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

Wilmington (19802)- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a customer of a Wilmington area car wash which occurred this past weekend.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017, as a male suspect approached a customer of the Miller Road Car Wash, located at 3501 Miller Road, as he was washing his car. The suspect displayed an unknown make and model handgun and demanded the victim’s personal property. The victim turned over his car keys to the suspect, however, he refused to turn over any other property and fled from the wash bay. The suspect also fled from the car wash and was last seen entering the front passenger seat of a green colored sedan which was being operated by a second unknown suspect. The vehicle then fled the area in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 18-30 years of age, 5’07”-5’10” tall, weighed 190-220 lbs., and was last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and jeans. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance footage is 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: 021417 0900

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

Bear- Delaware State Police are investigating an incident in which a credit card skimming device was located on an automated teller machine at a Bear area bank this past weekend.

The investigation began on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at approximately 2:05 p.m., after troopers were called to respond to an area bank located in the 1100 block of Pulaski Highway, Bear, after a male customer located an illegal credit card reader, also known as a “skimmer”, and a small camera attached to the drive through automated teller machine. The customer removed the skimming device from the machine before calling 9-1-1 and turning it over to responding troopers.

Through further investigation, which included reviewing video surveillance footage, troopers were able to identify a possible suspect in the incident (pictured) and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying him.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the pictured suspect, they are asked to contact Detective Gregory Rash at Troop 2 at 302-365-8468. 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: 021417 1940

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

Wilmington (19809)- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Wilmington area 7-11 store that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred this morning, Monday, February 13, 2017 at approximately 3:30 a.m. as two male suspects entered the 7-11 located at 4865 Governor Printz Boulevard. The suspects approached the sales counter where they confronted a male clerk. One of the suspects 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 money to them. Both suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing in a southbound direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect who was armed with the gun was described as a black male. He was 18-20 years of age, 5’06” tall, and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and had a black bandana covering a portion of his face.

The second suspect was also described as a black male. He was 18-20 years of age, 5’10”-5’11” tall, and was last seen wearing a silver hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and had a black bandana partially covering his face.

There is no further physical or clothing description available. Video surveillance photos are not available 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: 021317 1600

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

Ellendale, De. – The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of an Ellendale area store that occurred last evening.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:43 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2017, as a male suspect armed with an unknown type handgun entered the Ellendale Dollar General store, located at 18036 Beach Highway, Ellendale. The suspect approached the store employee and demanded cash. The suspect jumped over the counter and grabbed 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 male wearing dark clothing with his face covered armed with an unknown make and model handgun.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective M. Doughty at 302-752-3794. 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: 021317 1001

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

Milford, De.– The Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit have arrested four after the culmination of a two month long investigation into illegal drug sales throughout Sussex County.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 1:12 a.m. Sunday, February 12, 2017, as a traffic stop was initiated to execute a search warrant of William Via Jr. and his vehicle. The vehicle was stopped on US 113 near the intersection of Milford-Harrington Highway in Milford. The Delaware State Police Governor’s Task Force and the Special Operations Response Team assisted with the vehicle stop.

William Via Jr. was operating the vehicle with three passengers including his wife Staci Via, Michael Allison, and Parish Alexander. Parish Alexander fled from the vehicle on foot upon police contact and was taken into custody in a parking lot near the intersection.  Alexander refused to comply and the deployment of a Conducted Electrical Device (Taser) was used in order to take Alexander into custody. Alexander was found to be in possession of a torn baggie which contained quantity of heroin.  He attempted to discard heroin while running from troopers and heroin was located all over his clothing. He was transported to the Beebe Hospital where he was treated and released. He was then transported to Troop 4 where he was subsequently arrested.

Once all four subjects were detained, the search warrant was executed on the vehicle and over 24 grams of heroin was located in multiple locations in separate bags.

William R. Via Jr, 44 of Georgetown, was transported to Troop 4, Georgetown and charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession Tier 5 Heroin and Conspiracy 2^nd degree. William R. Via Jr. was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $101,000.00 secured bond.

Staci E. Via, 34 of Georgetown, was transported to Troop 4, Georgetown and charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession Tier 5 Heroin and Conspiracy 2^nd degree. Staci E. Via was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of a $51,000.00 secured bond. (mug shot not available)

Michael J. Allison, 36 of Frankford, was transported to Troop 4 Georgetown and charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession Tier 5 Heroin and Conspiracy 2^nd degree.  Michael J. Allison was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $51,000.00 secured bond.

