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

Harrington- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the report of shots fired which occurred last night during a large party at a residence in Harrington.

The investigation began at approximately 10:00 p.m. last night, Friday, January 6, 2017, after troopers were called to respond to a report of shots fired at a residence located in the 500 block of Cloverfield Lane, Harrington. Upon their arrival, Troopers assigned to Troop 3  were met with a large disorderly crowd and immediately asked for assistance from Troop 4, Troop 7, and the Milford Police Department. The crowd was subsequently dispersed.

Troopers learned that during the party, an altercation occurred at which time two unknown black male suspects produced weapons and fired an unknown amount of rounds. Both suspects then fled from the party in a vehicle in an unknown direction. Several shell casing were located at the scene, however, there were no reports of any injuries, and no weapons were found.

As troopers were still conducting their investigation, a male subject, identified as Tiki J. Smack, 19, of Bridgeville, arrived at the home. A subsequent computer check revealed that Smack was wanted by the Delaware State Police in connection with the shooting of a 19 year old female which had occurred during an altercation at a residence located in Felton in June of 2016.

Tiki Smack was arrested and transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Assault 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Endangering 1st degree, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. He was arraigned at JP Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $75,000.00 secured bail.

The investigation into the shooting at the Cloverfield Lane home is on-going. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigative Unit at Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. 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: 010717 0920

**Original Release From June 2016 Shooting**

Felton, DE – Troopers are currently investigating a shooting that occurred early this morning near Felton.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred at approximately 3:19 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in the unit block of Weatherstone Lane, Felton, as a 9-1-1 call was made reporting multiple shots fired during a party at a residence. Troopers arrived on scene, secured the area and contacted several witnesses as they attempted to leave the location.

Shortly after the report of shots fired, one victim, a 15 year old female arrived at the Frederica Volunteer Fire Department by privately owned vehicle with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. EMS transported the victim to a local area hospital where she is listed in stable condition. The victim was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.

Delaware State Police detectives conducted multiple interviews which revealed that an argument occurred outside of the residence. As several subjects were leaving, the argument escalated into a fight and shots were fired subsequently striking the victim.

The suspect is described as a skinny black male approximately 17-20 years of age, 5’08” to 5’ 10” tall with a white t-shirt.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assigned to Troop 3 is currently investigating this incident. The investigation is in the early stages and more information will be released when it becomes available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Blomquist at 302-698-8426. 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: 061416  1101

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

Wilmington – All lanes of northbound I-495 have been re-opened to traffic. Commuters should still expect some slowing in the area.

Released: 010717 0930

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**Original Release**

Wilmington – Delaware State Police are currently investigating a vehicle fire involving a loaded trailer which has caused the closure of I-495 in Wilmington.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. this evening on northbound I-495 north of 12th Street, Wilmington, and involves the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer which has become completely engulfed in flames. Fire department personnel are currently at the scene and are working to extinguish the fire. There are no injuries.

As a result of the fire, the northbound lanes of I-495 have been closed and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel. At this time it is unknown how long the roadway will be closed.

Released: 010617 2150

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

New Castle (19720) – The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash which injured a 56 year old male pedestrian that occurred last night just south of New Castle.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred on Friday, January 6, 2017 at approximately 7:12 p.m., as Gregory L. Markland, 56, of New Castle, was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of SR9 (Wilmington Road) in the area of Arbutus Avenue. As Markland, who was dressed in all dark clothing and not utilizing a marked cross walk, entered into the northbound right hand lane, he stepped directly into the path of a 2001 Infiniti G-20 which was being operated by Joanne Poteat, 49, of New Castle. The front of the Infiniti then struck Markland, vaulting him onto the hood and into the windshield of the car. Markland was then thrown onto the right hand shoulder of the roadway. Joanne Poteat was able to bring her vehicle to a controlled stop just north of the scene.

Gregory Markland was treated by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he was admitted with non-life threatening injuries. Markland was cited by troopers with Leaving a Curb into Oncoming Traffic and  Walking on a Roadway Without a Light.

