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.”

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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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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Selbyville – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that has claimed the life of a Frankford man.

The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday February 4, 2017 as Harrison O. McCray, 34 of Frankford, was operating a 2005 Cadillac CTS southbound on Parker Road at an apparent high rate of speed approaching a moderate left curve just north of Cliff Road. The vehicle failed to negotiate the curve and exited the west side of the road where it entered an open field and began to rotate counter-clockwise.  The wheels of the car then dug into the soft soil and began to barrel roll over a distance of approximately 200’ before coming to a stop in an upright position.

Harrison McCray, who was not properly restrained, was ejected from the Cadillac.  He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in this case.  Parker Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 020417 1000

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna –  At approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening, Friday February 3, 2017, the Delaware State Police have cleared the crime scene and turned Building “C” back over to the Delaware Department of Correction.

Because of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, this investigation is expected to be lengthy and arduous. Detectives are continuing to conduct interviews as well as collect and examine countless pieces of physical and video evidence.

So as not to jeopardize this on-going and active investigation, the Delaware State Police and the Department of Correction will  provide updates if and when circumstances warrant. 

Click to View: Troopers Continue Death Investigation at Smyrna Prison

Click to View: **Update-Autopsy Information** State Police Conduct Homicide Investigation at Smyrna Prison

Released: 020317 2225

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

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.”

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Released: 020317 2020

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna – The Delaware Division of Forensic Science has completed the autopsy of Lieutenant Steven R. Floyd which has determined the death to be a homicide by trauma.  No further information regarding the autopsy will be released in order to protect the integrity of the active and on-going investigation.

Click to View: Troopers Continue Death Investigation at Smyrna Prison

Released: 020317 1950

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

Stanton (19804) – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the attempted armed robbery of a Stanton area bakery which occurred Wednesday night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 10:16 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, as a male suspect entered the Alondras Bakery located at 2307 W. Newport Pike. The suspect, who displayed an unknown make and model handgun, approached the sales counter where he confronted a female employee and demanded money from the cash register. The employee, however, did not comply with the suspect’s demands. He then exited the business without obtaining any money and was last seen fleeing on foot in a northbound direction on Cypress Avenue. The employee was not injured.

The suspect is described as a white male. He was 18-20 years of age and was last seen wearing a gray hooded jacket, black pants, a white shirt, black shoes, and had a mask partially covering his face.

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: 020317 1410

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