Parish J. Alexander, 38 of Millsboro, was transported to Troop 4 Georgetown and charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession Tier 5 Heroin, Conspiracy 2^nd degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Resisting Arrest. Parish J. Alexander was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of a $102,500.00 secured bond.

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Released: 021217 1551

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

Kent County, De. – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating armed robberies of businesses in Kent County which occurred last night.

The preliminary investigation revealed the first incident occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at approximately 9:22 p.m. at the Family Dollar in Rodney Village located at 1720 South Governors Avenue, Dover. The suspect entered the business and displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a female employee of the store. He then demanded cash from the store register. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. He then exited the store and fled on foot in a south direction. There were no injuries.

The armed suspect was described as a male approximately 6’0” tall, thin build wearing dark pants and a blue hooded sweatshirt with his face covered.

The second incident occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at approximately 10:18 p.m. at the Canterbury Shore Stop located at 8953 South DuPont Highway, Felton. The suspect entered the store and displayed an unknown make and model handgun and demanded money from the cash registers. The armed suspect reached across the counter and grabbed the cash from the register. The suspect fled the store on foot in a southbound direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a male, approximately 6’00” tall, thin build wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, a white undershirt with his face covered, dark pants, armed with a handgun.

If anyone has any information in reference to either of these incidents they are asked to contact Detective J. Buzzuro at 302-698-8502. 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.”

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.

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Released: 021217 1151

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

Milford, De. – The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a Milford area store that occurred last evening.

The preliminary investigation determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017, as a male suspect armed with an unknown type handgun entered the Shawnee Country Store located at 6994 Shawnee Road, Milford. 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 is described as a male approximately 6’00” tall with a thin build. The suspect was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants with his face covered armed with an unknown type handgun. (photo attached)

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective M. Doughty at 302-752-3794. 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: 021117 1151

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

Dover, De. – The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit, in partnership with the Dover Police Department, have arrested a Dover man after the culmination of a four month long investigation into illegal drug sales from residences in Dover.

On Friday, February 10, 2017 during the morning hours, the Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force, Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), DEA-Dover Post of Duty and the Dover Police Department conducted two search warrants at residences in the unit block of Stevenson Drive and the 400 block of East Water Street, Dover. Benjamin M. Greene, 29 of Dover, was taken into custody without incident at the Stevenson Drive address.

A search of the Stevenson Drive residence revealed packaging material for heroin distribution and over $1,200.00 in suspected drug proceeds. The search of the East Water Street residence revealed 22.9 grams of heroin, drug packaging materials, a loaded .25 caliber handgun, a .38 caliber handgun that was reported stolen out of Troop 3, Kent County on October 15, 2016 and a 9mm handgun reported stolen to the Greer Police Department in South Carolina.

Benjamin M. Greene was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with five counts of Drug Dealing, three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, two counts of Receiving a Stolen Firearms, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Conspiracy 2^nd degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, four counts of Manufactures, Delivers or Possesses with intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  Greene has prior felony firearms convictions.  He is also being charged by Troop 1 reference to a hit and run accident on US95 that occurred during the course of this investigation after he was suspected of transporting heroin from Philadelphia to Dover.  During his route south, he rear ended a vehicle and fled the scene.  This vehicle was recovered in front of the Stevenson Drive residence with a fictitious registration. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution on $150,200.00 cash bond.

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Released: 021117 0851

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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.”

Please click on thumbnails to enlarge:

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Released: 021017 2031

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

Newark, De.- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man and charged him in connection with the robbery of a Newark area bank that occurred this morning.

The investigation began at approximately 10:59 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, as a male suspect entered the PNC Bank branch located at 25 Pencader Plaza, Newark. The suspect confronted the female bank teller and demanded money. He implied that he was armed, however, a weapon was not displayed. The teller complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then fled from the bank in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

Troopers conducted an area search of the surrounding businesses and area neighborhoods. A short time later, Troopers responding to the area observed a subject matching the description of the suspect who was trying to enter a bus on East Chestnut Hill Road (Route 4) in the area of South Kingston Drive. Troopers were able to take the suspect, later identified as Eugene Dean,68 of Wilmington, into custody without incident. During a subsequent pat down search Troopers found Dean to be in possession of the proceeds from the robbery.

Eugene Dean was transported to Troop 2 where he was subsequently arrested and charged with Robbery 1st Degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $25,000.00 cash bail.

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Released: 021017 1921

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