Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Millsboro –The Delaware State Police are investigating a bomb threat that was called into the Long Neck Elementary School located at 26064 School Lane this afternoon.

The incident occurred around 12:46 p.m. today, Thursday January 5, 2017 when a robotic style or computer generated voice phone call was received in the school’s main office stating there was an unknown type of device in the school. The school was placed on a low-level lockdown and an administrative search was conducted by school administration and troopers.  Nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious was located and staff and students resumed their daily activities around 1:50 p.m.

No suspects or leads have been established in this case.  If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Youth Aid Division at 302-856-5850. 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: 010517 1615

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

Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 90 year old man that occurred this morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:59 a.m. this morning as Charles Culnane, 90, of Wilmington, was attempting to cross Shipley Road in a westbound direction in the area of Baynard Boulevard. As Culnane entered the southbound lane of Shipley Road in or near the marked cross walk, he stepped directly into the path of a 2000 Mazda Protégé, which was being operated by Robert Luff, 21, of Wilmington, and which was traveling southbound on Shipley Road. Luff attempted to stop his vehicle in order to avoid striking Culnane, however, he was unable to. The front of the Mazda then struck Culnane, vaulting him into the windshield. He was then carried for a short distance before falling off of the vehicle and landing on the side of the road. Luff was able to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop at the scene.

Charles Culnane was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead from his injuries.

Robert Luff, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured. Alcohol or drug use on the part of Culnane and Luff is not being considered as a factor in this crash.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Shipley Road between Baynard Boulevard and Weldin Road was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 010417 1650

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**Original Release**

Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at approximately 8:59 a.m., in the area of the 1000 block of Shipley Road, and involves a motor vehicle and a male pedestrian. The pedestrian has been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he has died as a result of his injuries. The operator of the motor vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation at this time. Further information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Shipley Road in the area of the crash was closed for a period of time, however, it has since been re-opened.

Released: 010417 1355

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

Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at approximately 8:59 a.m., in the area of the 1000 block of Shipley Road, and involves a motor vehicle and a male pedestrian. The pedestrian has been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he has died as a result of his injuries. The operator of the motor vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation at this time. Further information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Shipley Road in the area of the crash was closed for a period of time, however, it has since been re-opened.

Released: 010417 1355

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

Newark (19711) – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the attempted armed robbery of a delivery driver which occurred at a Newark area Burger King restaurant early yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as a 57 year old male delivery driver was in the process of making a bread delivery at the Burger King restaurant located at 2690 Capitol Trail, Newark. As the victim opened the rear door of the business, he was confronted by a male suspect who was armed with an unknown make and model handgun. The suspect ordered the victim to the ground and proceeded to remove his wallet from his pants pocket. The suspect tossed the wallet, however, after learning that there was no money inside. He then exited the business and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was approximately 6’00” tall, weighed 150-170 lbs., and was last seen wearing a dark blue or black coat and had a shirt covering part of his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available. There are no video surveillance photos 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.”

Released: 010417 1045

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

New Castle (19720)- Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two suspects after a shooting incident which occurred in a New Castle area parking lot in late October.

The initial investigation began on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at approximately 12:50 a.m., after Troopers were called to respond to the parking lot of the Pockets Shopping Center, located at 337 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle, in reference to a shots fired complaint. Upon their arrival, troopers learned that an unknown male subject, who had been loitering with several other subjects in the area of Pockets Liquors, had exchanged gunfire with a male subject, later identified as Stedman L. Brown, 27, of Newark, after Brown had arrived at the liquor store in a dark blue Chrysler 300. After the shooting all of the subjects fled the area. There were no injuries.

During the investigation which included the collection of evidence and the review of video surveillance footage, it was determined that the unknown male suspect who had taken part in the shooting had been provided the weapon he used by a female suspect, later identified as Nyasia Blalock, 20, of New Castle, who was present during the incident.

Troopers have obtained warrants charging Nyasia Blalock with Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Blalock is described as being 5’04” tall, weighs approximately 115 lbs., and has black hair and brown eyes.

Warrants have also been obtained charging Stedman L. Brown with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Reckless Endangering 1st Degree. Brown is 5’08” tall, weighs approximately 185 lbs., and has black hair and brown eyes.

The investigation into this incident by the Delaware State Police is on-going.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the location of Nyasia Blalock or Stedman Brown, they are asked to contact 9-1-1 immediately or call Det. Nicholas Terranova at 302-365-8436. 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: 010417 0956

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Magnolia- Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a Magnolia area gas station that occurred last evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m., Tuesday January 3, 2017, as a male suspect, armed with an unknown type handgun, entered Uncle Sam’s Market,  located at 50 West Birdie Lane. The suspect approached a 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, 5’09” – 5’10”, 175-200 pounds, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and black sneakers, with his face concealed (No further clothing or physical description).  He was armed with an unknown type handgun.

No surveillance photos available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit at 302-697-2104. 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: 010417 0840

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

Claymont – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 52 year old man and charged him in connection with the robbery of a Claymont area pharmacy which occurred yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:19 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2017, as a male suspect, later identified as David H. Francis, Jr., of Claymont, entered the Rite Aid located at 641 Naamans Road, Claymont. Francis then approached the sales counter with his face covered with a sweatshirt and confronted a female employee while implying that he was armed with a gun. He then demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with Francis’ demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. Francis then exited the store with his face still covered and was observed by an off-duty officer of the Philadelphia Police Department. After learning that the pharmacy had just been robbed, the officer detained Francis in the parking lot until the arrival of responding troopers. There were no injuries.

David Francis was transported to Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with two counts of Robbery 1st Degree and Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institutional in default of $41,000.00 secured bail.

Released: 010317 1130

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Smyrna – Over the past couple of weeks, the Delaware State Police has seen an increase in thefts from vehicles at over a dozen locations south of Smyrna, particularly the Sunnyside Road and Sheridan Lane areas.

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.  In one particular case, a surveillance camera captured an image of a suspect (see attached).

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 R. Wright at 302-698-8429. 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: 010217 1915

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

New Castle (19720) – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a New Castle area Dash Inn that occurred early yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2017, as a male suspect approached a clerk of the Dash Inn, located at 288 Christiana Road, New Castle, as he was standing outside of the business. The suspect then produced a knife and demanded that the male clerk unlock the business doors. After being informed that the doors were open the suspect threw the clerk to the ground and then entered the store. The suspect then proceeded to the sales counter where he attempted to open the cash register but was unsuccessful. He then removed a box containing an undisclosed amount of money from the sales counter before fleeing in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 15-35 years of age, 5’08”-5’10” tall, and was last seen wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans, tan shoes, a white t-shirt, and had a black cloth covering part of his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available.

No video surveillance photos are 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.”

Released: 010217 1905

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

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a New Castle area Shell gas station that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 7:47 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2016, as a male suspect entered the Shell Gas Station and Food Mart located at 299 Christiana Road, New Castle. The suspect confronted the clerk who was standing behind the sales counter. He then demanded money from the cash registers. The suspect implied that he was armed, however, a weapon was not displayed. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to him. The suspect then exited the business and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’10”-6’00” tall, weighed 160-200 lbs., and was last seen wearing dark clothing and had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance footage is available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery unit 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: 123116 1711

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