Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Frederica – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Richard L. Clark, 38 of Townsend, and Brian M. Holloway, 36 of Dover, both wanted for multiple counts of Theft, Conspiracy, and Criminal Trespass associated with the recent thefts from motor vehicles in the Little Heaven area.

If anyone has any information in reference to Clark or Holloway’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Detective A. Goode at 302-698-8517. 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: State Police Probe Thefts From Vehicles

Released: 020917 1540

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Laurel – Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a Laurel area store that occurred late last evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:44 p.m., Wednesday February 8, 2017, as a male suspect, armed with an unknown type handgun, entered the Oasis Travel Plaza,  located at 30759 Sussex Highway. The suspect approached the store employee and demanded cash.  The victim complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction.  The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as black male, 5’08”-5’10” tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white gloves  (No further clothing or physical description).  Armed with an unknown type handgun.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective K. McCabe at 302-752-3798. 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: 020917 0935

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

Newark, De.- The Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives have arrested a Newark woman and charged her in connection with an armed robbery.

The preliminary investigation began on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at approximately 9:13 a.m., as a suspect with her face covered entered the Village Cigarette Outlet located at 150 Salem Church Road, Newark. The suspect approached the sales counter and confronted a male employee. She then demanded money from the cash register as she displayed a knife that was in her waistband to the clerk. The employee ran out the back door. The female suspect then fled from the business. The employee was not injured.

Troopers, with the assistance of the Newark Police Department K-9 Unit, canvassed the area for the suspect. During the K-9 search a suspect matching the description was seen sitting on the front step of a residence in the Glen Eagle Village Apartment Complex. The suspect immediately got up and started to walk away to avoid suspicion however was contacted a short time later and identified as Maya B. Howard, 19 of Newark. The suspect was in possession of evidence linking her to the robbery. She was taken into custody without incident.

Maya B. Howard was transported to Troop 2 where she was charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony and Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon. Maya B. Howard was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $42,000.00 secured bail.

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Released: 020817 1311

-End-

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

Newark – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Newark area 7-11 store that occurred late last night.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred on Monday, February 6, 2017, at approximately 10:40 p.m., as the two male suspects entered the 7-11 located at 699 East Chestnut Hill Road, Newark. The suspects approached the sales counter one armed with an unknown gun and the other with a baseball bat confronted the two male clerks. The suspects demanded money from the cash registers. The clerks complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a white male approximately 6’00” tall, weighed 150-170 lbs., wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt with his face covered (no further physical or clothing description available). Armed with an unknown type of gun.

The second suspect was described as a black male, 5’10” – 5’11” tall, weighed 150-170 lbs., wearing a light colored hooded sweatshirt with his face covered. (no further physical or clothing description available).  Armed with a baseball bat.

The Delaware State Police would like to remind the business community that robbery prevention is something business owners need to cover with new hires as well as current employees on a regular basis.

Anytime there is money in a place, there is a chance that someone will want that money, and is willing to use force to get it. You can take some simple steps to help reduce the chances that you, or your business, will be robbed. There is no way to fully prevent robbery, but you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim. 

Methods for Discouraging a Robber

• Lock unused doors.
• Avoid working alone. If you must work alone, turn on a radio or TV so robbers will think there is someone with you.
• Vary the schedule and route you take for your bank deposits each day, keep only the necessary cash on hand.
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by.
• Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, because they block visibility from the street.
• Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
• Place colored markings at the exits to estimate the suspect’s height as they leave.
• A robbery may be over in less than a minute. You need a quick eye to get a good look at the robber. That’s why some stores place hidden cameras behind cash registers.

If a Robbery Occurs

• Call police immediately by dialing 9-1-1, before calling anyone else.
• Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? Give it to him/her! Never refuse a robber.
• Remain calm. You will be able to give a better description to the police. Most robbers do not harm the victim.
• Do not resist. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what he asks. He may be armed and may harm you or others if you do not cooperate. Listen carefully to him/her, and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• Try to avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
• The most important thing to do if you’re robbed is to do as you’re told and try to observe. The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

Steps to Take After a Robbery

• Wait until the suspect has left the store and then sound the alarm.
• Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher the name and address of your business. Give a brief description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle if known.
• Ask customers to stay and wait for the police.
• When your witnesses have agreed to stay, lock the doors until the police arrive.
• Preserve the crime scene and make sure the witnesses are aware that they should not touch anything that the suspect may have touched.
• Ask all witnesses and staff members to write down their observations of the suspect description.

