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

The Delaware State Police is proud to announce our participation in the Police Data Initiative (PDI). PDI is a White House program aimed at making police data available to the public we serve. This initiative supports efforts of law enforcement agencies to leverage data to strengthen accountability and increase transparency.

The Delaware State Police has joined the White House Police Data Initiative and is currently only one of two state police agencies taking part in this data driven effort. We are currently establishing data sets which will provide relevant and updated information for the public. Our data sets will contribute to our efforts to maintain trust, increase transparency and strengthen community bonds.

“As the Delaware State Police continues to work toward our goals of improving effectiveness and efficiency and expanding our community outreach, the White House Police Data Initiative provides an excellent opportunity to increase transparency and build trust with the communities we serve.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

The Police Data Initiative was developed based on the recommendations from the Task Force on 21^st Century Policing. The intent is to pinpoint the most practical ways to understand and provide specific data to assist law enforcement and enhance community engagement. There is an emphasis for agencies to better use data and technology to build public trust and increase public awareness. The all-embracing goal is to continually build an effective alliance between law enforcement and local communities that enhances transparency, reduces crime and increases trust.

“We are proud of DSP’s ongoing commitment to providing excellent services to our citizens as it works to strengthen community bonds. This collaboration and information sharing will go a long way in enhancing goodwill and trust within the communities we serve”

Secretary James Mosley, Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

“It is critically important for government to work closely with community members and to embrace transparency,” Governor Markell said. “For law enforcement, that builds public trust and creates opportunities to involve everyday Delawareans in efforts to improve public safety.  I applaud Delaware State Police for its longstanding commitment to community engagement and its participation in the President’s Police Data Initiative, and I welcome the new steps it is taking to share data and use information and technology in its work to protect us all.”

Jack Markell, Governor

Please see additional information on the White House Police Data Initiative:

List and map of PDI Participating agencies

https://www.justice.gov/opa/blog/growing-number-communities-are-using-data-improve-policing-and-criminal-justice

Released: 110416 1751

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Dagsboro– The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested four people during an operation into illegal drug sales at a Dagsboro area residence .

On Wednesday November 2, 2016 around 4:19 p.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, concluded a drug operation into the illegal drug sales at a residence located in the 28000 block of East Diamond Drive, Diamond Acres development.  Numerous complaints have been received regarding people loitering at this house along with narcotic sales taking place on the cul-de-sac in front of the residence.  Detectives established surveillance of the area and were able to witness individuals meeting vehicles and conducting “hand to hand” drug transactions.  Troopers drove into the cul-de-sac to make contact with one of the suspects, who was later identified as Alfred L. Wescott Jr., 23 of Frankford, and upon identifying themselves as state police, Wescott fled on foot, but was taken into custody within a very short time without further incident.  A search of Wescott revealed he was in possession of a green Crown Royal bag containing 245 bags (3.18 grams) of heroin, along with 7.17 grams of crack cocaine.

Three other subjects were contacted outside the residence and were taken into custody without incident.  Rashawn Davis, 20 of Milford, was found to be in possession of 2.54 grams of crack cocaine.  Jerrontae L. Holden, 22 of Dagsboro, was found to be in possession of 48 bags (.645 grams) of heroin.  Walter B. Brown, 36 of Dagsboro, was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia along with a box of .38 caliber ammunition containing 49 rounds.

The fours subjects were transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown were Alfred Wescott was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd, Resisting Arrest, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $35,500.00 secured bond.

Rashawn Davis was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $14,200.00 secured bond.

Jerrontae Holden was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,250.00 secured bond.

Walter Brown was charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was arraigned at JP2 and released on $5,200.00 unsecured bond.

Released: 110416 1000

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Seaford – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred north of Seaford, injuring two people.

The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. Thursday November 3, 2016 as a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was traveling westbound on Hearns Pond Road, east of Wesley Church Road.  For unknown reasons, the Sprinter drove off the north side of the road and struck a utility pole before overturning on its side.

