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

Bridgeville, De. – Seashore Highway and Oak Road has been re-opened. Troopers continue their investigation into this incident.

Released: 012017 1811

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**Traffic Advisory**

Troopers Investigating Vehicle Crash-Bridgeville

Bridgeville, De.- Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a multiple vehicle crash on Seashore Highway and Oak Road that occurred today, January 20, 2017 at approximately 4:44 p.m. Both drivers have been transported to an area hospital from the scene in serious condition.

Seashore Highway (SR 404) in the area Oak Road is closed. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 012017 1721

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

 Bridgeville, De.- Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a multiple vehicle crash on Seashore Highway and Oak Road that occurred today, January 20, 2017 at approximately 4:44 p.m. Both drivers have been transported to an area hospital from the scene in serious condition.

Seashore Highway (SR 404) in the area Oak Road is closed. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 012017 1721

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

Long Neck, De. – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a vehicle crash west of Long Neck.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred today, January 20, 2017 at approximately 3:25 p.m. near Bay Farm Road, Long Neck, as a vehicle was driven into a retention pond for unknown reasons and as a result one person has died. There are no other occupants in the vehicle.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate and more information will be sent as it becomes available.

Released: 012017 1701

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Lincoln- Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a Lincoln area store that occurred yesterday mid-morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:33 a.m., Thursday January 19, 2017, as a male suspect, armed with an unknown type handgun, entered King’s Market,  located at 20639 Fleatown Road. 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, 5’06”-5’08” tall, 140-160 lbs., wearing all dark colored clothing (No further clothing or physical description).  Armed with an unknown type handgun.

Surveillance photos available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective J. Jones at 302-752-3795. 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: 012017 1205

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Millsboro – Detectives are investigating a late night robbery of a subject parked in a car outside Live at Bo’s establishment, located at 34814 Long Neck Road.

This incident occurred around 11:55 p.m. Saturday January 14, 2017 when a male subject approached a vehicle parked outside the bar and confronted a male victim sitting in the driver’s seat. The male suspect pointed an unknown type handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash.  At the same time, a female who was talking with another male seated on the passenger’s side, approached the suspect and attempted to pull the gun away from him.  A brief struggle ensued and the suspect was able to regain control of the gun and demanded the female’s necklace.  When the female refused, the suspect pulled the necklace from around her neck before fleeing the area.

The suspect is described as a black male, 21-25 years of age, 6’00”-6’01” tall, 210-215 lbs., wearing a blue shirt, white and blue baseball hat, and loose fitting jeans. (Surveillance photos attached)

If anyone has any information in reference to the identity of this individual, 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.”

Released: 012017 1140

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Selbyville – Geralynn N. Oder, 49 of Millville has died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the Saturday January 14, 2017 crash near Selbyville

The incident occurred around 7:07 p.m. as Walter S. Stolz, 78 of Ocean Pines, Maryland was operating a 2016 Lexus ES 250 southbound on Hudson Road, approaching the intersection at Bixler Road. Geralynn Oder was standing in the roadway speaking with the operator of a separate unknown vehicle which was stopped in the northbound lane.  As the Lexus approached, Ober moved away from the stopped vehicle, but did so directly into the path of the southbound vehicle. Walter Stolz was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian, and struck her with the right front of his vehicle in the southbound travel lane.  Geralynn Oder was projected forward and landed just off the west edge of roadway in the grass. Stolz was able to bring is vehicle to a controlled stop just south of the impact.

Geralynn Oder, who was not wearing any reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she died from her injuries on January 19, 2017.

Walter Stolz was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Poor weather conditions (rain) and an unlit roadway may also have been contributing factors in this case.

Released: 012017 1045

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**Original Release**

State Police Investigating Serious Crash Involving Pedestrian – Selbyville

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Selbyville – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a crash in which a pedestrian was struck last night northeast of Selbyville.

The incident occurred around 7:07 p.m., Saturday January 14, 2017 as Walter S. Stolz, 78 of Ocean Pines, Maryland was operating a 2016 Lexus ES 250 southbound on Hudson Road, approaching the intersection at Bixler Road. Geralynn N. Oder, 49 of Millville, was standing in the roadway speaking with the operator of a separate unknown vehicle which was stopped in the northbound lane.  As the Lexus approached, Ober moved away from the stopped vehicle, but did so directly into the path of the southbound vehicle. Walter Stolz was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian, and struck her with the right front of his vehicle in the southbound travel lane.  Geralynn Oder was projected forward and landed just off the west edge of roadway in the grass. Stolz was able to bring is vehicle to a controlled stop just south of the impact.

Geralynn Oder, who was not wearing any reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she is currently admitted in critical condition.

