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

The Delaware State Police’s Honorary Commanders were invited to the Delaware State Police Museum on Friday, February 10, 2017. The morning session was presented by the Community Outreach Unit followed by the Canine Training Unit. Both teams gave an insightful presentation tracked by an outdoor Canine Unit demonstration.

The afternoon gathering concentrated on the Delaware State Police History from the 1920’s to the present day. Major Galen Purcell, Operations Officer for Kent and Sussex Counties showed the historical timeline of the important events in the Delaware State Police history.

In the evening, Troop Commanders and their partnered Honorary Commanders attended the Law Enforcement Graduation Ceremony. The Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. announced the graduation ceremonies for the 90^th Delaware State Police class and the 83^rd Municipal Police Class.

“I personally believe that history is an important aspect of growth and learning about history allows us to become wiser and develop empathy for all those around us. This has certainly made the Delaware State Police understand the communities it serves well and the current initiatives such as honorary commanders programs and citizens’ academy bring the police and the people together. The demonstrations that I observed showed the thoughtfulness that goes into planning and execution of different programs that keep Delawareans safe every day. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a day filled with demonstrations, history lessons and police academy graduation ceremony along with my new Delaware State Police family. It was a learning experience like no other. “

Dr. Naveed Baquir

Troop 2 CIU Honorary Commander

Our Superintendent, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. and the women and men of the Delaware State Police thank all of the remarkable and gifted Honorary Commanders for their contributions in this highly honored program. This well-regarded community program brings law enforcement and civic leaders together to enhance the partnership with the communities we serve. We thank you for your commitment to serve others.

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Released: 021417 1431

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

Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police are asking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate a Georgetown man wanted for felony theft crimes committed in Sussex County.

On Friday, January 26, 2017, troopers initiated an investigation after receiving information about an employee that was stealing money from Lefty’s Alley and Eats located at 36450 Plaza Drive, Lewes. The employee, Joseph M. Dunn issued refunds without a customer present or manager approval from January 13-25, 2017. The investigation revealed Joseph Dunn would keep the money and the receipts when customers paid with cash. The total amount stolen is over $2,300.00.

Joseph M. Dunn, 23 of Georgetown, is described as approximately 5’09” tall, 160 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair. He was living in the Lewes area.

Joseph M. Dunn is currently on probation and wanted on the State Police warrants for felony theft. There is an active warrant for theft out of the Georgetown Police Department and he has a capias out of the Sussex County Superior Court for Civil Contempt. (Mugshot attached)

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Joseph M. Dunn, they are asked to contact Trooper M. Burch at 302-703-3297 or Troop 7 at 302-644-5020. 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 1301

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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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