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

Released: 120216 2120

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford- Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a Mexican store that occurred early last night.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m., Thursday December 1, 2016, as a male suspect, armed with an unknown type handgun, entered Flor De Mexico,  located at 1201 Middleford Road. The suspect approached a female clerk who was standing behind the counter and demanded cash.  The female 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 female clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a male, 6’00”-6’02” tall, 180-200 lbs., wearing all dark colored clothing (No further clothing or physical description).  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 4 Major Crimes Unit 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.”

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.

Released: 120216 1145

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Leipsic- The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a pizza delivery man that occurred early Sunday evening.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at approximately 6:45 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to the area of Walnut Street and 2nd Street for a robbery of a 47-year-old male pizza delivery man, employed by Poliseno’s Pizzeria in Cheswold.  The driver attempted to deliver a pizza to an address on Walnut Street and found that the address didn’t exist. He began driving around the neighborhood when he was flagged down by a subject near the house number that was called in.  When he exited his vehicle with the pizza, the driver explained the price of the pizza and laid the pizza on the truck of the car.  A second subject then came from the front of the vehicle armed with an unknown type rifle and demanded the driver’s money.  The deliver driver refused to turn over the money and pushed the barrel of the weapon away from him before the subjects fled the area, taking the pizza with them.  The victim was not injured.

The first suspect is described as a white male, 14-15 years of age, 120-130 lbs., wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. The second suspect is described as a light skinned black male 15-16 years of age, 130-135 lbs., wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, armed with an unknown type shotgun or pellet gun. A third subject was seen fleeing the area with the other two, but no description could be given.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective M. Weinstein at 302-698-8443. 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: 120216 1120

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

North Dover – Delaware State Police have arrested a 34-year-old Magnolia woman after she left her three young children in a parked car outside of the North Dover Walmart.

Troopers were called to the Walmart located at 36 Jerome Drive, Wednesday November 30, 2016 around 1:40 p.m. after a 911 call was placed stating a young child was found wandering around the parking lot. Upon their arrival, the young 3-year-old boy was already back in the care of the mother after she was located by the store’s Asset Protection Unit.  Further investigation revealed there were two other children, a 1-year-old female, and an 8 month old female, that were left unattended in the car while the mother was in the store shopping.

Brandi A. Jones, 34 of Magnolia, was contacted by troopers and initially gave a false name due to her six capiases out of Kent County Courts as well as a no contact order with Walmart that was put in place on June 28, 2016 due to a shoplifting charge committed at the Camden Walmart.  Jones was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 9 where she was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Trespass 3rd, and Breach of Conditions of a Bond.  She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $3,251.00 secured along with a no contact order with any of the three children or Walmart.

The three children were unharmed and were turned over to a relative.

Released: 120116 1155

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

Newark- Delaware State Police are investigating the strong-arm robbery of a Newark teen which occurred last night in Newark.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at approximately 9:20 p.m., after a Newark teen had agreed to meet a male subject in the parking lot of the Shell station, located at 380 Chestnut Hill Road, Newark, with the intention of purchasing an Apple iPhone from him that he had posted on a social media site. Shortly after the teen arrived at the Shell, he was approached by a male subject. The teen asked to see the phone before turning over any money to the subject and was handed an iPhone box. As the teen began to open the box, the suspect forcibly removed an undisclosed amount of money from his hand before fleeing to a waiting vehicle. The victim chased the suspect and upon catching up to him, a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to escape from the victim and entered the passenger seat of an unknown make and model tan passenger vehicle that was being operated by a second male suspect. The vehicle, which displayed and unknown Delaware registration, then fled the area. The victim discovered that the iPhone box was empty. He was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was last seen wearing black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black rimmed glasses. The operator of the vehicle was only described as a black male. There is no further clothing or physical description available for either suspect.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these safety tips to follow when agreeing to purchase items from on-line sites.

When meeting someone for the first time, please remember to:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.
• Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• Consider having a friend accompany you.
• Trust your instincts.

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.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 120116 1021

-End-

Felton – Troopers are investigating an attempted robbery of the Canterbury Shore Stop that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred around 4:19 a.m. Thursday December 1, 2016, when a male suspect entered the convenience store located at 8953 South DuPont Highway and approached the counter armed with an unknown type handgun.  A male customer, along with two employees, were near the counter area when the suspect demanded the customer to the floor.  The customer refused and when the suspect tried to gain access behind the counter, the customer blocked the entryway causing the suspect to flee the business in an unknown direction without any merchandise or money.  The employees and the customer were uninjured in the incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 5’10”-5’11” tall, 150-180 lbs., wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and grey/white colored pants (No further physical or clothing description).  Armed with an unknown type handgun.