Walter Stolz was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Poor weather conditions (rain) and an unlit roadway may also have been contributing factors in this case.  Hudson Road north of Bixler Road was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 011517 1300

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

Stanton (19804)- Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man after he was found to be in possession of a handgun during a traffic stop near Newark.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2016 at approximately 11:24 p.m., as members of the Governor’s Task Force (G.T.F.) were on patrol in the area of DE Rt. 4 and DE Rt. 7, Stanton. It was at this time that the task force members observed a black Infinity M35 commit several traffic violations. A traffic stop of the vehicle was then conducted on DE Rt. 7 just south of DE Rt. 4. As G.T.F. members made contact with the operator of the car, later identified as Darrin L. Burns, 39, of Wilmington, they observed a small plastic bag which appeared to contain marijuana in plain view on the front passenger seat of the car. Burns was then asked to exit the car at which time a pat down search of him was conducted. During the search approximately $1,400.00 in suspected drug sale proceeds was located in his pants pocket. Unit members then began conducting a search of the Infinity. As the search was in process, Burns attempted to flee from the G.T.F. members and in doing so, jumped over a jersey barrier located on the west edge of the roadway. As a result of jumping over the barrier, Burns fell approximately 20 feet to the ground below which caused him to injure himself. G.T.F. members were then able to take him into custody.

Darrin Burns was removed from the scene by ambulance and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with non-life threatening injuries.

As a result of the search of the Infinity, G.T.F. members located a loaded Highpoint C9 Luger handgun hidden in the trunk of the car. They then obtained a search warrant for Burns’ residence located in the 2100 block of Larson Avenue, Wilmington. As a result of the search of the home, a .45 caliber Judge handgun and ammunition, as well as 270 grams of marijuana packaged for sale were located. A computer check revealed that the handgun had been reported as stolen in 2015.

G.T.F. members obtained a warrant charging Darrin Burns, who is currently on federal probation, with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana in a Tier 1 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned at the Christiana Hospital and issued a $64,001.00 cash bail. Burns will be transported to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution upon his release from the Christiana Hospital.

Released: 011917 2020

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Millsboro – The Delaware State Police have arrested two Frankford men in connection with a pair of robberies and other crimes.

Around 3:43 a.m. Wednesday January 18, 2017, troopers were dispatched to the Royal Farms, located at 26672 Johns J. Williams Highway (SR24), for a report of a robbery that just occurred.  This investigation reveal that a male entered the store armed with an unknown type handgun with a mask covering his face and demanded money from the register.  The female clerk complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash before he fled in an unknown direction.

As troopers were investigating that incident, a second robbery occurred around 4:31 a.m. at the Dash Inn, located at 24851 John J. Williams Highway.  In this incident, a male subject entered the store and pulled an unknown type handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the female clerk.  He demanded cash and upon opening the cash drawer, the female victim fled the store and entered her car.  The suspect removed the cash and then fled the business in a vehicle, which was soon broadcast across the police radio.

Troopers responding to the second robbery were on the lookout for the vehicle, which was described as a Kia Rio, and located it driving eastbound on SR24 west of Warrington Road.  Upon attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the car continued eastbound and items which were later located to be handguns, could be seen thrown out of the window.  The vehicle finally came to a stop on Warrington Road and Matthew R. Edwards, 19, and Zack Umstead, 20, both of Frankford, were taken into custody without further incident.

Through the investigation it was revealed that the Kia Rio was stolen earlier that evening from a residence located on West Alabama Drive in Frankford.  The two handguns were also stolen from a residence in Bethany Meadows on Tuesday January 17, 2017.

Matthew Edwards and Zack Umstead were both transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where they were charged with two counts of Robbery 1st, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony Conspiracy 2nd, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Receiving a Stolen Firearm, and various other charges.  They were arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $164,500.00 cash (Edwards) and $183,002.00 cash.

None of the victims were injured in any of the incidents.

Released: 011917 1425

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

Wilmington (19805)- Delaware State Police have arrested a 27 year old Wilmington man after a search of his residence revealed a loaded handgun and heroin.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, after members of the Governor’s Task Force (G.T.F.) were contacted by officers from the Division of Probation and Parole to assist them with the search of a residence located in the unit block of S. Gray Avenue, Wilmington. Upon their arrival, unit members were informed that during an Administrative Search of the residence, which was being conducted by the Probation and Parole officers, a loaded .40 caliber handgun and 52 bags of heroin were located. The officers then took the resident of the home, Chaz A. Smith, who is a Level II probationer, into custody without incident. Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.

G.T.F. members arrested Smith and transported him to Troop 2 where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP Court 20 and issued a $16,500.00 secured bail. He was then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on an Administrative Warrant issued by the Division of Probation and Parole.

Released: 011917 1030

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

Wilmington (19801)-Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun and marijuana yesterday.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, as members of the Governor’s Task Force (G.T.F.) were on patrol in the area of South Market Street just south of Wilmington. It was at this time that G.T.F. members observed a 2006 Mercury Mariner traveling in a northbound direction at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop of the vehicle was then conducted, and as contact was made with the operator and lone occupant of the car, later identified as Keith L. Howell, 37, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from the interior of the vehicle. GTF members then had Howell exit the car at which time a pat down search of him was conducted. During the search, G.T.F. members observed that Howell appeared to be attempting to conceal something under his arm and against his body. It was at this point that a loaded Glock 9mm handgun was located under his arm. G.T.F. members also located 2 grams of marijuana in Howell’s pants pocket.

Keith Howell was arrested and transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited while in Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Driving at an Unreasonable Speed. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released on $34,000.00 unsecured bail.

Released: 011917 0935

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