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

Newark, De. – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed the investigation into a serious motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 73 year old Bear, DE man that occurred late September.

The initial investigation determined the crash occurred on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at approximately 4:56 p.m., as Kevin D. Anderson, 27 of Newark, was operating a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue and was traveling northbound on SR 72 (Sunset Lake Road). Frank W. Lennox, 73 of Bear, was operating a 2014 Chevrolet Cruz and was traveling southbound on SR 72 (Sunset Lake Road). For unknown reasons the Oldsmobile Intrigue crossed the solid yellow center line at which point the front center bumper of the Olds Intrigue collided with the front left bumper of the Chevrolet Cruz south of Reybold Road. The Cruz continued southbound a short distance before coming to a stop and the Intrigue stopped at the point of impact.

Frank W. Lennox, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, where he was admitted with serious injuries. Lennox was pronounced dead on Sunday, November 20, 2016.

Kevin D. Anderson, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. He and his five year old passenger were removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they were treated and admitted for their serious injuries. The five year old passenger has since been transported to the A.I. DuPont Hospital.

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

Released: 112316 1041

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

Led by Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr., the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit has established Community Focus Groups in each county working in collaboration with citizens, community leaders, and clergy members. The Focus Groups will meet to measure the effectiveness of existing community-based programs and explore new and exciting opportunities as they relate with community outreach efforts within the Delaware State Police. The meetings will bring police and community members together to discuss community issues in an effort to enhance transparency and trust with the communities we protect and serve.

“One of the most effective ways to increase police effectiveness is to engage the community. As The Delaware State Police continues work to increase trust and respect; collaboration and partnerships with our communities is essential.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

The purpose of this initiative is to gain a diverse perspective from each person and to better understand relationships between law enforcement and members of the community. Members of the group will meet to candidly discuss challenges both residents and the police face and seek the best solutions. We encourage members of communities to come together to have proactive discussions on difficult issues. Through better communication we can build better relationships.

The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit hosted Focus Group discussions in all three counties in October of 2016. The Executive Staff, Public Information Officers and Community Outreach Unit Members for each respective county met with community leaders, political members and clergy members within their county.

On Monday, October 03, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. the Delaware State Police Sussex County Focus Group met at the Emergency Operations Center in Georgetown. Then on Monday October 24, 2016 the Delaware State Police Kent County Focus Group met at Troop 3 in Camden, at 10:00 a.m. and The New Castle County Delaware State Police Focus Group met at 6:00 p.m. at Troop 2 in Glasgow. The discussions centered on the effectiveness of current community outreach programs within the Delaware State Police. The preliminary findings for these meetings were very productive.

The groups were well informed and aware of the recent events which have changed the national climate towards the law enforcement community and seemed enthusiastic to be a part of the solution to make positive change.

The selected members of the County Focus Groups (New Castle, Kent and Sussex) will meet quarterly as scheduled by the Community Outreach Unit for each county. We are confident the focus groups will provide extraordinary ideas and will offer insight through valuable perspectives and diverse viewpoints.

It is our hope that we learn through continuous feedback from members of the group. We are committed to improving our current programs and with the assistance of the members discover new opportunities to enhance community police relations.

“We support the Delaware State Police in its efforts to proactively engage our citizens and recognize the importance of transparency and gaining input from the communities we serve. Working with the communities we serve strengthens our position of being a service provider to the community.” 

Secretary James Mosley, Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Released: 112216 1441

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Floyd McNally

Newark, DE – Troopers are investigating a crash in which an operator drove his vehicle into a building yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:06 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 as Thomas Harding, 73 of Bear, was operating a 2011 Kia Sorento in the parking lot of McDonald’s located at 4160 Ogletown-Stanton Road (SR4), Newark.  As the Kia backed out of a parking space it continued across the parking lot and drive thru lane. The Kia continued and struck the building with its rear bumper stopping just inside McDonald’s. As a result one patron was struck by the vehicle and another was struck by a table. One other person was able to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Thomas Harding, the driver of the Kia, did not recognize his vehicle was still in reverse. He and his passenger, Judith Harding, were uninjured in the collision. He was cited for Careless driving.

Two patrons Michael Riastick,31 of Bear, and Kevin Thompson, 24 of Florida, were treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. Both were then removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Sonny Riastick, 29 of Bear, the third patron, was uninjured in the crash.

(See attached photos)

Released: 112216 1201

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Milton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place yesterday afternoon near Cool Springs Farm south of Milton.

Preliminary investigation reveals the incident took place around 5:35 p.m. Monday November 21, 2016 as a 64-year-old male was approached by a male subject near the 19000 block of East Meadowview Drive who needed a ride home.  The victim agreed and began driving to the end of East Meadowview Drive where the male subject turns the ignition off, grabs the victim by the throat, and tells him he’s taking the car.  The male victim exits the car along with the suspect, who then re-enters on the driver’s side and drives away in an unknown direction.

The 64-year-old victim was uninjured in the incident and was able to call 9-1-1 from a nearby residence.  The vehicle, a Mazda Miata, was located a short time later abandoned on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (US9).

The suspect was described as a black male, 25-35 years old, 6’02”-6’04” tall, 200-210 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes, wearing brown overalls (No further physical or clothing description available). The suspect appeared to be unarmed.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the 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.”