Surveillance photos attached.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit at 302-698-8434. 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: 120116 0845

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

Smyrna – The Delaware State Police Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) has arrested two people after a probationary administrative search reveals materials used in making Methamphetamine (Meth).

On Wednesday November 30, 2016 at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Kent County Governors Task Force (GTF), along with Probation and Parole Officers assigned to the unit, responded to the unit block of Hedgerow Hollow Road, Hedgerow Hollow development, in order to attempt to make contact with Reese D. Heesh, 40 of Dover, and Robert L. Lambdin, 51 of Smyrna who were both wanted for Violation of Probation.  Upon arrival, both Heesh and Lambdin were located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident.  An administrative search was approved and upon conducting a search of the property, detectives located equipment and component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug, as well as an active “one-pot” bottle.  Heesh was found to be in possession of .015 grams of heroin and .03 grams of cocaine, while Lambdin was found to have 3 dosage units of Methylphenidale hydrochloride and 5 dosage units of Dronabinol without holding a prescription for either.

Reese Heesh and Robert Lambdin were transported to Troop 3 in Camden where they were each charged with Operating a Clandestine Laboratory, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Heesh was additionally charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Heroin, while Lambdin was additionally charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription.  Heesh and Lambdin were arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $33,500.00 secured and  $17,500.00 secured respectively.

Evacuations were ordered to nearby neighbors as it was determined that there was an immediate hazard. Those evacuations were in place for approximately two hours while DNREC responded to the residence to assist with the containment and disposal of the combustible substances.

Released: 120116 0835

###

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a serious crash involving three vehicles that occurred early Wednesday evening south of Bridgeville.

The incident occurred around 5:43 p.m. Wednesday November 30, 2016 as James S. Wright, 65 of Bridgeville, was operating a 2016 Jeep Wrangler eastbound in the westbound lane of Heritage Drive within the Heritage Shores development.  Brittany Hastings, 17 of Seaford, was operating a 2004 Volkswagen Bug northbound on Sussex Highway (US13) in the left lane approaching the entrance to Heritage Shores just ahead of a 2006 Chevrolet 2500 series work truck being operated by Normand Saurette, 72 of Bridgeville, also northbound in the left lane.  The Jeep crossed over the south bound lanes of US13 and entered the US 13 northbound left turn lane for Heritage Shores Drive traveling the wrong direction.  The Jeep immediately pulled into the northbound left lane traveling southbound striking the left side of the Volkswagen. The left front of the Jeep then struck the left front of the Chevy pickup for a near head-on impact within the left lane.  The pickup continued northbound at which point the front of the truck struck the right rear of the Volkswagen in the left lane.  This impact forced the Volkswagen Bug to rotate counter-clockwise as it slid northbound before coming to a stop in the northbound right lane facing southbound.  The Chevy pickup was redirected across the grass median and came to rest in the southbound lanes facing west.  The Jeep Wrangler came to a stop in the center median crossover for Heritage Shores Drive just west of the northbound left turn lane.

James Wright, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and initially transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital before being taken by ambulance to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted in serious condition.

Brittany Hastings and her two teenage passengers were all properly restrained and transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Norman Saurette was not properly restrained and was transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol appears to be a factor on behalf of Wright and charges may be forthcoming.  US13 northbound and southbound lanes were closed between Cannon Road and Seashore Highway (SR404) for four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 120116 0550

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Serious Crash South of Bridgeville

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash on Sussex Highway (US13) at Heritage Shores Drive involving three vehicles that occurred around 5:43 p.m. this evening.  An unconfirmed number of occupants of the vehicles were transported to area hospitals with undetermined injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently on the scene of the crash and will assume the investigation.

US13 northbound and southbound lanes are currently closed at Cannon Road and Seashore Highway (SR404).  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes.

For real time traffic updates in the area, click on the following link: deldot.gov.

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

Released: 113016 1945

###

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash on Sussex Highway (US13) at Heritage Shores Drive involving three vehicles that occurred around 5:43 p.m. this evening.  An unconfirmed number of occupants of the vehicles were transported to area hospitals with undetermined injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently on the scene of the crash and will assume the investigation.

US13 northbound and southbound lanes are currently closed at Cannon Road and Seashore Highway (SR404).  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes.

For real time traffic updates in the area, click on the following link: deldot.gov.

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

Released: 113016 1945

###

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

New Castle – Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a New Castle Exxon station that occurred yesterday evening.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at approximately 6:48 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Exxon gas station located at 261 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle. The suspect walked to the rear of the sales counter where he displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a male store employee. The suspect then demanded money from the cash 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 in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 20-30 years of age, 5’10”-6’02” tall, 150-175 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black jacket and black pants. 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.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 113016 1845

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