The adult male operator was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he is currently admitted with undetermined injuries.

An adult male passenger was airlifted from the scene to Christiana Medical Center where he is admitted in serious condition.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into this incident.  Hearns Pond Road between Wesley Church Road and Conrail Road is currently closed and is expected to be closed for an unknown amount of time while utility crews work to repair the pole and remove wires from the vehicle.

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

Released: 110316 1925

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

New Castle- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives continue to investigate the armed robbery of a New Castle 7-11 and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects.

The incident occurred on Monday, October 31, 2016, at approximately 3:10 a.m., as two male suspects approached a female clerk as she was standing outside of the 7-11 located at 284 Christiana Road, New Castle. The suspects, both of whom were armed with unknown make and model guns, ordered the clerk back into the business. They then demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to them. Both suspects then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

Both of the suspects were described as black males. They were 20-25 years of age, 5’10” tall, and weighed 150-180 lbs.

If anyone knows the identity of the pictured suspects they are asked to contact Detective Joseph Rose at 302-365-8442. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 110316 0710

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**Original Release**

New Castle- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a New Castle area 7-11 that occurred early yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016, as two male suspects approached a female clerk as she was standing outside of the 7-11 located at 284 Christiana Road, New Castle. The suspects, both of whom were armed with unknown make and model guns, ordered the clerk back into the business. They then demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to them. Both suspects then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

Both of the suspects were described as black males. They were 20-25 years of age, 5’10” tall, and weighed 150-180 lbs. They were also dressed in all dark clothing. No further physical or clothing description is available. No video surveillance photos are 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, Glasgow, at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.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: 110116 1500

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New Castle- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a New Castle area 7-11 that occurred early yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016, as two male suspects approached a female clerk as she was standing outside of the 7-11 located at 284 Christiana Road, New Castle. The suspects, both of whom were armed with unknown make and model guns, ordered the clerk back into the business. They then demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to them. Both suspects then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

Both of the suspects were described as black males. They were 20-25 years of age, 5’10” tall, and weighed 150-180 lbs. They were also dressed in all dark clothing. No further physical or clothing description is available. No video surveillance photos are 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, Glasgow, at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.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: 110116 1500

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Georgetown – The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has arrested Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz, 22 of Georgetown, in connection with the death of a 30-year-old Georgetown man.

At approximately 2:54 a.m. Sunday, October 30, 2016, troopers responded to the 14,000 block of Wilson Hill Road for a report of an assault.  Troopers made contact with a 40-year-old female at a neighboring house who stated she had just been brutally assaulted by her tenant. The investigation revealed, Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz, who had just recently been allowed to rent a room at that residence, began assaulting the female victim around 7:00 p.m. Saturday October 29, 2016.  At one point, he tied her to her bed and then grabbed a kitchen knife and began cutting her about the legs, throat, and hands.  Once the assault was over, he untied her and left the bedroom which gave her time to flee and run to a neighbor’s house where they called 9-1-1.  She was then transported by Emergency Medical Services to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she was treated and eventually released with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

In the course of this investigation, troopers responded to the victim’s residence where they located an unidentified male subject in the driveway.  Sussex County Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.  The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and removed the male victim, who was later identified as Ricardo Perez-Ramirez, 30 of Georgetown.  An autopsy was conducted on Monday October 31, 2016, which ruled the death a homicide by blunt force trauma to the head.

Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives took over the case and upon searching the house, located documents in the bedroom of Cruz which positively identified him.  On Sunday, October 30, 2016 at approximately 11:15 p.m. troopers made contact with Cruz in the area of Concord Road (Rt. 20) west of County Seat Highway (Rt. 9), Seaford as a call was made for a suspicious person in the area. Cruz was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 4 Georgetown, where he was charged with one count of Assault 1^st Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony.  He was arraigned at JP3 and committed Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $80,000.00 cash bond.