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: 020717 1531

-End-

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

Bear, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the attempted armed robbery of a Bear area restaurant and the robbery of an employee that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 9:47 p.m. last night, Monday, February 6, 2017, as three male suspects confronted an employee of the Hibachi Restaurant, located at 1160 Pulaski Highway, Bear. The employee was taking out the trash to the dumpster and closing the business for the night when the suspects threw the employee to the ground and took his cell phone and money. The victim was then ordered to open the doors to the restaurant as one of the suspects displayed an unknown make and model handgun. The suspects forced the victim back inside and attempted to get another employee to come over to them. After that employee refused to come over, the suspects fled the rear door of the business. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male 20-30 years of age. He was last seen wearing dark clothing with his face covered. He was also armed with a gun.

The second suspect was described as a black male 20-30 years of age. He was last seen wearing a red jacket with his face covered.

The third suspect was also described as a black male between 20-30 years of age. He was last seen wearing lighter colored clothing with his face covered.

There is no further physical or clothing description for the suspects available at this time. There is no video surveillance footage available.

The Delaware State Police would like to remind the business community that robbery prevention is something business owners need to cover with new hires as well as current employees on a regular basis.

Anytime there is money in a place, there is a chance that someone will want that money, and is willing to use force to get it. You can take some simple steps to help reduce the chances that you, or your business, will be robbed. There is no way to fully prevent robbery, but you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim. 

Methods for Discouraging a Robber

• Lock unused doors.
• Avoid working alone. If you must work alone, turn on a radio or TV so robbers will think there is someone with you.
• Vary the schedule and route you take for your bank deposits each day, keep only the necessary cash on hand.
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by.
• Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, because they block visibility from the street.
• Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
• Place colored markings at the exits to estimate the suspect’s height as they leave.
• A robbery may be over in less than a minute. You need a quick eye to get a good look at the robber. That’s why some stores place hidden cameras behind cash registers.

If a Robbery Occurs

• Call police immediately by dialing 9-1-1, before calling anyone else.
• Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? Give it to him/her! Never refuse a robber.
• Remain calm. You will be able to give a better description to the police. Most robbers do not harm the victim.
• Do not resist. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what he asks. He may be armed and may harm you or others if you do not cooperate. Listen carefully to him/her, and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• Try to avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
• The most important thing to do if you’re robbed is to do as you’re told and try to observe. The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

Steps to Take After a Robbery

• Wait until the suspect has left the store and then sound the alarm.
• Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher the name and address of your business. Give a brief description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle if known.
• Ask customers to stay and wait for the police.
• When your witnesses have agreed to stay, lock the doors until the police arrive.
• Preserve the crime scene and make sure the witnesses are aware that they should not touch anything that the suspect may have touched.
• Ask all witnesses and staff members to write down their observations of the suspect description.

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.”

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Facebook

Twitter

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

Released: 020717 1451

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Frederica – Over the past couple of weeks, the Delaware State Police has seen an increase in thefts from vehicles at over a dozen locations in the Little Heaven area, particularly east of State Route 1 on Bowers Beach Road.

State Police learned that an undetermined number of suspects entered approximately at least a dozen different vehicles stealing items and also rummaging through unsecured vehicles. The suspects stole items ranging from purses to electronic devices, and U.S. currency.  In most of these cases the vehicles were parked in the victim’s driveways and were unsecured.

The Delaware State Police urge people to utilize the following tips:

• Lock your car doors and roll up you windows
• Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle
• Leave outdoor lights on in the driveway or have security lighting installed
• Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately

If anyone has any information on these incidents or the suspect, they are asked to contact Detective A. Goode at 302-698-8517. 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: 020717 1030

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

Wilmington, DE – Troopers are investigating a purse snatching that occurred yesterday in the parking lot of the Maryland Avenue and the Boxwood Shopping Center.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 6:34 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2017, as a 49-year-old female was walking out of the Rite Aid located at 636 South Maryland Avenue. The male approached the victim from behind and pushed her down and stole her purse. The victim attempted to follow the suspect however lost sight of him as he fled on foot eastbound on Maryland Avenue. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male in his 40’s, approximately 5’10”tall, wearing dark clothing. There are no surveillance photos available.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these safety tips:

