Harrington– The Delaware State Police have arrested two Wilmington men for heroin possession after a traffic stop south of Harrington.

The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. Sunday November 6, 2016, as a trooper was patrolling the area of South DuPont Highway (US13) and Tower Hill Road, and observed a white Honda Sonata traveling above the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted on the car and upon making contact with the operator, Kurtis S. McIntosh, 21 of Wilmington, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle.

Both McIntosh and his passenger, Darrell Law, 43 of Wilmington, were asked to exit the vehicle while a search was conducted. Upon conducting the search, a plastic bag under the front passenger’s seat containing 1,833 bags of heroin (27.50 grams) was located.

Kurtis McIntosh and Darrell Law were taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3 where they were both charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  McIntosh was additionally charged with Speeding.  They were both arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $82,275.00 cash and $82,250.00 secured respectively.

Released: 110816 1835

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Dover- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a man while walking through the Rodney Village development Monday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m., Monday November 7, 2016, as a 57-year-old male was walking in the area of the 1000 block of Nathaniel Mitchell Road.  He was approached by three males, one armed with an unknown type handgun, and assaulted.  Once struck in the back of the head with the gun, the suspects removed an undisclosed amount of money from the victim and fled the area in an unknown direction.  The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

All three suspects were described as black males wearing masks.  One was armed with an unknown type handgun.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective J. Dear at 302-698-8540. 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: 110816 1815

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man and charged him in connection with the inappropriate touching of a female teen this past weekend.

The investigation began on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at approximately 9:10 p.m., after troopers were called to respond to the Wilmington Friends School, located at 101 School Road, in reference to the report of a male subject who had inappropriately touched a female. It was at this time that the responding troopers learned that while at the school participating in a volleyball match, the 15-year-old victim had walked past a male subject, later identified as Charles Denman, 58, of Wilmington, on two separate occasions. Each time as the two passed each other, Denham extended his hand and touched the victim in an inappropriate manner. After the second incident, which was also observed by the victim’s mother, an official of Friends School was notified and police were contacted.

Charles Denman, who had remained at the scene, was taken into custody without incident. He was then transported to Troop 1 where he was subsequently charged with Unlawful Sexual Contact 2nd Degree and Offensive Touching. Denman was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released after posting $4000.00 secured bond.

A mugshot of Charles Denman is not available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Corporal Robert Cassidy at Troop 1 at 302-761-6677. 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: 110816 1045

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Wilmington area Japanese restaurant that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 9:12 p.m. last night, Sunday, November 6, 2016, as a male suspect entered the Hibachi Express Restaurant located at 4526 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington. The suspect, who was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, approached the sales counter and confronted a female clerk. He then pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then exited the restaurant and was last seen fleeing on foot in an eastbound direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect is described as a white male. He was 20-30 years of age, 5’06”-5’08” tall, and was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, white shirt, blue jeans, tan boots, a baseball cap, and had a mask covering part of his face. There is no further physical or clothing description 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 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: 082316 1300

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Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation into an explosion of an air cannon at Punkin Chunkin.

Preliminary information reveals the incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. this afternoon, Sunday November 6, 2016, when an air cannon called “Pumpkin Reaper” was preparing to launch.  For undetermined reasons, the trap door of the cannon, where the pumpkins are loaded, separated upon the launch of the pumpkin.  The door and other parts were blown away from the cannon and into the air before coming down and striking a 39-year-old female in the head and face area.

The female, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was treated immediately on scene by Sussex County Paramedics and transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.  She was stabilized and then flown to Christiana Medical Center by LifeNet Helicopter where she is currently listed in critical condition.

A 56-year-old male was also injured in the incident and was transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives with the Delaware State Police are being assisted by Delaware Department of Natural Resources in this investigation.  This is an active and on-going investigation and details surrounding the incident will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 110616 1810

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Troopers Investigating an Explosion at Punkin Chunkin Contest- Correction

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

Bridgeville, DE– The subject injured in the explosion of the apparatus being used in the Punkin Chunkin Contest in Bridgeville, DE has not died as a result of their injuries as reported. The male subject has been removed from the scene and transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. More details will be released at a later time. 

Released: 110616 1535

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**Original Release**

Bridgeville, DE– Delaware State Police are currently investigating the explosion of an apparatus which was being utilized in the Punkin Chunkin Contest this afternoon in Bridgeville.

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

Bridgeville, DE– The subject injured in the explosion of the apparatus being used in the Punkin Chunkin Contest in Bridgeville, DE has not died as a result of their injuries as reported. The male subject has been removed from the scene and transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. More details will be released at a later time. 

Released: 110616 1535

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**Original Release**

Bridgeville, DE– Delaware State Police are currently investigating the explosion of an apparatus which was being utilized in the Punkin Chunkin Contest this afternoon in Bridgeville.

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

Bridgeville, DE– Delaware State Police are currently investigating the explosion of an apparatus which was being utilized in the Punkin Chunkin Contest this afternoon in Bridgeville.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. this afternoon at the contest held at 18598 Apple Tree Road, Bridgeville. As a result of the explosion, one person has died. It is unknown if there were any other injuries at this time.

The investigation into this incident is in its very early stages. More information will be released as it is made available.

Released: 110616 1511

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

Camden-Wyoming, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a an employee of a pony ride company after he inappropriately touched a juvenile customer at an area orchard late last month.

The investigation began on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, after a representative of the Fifer Orchards contacted troopers to report that on Saturday, October 29, 2016, a nine-year old female had been with her mother at the orchards located at 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden-Wyoming. While there the nine year old took part in the pony rides which were being offered by Angels Gather Here Pony Rides on the orchard grounds. At the conclusion of the ride, the female advised her mother that the male subject who had assisted her in mounting and dismounting the pony, later identified as John R. Blackburn, 33, of Houston, had inappropriately touched her. The mother of the victim then contacted the owner of the pony ride company and a representative of Fifer Orchards and reported the incident.

On Friday, November 4, 2016, John Blackburn, who is a registered Tier 3 sex offender, was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 3. He was then charged by detectives with Unlawful Sexual Contact of a Child by a Registered Sex Offender and Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender Within Three Days after a Change in Employment. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $106,000.00 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation into this incident and more charges are expected. Please contact Angles Gather Here Pony Rides with any questions concerning the employment status of John R. Blackburn.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective William Miller at 302-698-8435. 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: 110616 0750

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

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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