On November 1, 2016, Homicide Detectives were able to link Cruz to the murder and charged him with Murder 1st and Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony.  He was arraigned at JP3 and remains incarcerated at SCI on an additional 2,500,000.00 cash bond.

Released: 110116 1435

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**Update 2** Troopers Arrest Suspect in Assault

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

Seaford, De. – The Delaware State Police have arrested Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz, 22 of Georgetown, in connection with an assault late Sunday night.

On Sunday, October 30, 2016 at approximately 11:15 p.m. troopers made contact with Cruz in the area of Concord Road (Rt. 20) west of County Seat Highway (Rt. 9), Seaford as a call was made for a suspicious person in the area. Cruz was contacted and taken into custody without incident.

Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz, 22 of Georgetown, was transported to Troop 4 Georgetown, where he was formally charged with one count of Assault 1^st Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed in default of $80,000.00 cash bond. (Mug shot attached)

Released: 103116 1501

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**Update**

Troopers Seek Whereabouts of Assault Suspect

Georgetown, DE. – The Delaware State Police is currently conducting a death investigation after an adult male was discovered deceased at a residence west of Georgetown.

While in the course of conducting the death investigation on Wilson Hill Road, Delaware State Police Detectives were able to determine a separate assault had occurred. At this time, the Delaware State Police is limiting information so not to jeopardize the on-going investigation.

Delaware State Police detectives were able to identify Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz, 22 of Georgetown, as the suspect in the assault. A warrant was secured for Cruz for one count of Assault 1^st Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony.

Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz is described as a Hispanic male, 22 years of age, approximately 5’06” tall and 200 lbs., anyone with any information into the whereabouts of Juan Carlos Tovar Cruz is to contact 9-1-1 immediately. (See attached photo)

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident is also asked to contact Detective D. Grassi at 302-365-8441. 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: 103016 2201

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Detectives Conducting a Death Investigation – Georgetown

Georgetown, DE- the Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation after an adult male was discovered deceased at a residence west of Georgetown.

At approximately 2:54 a.m. Sunday, October 30, 2016, troopers responded to the 14,000 block of Wilson Hill Road, Georgetown after a report of a male subject was found. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and pronounced the unidentified victim dead at the scene and detectives were contacted.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and removed the male victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into the death of the male subject is in its early stages.

Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. Additional information and investigative details will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.  No suspect information has been developed at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Grassi at 302-365-8441. 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: 103016 0831

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

Bear- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives have arrested a New Castle man and charged him in connection with the robbery of a Bear area bank which occurred yesterday afternoon.

The investigation began yesterday, Monday, October 31, 2016, at approximately 12:26 p.m., after a male suspect entered the M&T Bank located at 10 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear. The suspect approached a female teller and presented her with a demand note for money which implied that he was armed. The teller complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. He then exited the bank and was observed fleeing the parking lot in a white Honda sedan. There were no injuries and no weapon was displayed.

A short time later, a trooper who had responded to the area, observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s car traveling on eastbound US Rt. 40 (Pulaski Highway) in the area of Buckley Boulevard, Bear. A stop of the vehicle was performed and troopers were able to take the suspect, later identified as Matthew R. Brennan, 25, into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the Brennan’s vehicle revealed evidence linking him to the bank robbery.

Matthew Brennan was transported to Troop 2, Glasgow, where he was subsequently charged with Robbery First Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $30,000.00 secured bond.

Released: 110116 1400

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

Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two for selling counterfeit gold bars and coins to victims throughout Sussex County.

On Monday, October 24, 2016 the Delaware State Police Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation after victims came forward and reported two suspects selling counterfeit gold bars and coins in Sussex County. After conducting interviews and examining evidence it was revealed that Paul Micaletti and Heather Micaletti both of Ocean View had sold over $35,000.00 in counterfeit gold to victims who thought they were purchasing legitimate gold bars.

