Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash involving a Jolly Trolley that occurred earlier this afternoon south of Dewey Beach.

Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred around 4:41 p.m. today, October 1, 2016, as a 73-year-old Lewes man was operating a 2005 Ford Econo Van pulling the Jolly Trolley with approximately 22 passengers (wedding guests) on board the trolley.  For an undetermined reason, the trailer started to sway and then overturn in the southbound lanes of SR1 south of Dewey Beach.  The van immediately stopped and bystanders in the area began assisting pulling the passengers from the trolley.  At least 12 people were transported by Sussex County EMS to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  The operator of the van was uninjured.

SR1 southbound was closed for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.  No citations were issued and the crash remains under investigation.

Released: 100116 2005

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Crash South of Dewey Beach

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash south of Dewey Beach.

Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred around 4:41 p.m. today, October 1, 2016 and involves a trolley that has overturned with passengers on Coastal Highway (SR1) southbound, south of Dewey Beach.  It is unknown on the number of injured passengers and the status of the injuries are unknown at this time.

SR1 northbound and southbound has been closed at this time and commuters are encouraged to find alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 100116 1715

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash south of Dewey Beach.

Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred around 4:41 p.m. today, October 1, 2016 and involves a trolley that has overturned with passengers on Coastal Highway (SR1) southbound, south of Dewey Beach.  It is unknown on the number of injured passengers and the status of the injuries are unknown at this time.

SR1 northbound and southbound has been closed at this time and commuters are encouraged to find alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 100116 1715

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Stanton- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Liquor store in Stanton.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2016, as a male suspect armed with a knife entered Stanton Liquors located at 2205 West Newport Pike. The suspect approached a male clerk who was standing behind the counter and demanded cash.  The clerk complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then exited the store and was last seen fleeing west toward the Stanton Car Wash. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male, 6’00” – 6’02” tall, 150-170lbs., wearing a black shirt, black pants, black mask, and black gloves, armed with a knife (No further physical or clothing description).

There are no video surveillance photos 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.”

Released: 100116 0900

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

Dover-The Delaware State Police announces today, the retirement of Major John R. Evans who has proudly served the citizens of Delaware with distinction and faithful service.

“My 28 ½ years with the Delaware State Police has proven to be a very rewarding career both personally and professionally and has left me with valuable experience and lifelong memories. There are many things that I will miss about the Delaware State Police, but what I will miss most are the dedicated, hard-working and good people of the DSP family”. 

Major John R. Evans

Executive Staff Special Operations Major

Major John R. Evans was hired on May 20, 1988 into the 56^th Delaware State Police Recruit Class. He began his career assigned to Troop 9 on September 5, 1988, during his Field Training Officers’ Program and then was later assigned to uniformed patrol at Troop 9 in Odessa and on January 29, 1990 assigned to Troop 6. In July of 1995 he distinguished himself and became a detective assigned to the Homicide Unit. Two years later he was assigned to the Human Resources Section to conduct background investigations and promoted to Senior Corporal in 1999. Later that year he quickly excelled and was assigned to the Homicide Unit and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on June 15, 2000. As he was promoted to Lieutenant on April 8, 2002 he became the Director of the Homicide Unit. After six years he was promoted to Captain and was later assigned as the Commander of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit. After three years as the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit Commander, John R. Evans was promoted to the prestigious rank of Major where he joined the Executive Staff as the Administrative Officer. He later was assigned as the Special Operations Officer on April 5, 2014.

Major John R. Evans, who proudly served Delaware and its citizens, retired today Friday, September 30, 2016 after nearly three decades of dedicated service.

“The men and women of the Delaware State Police congratulate Major John R. Evans on his 28 1/2 years of dedicated service. We are grateful for his service and commitment throughout his career and for his leadership as part of the executive staff. He has had a true impact on the entire law enforcement community. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with him.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

The men and women of the Delaware State Police thank Major John R. Evans for his many years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and leadership to the Division, and wish him and his family the very best in their future endeavors.

Released: 093016 1431

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford/Laurel – The Delaware State Police have arrested another subject and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the last suspect involved in the theft of bus batteries.

Shortly after the press release was sent on Tuesday, a tip was received by detectives as to the location of Thomas R. Johnson.  Troopers responded to the area of Shell Bridge Road, Bethel, and took Johnson into custody without incident.

Thomas Johnson was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $9,150.00 secured bond.