Joanne Poteat was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was not injured.

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Released: 010717 0815

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

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:

Released: 010717 0750

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

Wilmington – Delaware State Police are currently investigating a vehicle fire involving a loaded trailer which has caused the closure of I-495 in Wilmington.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. this evening on northbound I-495 north of 12th Street, Wilmington, and involves the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer which has become completely engulfed in flames. Fire department personnel are currently at the scene and are working to extinguish the fire. There are no injuries.

As a result of the fire, the northbound lanes of I-495 have been closed and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel. At this time it is unknown how long the roadway will be closed.

Released: 010617 2150

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

Dover-Weather forecasts currently indicate a winter storm that will impact the region beginning early tomorrow morning, Saturday, January 7th, and lasting into the afternoon and possibly the early evening. The possibility of heavy snowfall, including a wintry mix, are threats with this storm. This type of weather pattern can create treacherous conditions for motorists who are traveling along Delaware roadways.

Troopers statewide continue to plan and prepare for the forecasted winter storm, as they will be ready and available to patrol, assist disabled vehicles, and manage roadway incidents and hazards for the duration of the event. Most calls for service received by Troopers during winter storms are for vehicle crashes, disabled vehicles, and abandoned vehicles which cause a major problem for DelDOT snow removal equipment and for Troopers responding to emergency situations. Troopers strongly encourage motorists to postpone and avoid unnecessary travel.

Troopers urge all motorists who must travel to use extreme caution as road and weather conditions may change rapidly over the course of the event. Motorists should be prepared for snow-covered and slippery roads, along with strong winds and limited visibility which make driving conditions difficult. Use caution while driving when approaching intersections and off ramps, especially bridges and overpasses. Remember to reduce speed and increase following distance between vehicles. Allow ample time to reach your destination, allow extra space between vehicles, and keep vehicle headlights on to increase visibility.

This would be an excellent time to check your vehicle ensuring it is in good working order for the expected conditions. Fill up the fuel tank in advance. Check the windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc. If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay with your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening. Be sure to have an emergency kit in the vehicle consisting of a blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger, and a flashlight

Released: 010617 1420

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Felton – The Delaware State Police are investigating an early morning crash south of Felton that involved two SUVs and an unoccupied school bus.

The incident occurred around 8:19 a.m. Friday January 6, 2017 as Theressia M. Moore, 71 of Wyoming, was operating a 2003 Toyota RAV4 southbound on South DuPont Highway (US13) preparing to make a left turn to travel eastbound on Killens Pond Road.  Theressia Moore failed to yield the right of way upon making the turn and traveled into the path of a northbound 2001 Chevrolet Suburban being operated by Amy R. Connelly, 39 of Harrington.  Connelly attempted to swerve to the right to avoid the RAV4, but struck the small SUV on the front right corner.  Both vehicles then continued in an easterly direction where the RAV4 for struck the front of a 2015 Bluebird school bus that was stopped at the traffic light traveling westbound on Killens Pond Road.

Theressia Moore, who was properly restrained, was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital (KGH) where she was admitted in serious condition.  She was cited for Failure to Yield the Right of Way.  An 11-year-old female passenger in the RAV4 was also transported to KGH with non-life-threatening injuries.

Amy Connelly and an 18-year-old female passenger were properly restrained and reported no injuries at the scene of the collision.

William R. Moore, 66 of Harrington, was the operator of the unoccupied school bus and was uninjured in the incident.

Traffic in the area of US13 northbound and Killens Pond Road was impacted for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 010617 1140

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Delaware – The Delaware State Police is now accepting applications for the 91st Delaware State Police Recruit Class.  The closing date for the applications will be Friday, January 20, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.  Testing for this class, which is slated to begin in fall of 2017, will occur in early February.

Questions concerning this information can be directed to the Recruitment Office of the Delaware State Police by email at dsprecruiting@delaware.gov or telephone 302.739.5980.  Information regarding minimum qualifications and the application process can be found on the Delaware State Police website at www.becomeatrooper.com.

The DSP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Released: 010617 0850

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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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