The investigation revealed the victims had discovered the sale of these gold bars on an internet sales site where private sellers buy and sell various items. On Sunday, July 31, 2016 one victim met with the suspects in Lewes to purchase gold bars for over $1,700.00. During the exchange the victim had suspects sign and date a hand receipt stating the gold bars were legitimate. Paul Micaletti also told victims that his father-in-law had passed away and that the gold bars and coins belong to his estate. After these gold bars were sold, the investigation revealed Heather Micaletti wanted to sell more of her counterfeit gold bars.

During the probe into this case it revealed Paul Micaletti provided the victims with a copy of a fake invoice from a mint shop. The invoice was for over 100 units of what was believed by the victims to be gold bars purchased by his father-in law for the amount of over $38,000.00. In October 2016 another victim then purchased more gold bars in the amount of over $8000.00. The victims made a combined purchase of counterfeit gold bars and coins for over $35,000.00.

During the investigation the gold bars and coins were appraised and tested. It was determined the gold bars were all counterfeit.

On Thursday, October 27, 2016, search warrants were executed by the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Ocean View Police Department which resulted in the apprehension of both suspects and the seizure of additional counterfeit gold bars. (photo attached)

Paul Micaletti, 41 of Ocean View, and Heather Micaletti, 34 of Ocean View, were arrested at their residence without incident and transported to Troop 4 in Georgetown where both were formally charged with 38 Counts of Forgery First Degree, Two counts of Theft by False Pretense over $1500.00 and Conspiracy 2^nd degree. Both were arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $20,500.00 unsecured bail. (mug shots attached)

The Delaware State Police would like to remind citizens to be cautious when purchasing items from individuals or internet sites in which the validity of the product and the security of the purchase could be in question.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or had similar transactions they are asked to contact Detective T. Shockley at 302-752-3812 or Troop 4 at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP” or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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: 110116 1211

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Dover – A traffic stop on State Route 1 nets drugs and a stolen gun out of Virginia.

The incident occurred around 10:05 a.m. Monday October 31, 2016 when a trooper conducting speed enforcement on The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway (SR1) southbound near the Dover toll plaza clocked a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit.  A traffic stop was conducted on the Mazda 6 just south of the toll plaza where the operator, Angelina Correa, 25 of Portsmouth, Virginia, was contacted.  An odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted.  The search revealed 12 individually packaged bags of cocaine (1.68 grams) and a .45 caliber handgun, which was reported stolen to the Virginia Beach Police Department on August 31, 2016.

Both the operator and a passenger, Keosha Cherry, 26 of Norfolk, Virginia, were taken into custody without incident and upon searching Cherry, she was found to be in possession of 2.18 of marijuana.  They were transported back to Troop 3 in Camden where Angelina Correa was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Speeding, and Failure to Have Insurance in Possession.  She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $43,503.00 secured bond.

Keosha Cherry was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.  She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $48,501.00 secured bond.

Released: 110116 0950

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Smyrna – State Police are requesting assistance in locating Tangela Raymond, 36 of Smyrna, who is wanted for Assault 2^nd, Aggravated Menacing, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision.  She is also wanted by Smyrna Police Department for Assault 3^rd, as well as numerous capiases out of local courts.

In this latest incident that occurred Monday October 31, 2016 around 8:00 a.m., Raymond and her 47-year-old husband were having a verbal argument in the 100 block of Southern View Drive, when the husband went upstairs to tend to their one year old child. As the male victim was bending over to tend to the child, Raymond stabbed him in the back.  The male then ran down the stairs with Raymond behind him continuing to stab him when he fell, dropping his car keys.  The female then grabbed the keys and entered his 2005 Mercedes Benz and began backing out of the driveway when she struck a Verizon box and light pole causing damage to both before fleeing the area.  The male victim was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and release with non-life-threatening injuries. The one year old child was uninjured.

Tangela Raymond may be operating the cream colored Mercedes with Delaware Registration 419369.

If anyone has any information in reference to her whereabouts, they are asked to contact Detective D. Saucier at 302-698-8438. 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: 110116 0830

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