Released: 112216 0925

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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: 112216 0910

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Dagsboro – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) have arrested two people after an investigation into the illegal sales of narcotics from a residence on Gum Tree Road.

On Monday November 21, 2016 at approximately 5:25 p.m., the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, along with Probation and Parole Officers from the Georgetown office, responded to the 28000 block of Gum Tree Road in order to conduct an administrative probation search on the residence of Brandon R. Garrison, 33, who is currently on Level 3 probation stemming from a 2015 drug conviction.  When troopers and probation officers arrived at the home, Garrison and Marcos W. Ortlip, 24 of Georgetown, were both taken into custody without incident outside the home.  A search of the residence revealed 620 bags (9.3 grams) of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and over $6,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

Brandon Garrison and Marcos Ortlip were transported back to Troop 4 where they were both charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  They were both committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $101,500.00 secured bond.

Released: 112216 0900

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Floyd McNally

Hockessin, DE – The Delaware State Police is currently investigating a serious crash that occurred south of Hockessin this morning.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred around 11:29 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2016 as James J. Conway, 28 of Pennsylvania, was operating a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze southbound on Lancaster Pike (SR 41) approaching New Port Gap Pike.  A 2010 Ford Edge operated by Sonseeahray Dunn, 59 of Pennsylvania, was northbound on Lancaster Pike and approaching the Cruze traveling southbound on Lancaster Pike. For unknown reasons the Cruze crossed the center line and drove into the northbound lane of Lancaster Pike and struck the front left side of the Edge. The Edge then rolled onto its roof in the northbound lane of Lancaster Pike.  A third vehicle a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder operated by Megan Fitzpatrick, 47 of Wilmington, was traveling northbound behind the Edge and struck the vehicle in the passenger side door. The Pathfinder continued northbound on Lancaster Pike and came to a controlled stop. The Edge spun counterclockwise in the roadway.

James J. Conway, who was wearing a seat belt was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics for non-life threatening injuries. He was subsequently transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center.

Sonseeahray Dunn, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated by the New Castle County Paramedics. She was transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Megan Fitzpatrick was uninjured in the crash.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Lancaster Pike (SR 41) in the area of the crash was closed approximately one  hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 112116 1511

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Felton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a stabbing that took place over a possible road rage incident.

Troopers and Emergency Medical Services responded to the area of the 10000 block of South DuPont Highway around 2:30 p.m. Sunday November 20, 2016 for a report of a woman who was stabbed during an altercation at a red light.  Upon their arrival, it was determined that the 36-year-old female from Wilmington was riding as passenger in a car when another car pulled up along side of them at a traffic light located at South DuPont Highway (US13) southbound and Evans Road.  The female operator and a female passenger of the other car exchange profanities and unpleasant hand gestures toward the victim and her family while at the red light.  A female passenger of the other vehicle then exited and began approaching the passenger’s side of the victim’s vehicle.  As the victim began to exit her vehicle, the female passenger from the other car began to physically assault the 36-year-old victim.  As the two were engaged in the confrontation, the driver from the suspect car exited her vehicle and began stabbing the victim in the upper torso.  The three then separated and entered their own vehicles and continued southbound on US13 when the victim noticed she had been stabbed.  The victim’s daughter then pulled into a residence in the 10000 block of South DuPont Highway and called 9-1-1.  The female victim was transported by EMS to an area hospital where she was admitted in stable condition.

Further investigation revealed the incident may have started in the area of US13 southbound near Voshells Mill Road when the suspect vehicle began following the victim’s vehicle and was honking the horn and flashing their lights while traveling in the left lane.

The suspects were only described as two black females.  The driver is approximately 50-60 years old while the passenger was approximately 20-30 years old.  Varying descriptions of the vehicle were given, but possibly a grey in color Toyota Corolla.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective T. Valeski at 302-698-8442. 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: 112116 1010

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Felton – Troopers are investigating a robbery of the Canterbury Shore Stop that occurred just after midnight.

The incident occurred around 12:18 a.m. Monday November 21, 2016, when a male suspect entered the convenience store located at 8953 South DuPont Highway and approached the female employee at the counter armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.  The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of currency.  The male then fled the business in an unknown direction.  The female employee was uninjured in this incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, 16-30 years of age, 5’05”-5’10” tall, 130-185 lbs., wearing all dark colored clothing (No further physical or clothing description).  Armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.  (Surveillance photo attached)

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective T. Valeski at 302-698-8442. 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: 112116 0905

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

Milton, De.– The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion style robbery that occurred south of Milton early Sunday morning.

The preliminary investigation into this incident revealed it occurred around 7:33 a.m., Sunday, November 20, 2016 when a neighbor observed smoke in the area of the victim’s residence in the 17,000 block of Pettyjohn Road, Milton. As the neighbor responded toward the residence, the victim was found outside near the roadway. The victim had been asleep when unknown subjects entered the residence and struck the victim in the head with an unknown object where he subsequently went unconscious. The victim’s residence was fully involved and extinguished by the fire department. The victim sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local area hospital.

The suspect or possibly multiple suspects were only described as males (No further physical or clothing description).

Delaware State Fire Marshal Harry Miller is the point of contact for this incident and can be reached at 856-5600.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective G. Windish at 302-752-3814. 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.”

Released: 112116 0851

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