in a small bag inside her mouth.

Ashley Everett was transported by troopers to Troop 3 in Camden where she was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Heroin/Marijuana), two counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $12,500.00 cash bond.

Released: 032317 1835

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Delaware – The Delaware State Police have recently released a new recruiting video and are continuing to accept applications for the 92nd Delaware State Police Recruit Class.  The closing date for the applications will be Friday, April 21, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.  Testing for this class, which is slated for an undetermined date in 2018, will occur in mid May.

Questions concerning this information can be directed to the Recruitment Office of the Delaware State Police by email at dsprecruiting@delaware.gov or telephone 302-739-5980.  Information regarding minimum qualifications, the application process, and to view the extended version of the recruiting video, please go to: www.becomeatrooper.com.

The Delaware State Police is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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Released: 032317 1550

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Milford – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a fatal crash north of Milford.

The incident occurred around 11:18 a.m. Thursday March 23, 2017 on southbound Bay Road (US113/SR1) and involves a tractor trailer and a motorcycle.  The motorcyclist has been pronounced dead at the scene.

Bay Road southbound is currently closed at exit 79 (Thompsonville Road).  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 032317 1222

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

Glasgow- The Delaware State Police and the Middletown Police Department have arrested a pair of men following a joint investigation into a series of armed robberies which had been occurring in both jurisdictions.

On Friday, March 17, 2017, Troopers arrested Brandon C. Dixon, 29, of Middletown, and Darius K. Johns, 26, of Wilmington, immediately after they committed the armed robbery of the Estectica Y Peluqueria Salon, located at 2105 W. Newport Pike, Wilmington. The robbery occurred at approximately 8:16 p.m. as both suspects entered the business while displaying firearms. They then confronted several employees and customers and demanded money from them. The victims complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to them. There were no injuries. The suspects then exited the business and were seen entering a Saturn Ion which was parked in the area. The vehicle then fled in an eastbound direction on West Newport Pike. The Ion was subsequently stopped a short distance away by responding Troopers and both suspects were taken into custody. Evidence linking the two men to the robbery was located inside of the car.

Brandon Dixon and Darius Johns were both transported to Troop 2, where after further investigation, detectives from the Delaware State Police and the Middletown Police Department were able to link the pair to a string of robberies (listed below) which had been occurring in the Middletown and Wilmington area.

1. Sino Garden, 749 N. Broad Street, Middletown, January 17, 2017 (Dixon)
2. Dunkin Donuts, 301 N. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, January 23, 2017 (Dixon and Johns)
3. Alondras Bakery, 2307 W. Newport Pike, Wilmington,  February 1, 2017 (Dixon)
4. J&K Liquors, 19 S. Broad Street, Middletown, February 21, 2017 (Johns)
5. Valero, 38 E. Main Street, Middletown, February 27, 2017 (Dixon)
6. Burrito Bandito, 227 N. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, March 4, 2017 (Dixon)
7. El Navado, 13 N. Broad Street, Middletown, March 9, 2017 (Johns)
8. Estectica Y Peluqueria Salon, 2105 W. Newport Pike, Wilmington, March 17, 2017 (Dixon and Johns)

Brandon Dixon was arrested by the Delaware State Police and charged with five counts of Robbery 1st degree, four counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, four counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Previous Felony, four counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, two counts of Attempted Robbery 2nd Degree, and four counts of Aggravated Menacing. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $382,000.00 cash bail.

Darius Johns was arrested by the Delaware State Police and charged with three counts of Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, four counts of Aggravated Menacing, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Weapon by a Person Convicted of a Previous Violent Felony, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $180,000.00 cash bail.

Please contact the Middletown Police Department for information regarding the robberies which occurred in their jurisdiction.

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Released: 032317 0920

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