• Be aware of the area and the people, especially if you find yourself having to walk in an isolated or lightly populated area. Look at the person who might approach or pass you. Do not look away. Look directly at their hands or at what they might be carrying. They prefer to strike and run, and not be recognized. If you do not appear to be vulnerable and will be able to give their description, they just might keep walking past you.
• Walk in busy, well-lit areas. You may think that you’re exposing yourself to more purse snatchers, but they are more likely to strike in dark, isolated areas because they don’t want to get caught. Walk briskly and confidently. Bring a friend.
• Hold your purse tightly and close to your body, whether on a bus, train, or walking. If possible, wear it underneath a coat or jacket. Also, secure the latch or zipper. You might be tempted to wear your purse diagonally on your body (over the neck as well as the shoulder) or loop the strap around your wrist to prevent the purse from being easily snatched, but keep in mind that if someone does try to steal your purse, a hard yank on tightly wound purse strap can cause injury.
• Report anything or anyone suspicious. If you suspect that someone seems to be lurking someplace that they do not belong, contact security if you are in a mall, or contact the manager if you are in a supermarket. Better to report your suspicions and be wrong, than to ignore it and be robbed or hurt.
• Clutch your purse the way a football player carries a football. Hug it to your ribs with one arm – away from the curb to avoid motorcycle or car drive-by purse snatching grabs. But if a purse-snatcher does grab it, give it up, then yell for help as you run to safety. Do NOT risk injury by fighting for your purse.
• Keep your keys in a pocket so you won’t lose them along with your name and address in your purse.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 2 at 302-365-8442 or 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.”

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Facebook

Twitter

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

Released: 020617 1351

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred around 12:47 a.m. Sunday February 5, 2017 as a 31-year-old male from Wilmington was operating a 2000 Triumph TT600 motorcycle eastbound on New Linden Hill Road approaching Pike Creek Center Road at an apparent high rate of speed. The operator failed to negotiate a left curve and travel off the right side of the roadway, striking the guardrail.

The male operator, who was wearing an approved DOT helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.  His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in this case.

Released: 020517 1045

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Greenwood – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Greenwood man after guns were located in the car he was driving and crashed.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Friday February 3, 2017, as Robert T. Reed, 48 of Greenwood, was operating a 1997 Lexus ES300 northbound on Deep Grass Lane south of Hunting Quarter Road.  Reed lost control of the car while negotiating a slight curve and struck a telephone pole before the car overturned and came to a stop.  A search of the car revealed a .22 caliber rifle that was reported stolen July of 2015 from a residence located in the 17000 block of Clendaniel Road, Lincoln.  A 9mm assault rifle and a CO2 powered handgun were also recovered.

Robert Reed, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene and transported to Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital.  He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and upon his release was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Unsafe Speed, Careless Driving, and other traffic related offenses.  He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $8,500.00 cash bond.

Released: 020417 2035

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Red Lion – The Delaware State Police are investigating a three vehicle crash that occurred early Friday evening.

The incident occurred around 5:34 p.m. Friday February 3, 2017 as Joseph J. Tabino Jr., 58 of New Castle, was operating a 2014 Chevrolet box truck northbound on Bear-Corbitt Road (SR7) stopped in traffic for a red light at Red Lion Road (SR71).  Colton E. McFatridge, 26 of Bear, was operating a 1994 Honda Civic northbound on SR7 stopped directly behind the box truck.  George I. Woodlaver IV, 61 of Chester, Pennsylvania, was operating a 2008 Ford Escape northbound on SR7 behind the truck and Civic when for unknown reason failed to slow or stop.  The front of the Ford Escape struck the rear of the Civic which in turn pushed it forward into the rear of the box truck.

George Woodlaver, who was properly restrained, was unresponsive at the scene and New Castle County Paramedics and EMS personnel attempted lifesaving measures before transporting him to Christiana Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 6:33 p.m.

Joseph Tabino and Colton McFatridge were both properly restrained and uninjured in the collision.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into this incident and preliminary reports suggest Woodlaver may have had the onset of an acute medical condition prior to the crash.

Released: 020417 1000

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