Detectives are still looking for Dominic Horsey who is wanted for Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  If anyone has any information regarding his whereabouts, they are asked to contact Detective C. Simpson at 302-752-3855. 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: 093016 1955

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**Update #1** One Arrested, Two Sought in Theft of Bus Batteries

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford/Laurel – The Delaware State Police have arrested one subject and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two others that were involved in the theft of bus batteries.

The thefts occurred sometime through the nighttime hours of Tuesday September 13, 2016 into Wednesday September 14, 2016 at the Lambden Bus Company parking lot located in the 10000 block of Airport Road, Seaford and the Mary Bryant Inc. Bus Company located in the 30000 block of Dukes Road, Laurel.  Around 6:00 a.m., bus drivers began showing up to start their busses and when they didn’t start, they noticed batteries missing from the engine compartment.

Troopers responded to the two separate locations, which are approximately 7.5 miles apart, and the investigation revealed that an unknown suspect(s) removed 30 batteries by unknown means from 10 busses in the Lambden yard and 11 batteries from 5 busses in the Bryant yard before fleeing undetected.

On Thursday September 15, 2016, troopers responded to the 8000 block of Bethel Road, Laurel for a report of theft of 34 batteries from 17 busses parked on a farm.  The busses, which are used to assist in harvesting watermelons, contained two batteries per bus which were all dismantled by unknown means sometime between September 8, 2016 and the date they were reported missing.  Detectives learned later that same day that Thomas R. Johnson , 25 of Laurel, had scrapped a large amount of batteries at the Salisbury Scrap Metal located in Salisbury, Maryland.  Further investigation revealed Thomas, along with Dominic J. Horsey, 28 of Laurel, and , Jason M. Hamilton, 29 of Laurel, had been utilizing the same scrap yard over the course of the beginning of the month to scrap various amounts of batteries in exchange for money.

On Tuesday September 20, 2016 Jason Hamilton turned himself into detectives at Troop 4 in Georgetown where he was charged with Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  He was arraigned at JP2 and released on a $7,000.00 unsecured bond.

Detectives are still looking for Dominic Horsey and Thomas Johnson who are wanted for Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony), four counts of Theft Under $1500, three counts of Conspiracy 3rd, and three counts of Criminal Trespass.  If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of these subjects, they are asked to contact Detective C. Simpson at 302-752-3855. 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: 092716 1320

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**Original Release**

State Police Investigating Theft of School Bus Batteries

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford/Laurel – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the theft of bus batteries from two separate bus yards.

The thefts occurred sometime through the nighttime hours of Tuesday September 13, 2016 into Wednesday September 14, 2016 at the Lambden Bus Company parking lot located in the 10000 block of Airport Road, Seaford and the Mary Bryant Inc. Bus Company located in the 30000 block of Dukes Road, Laurel.  Around 6:00 a.m., bus drivers began showing up to start their busses and when they didn’t start, they noticed batteries missing from the engine compartment.

Troopers responded to the two separate locations, which are approximately 7.5 miles apart, and the investigation revealed that an unknown suspect(s) removed 30 batteries by unknown means from 10 busses in the Lambden yard and 11 batteries from 5 busses in the Bryant yard before fleeing undetected.

If anyone has any information regarding these incidents, they are asked to contact Troop 5 at 302-337-1090. 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: 091416 1945

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

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: 093016 1935

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

Dover, DE- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register their current address.  If anyone knows the location of these subjects, they are asked to call 302-672-5306. 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: 093016 1930

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Milford– The Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred south of Milford.

The incident occurred around 3:34 a.m. this morning, Friday September 30, 2016 when a male subject entered the rear door of a residence located in the 10000 block of Rust Road.  The suspect confronted a 62-year-old male and his 48-year-old wife armed with an unknown type handgun and threatened to do harm to them both.  The husband and wife, along with a 28-year-old male who lives in the house, retreated to a master bedroom and locked the door.  A 9-1-1 call was placed by the 62-year-old male victim and upon the troopers arrival, all the occupants of the home were safely evacuated.  A search of the house and property by troopers and Milford Police Officers were unsuccessful in locating the suspect.  None of the victim’s were injured in the incident.

The suspect was described as black male, 20-30 year of age, 5’09” – 5’10” tall, 160-165 lbs. wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a red mask over his face (No further physical or clothing description available).  Armed with unknown type handgun.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective R. Truitt at 302-752-3813. 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: 093016 1920

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Hartly– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle that occurred earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:51 p.m., Thursday September 29, 2016 as Michael H. Wallace, 52 of Marydel, Delaware, was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck westbound on Halltown Road (SR8) just east of Crystal Road.  Wallace was attempting to negotiate a left curve when he lost control of the pick up truck and traveled off the south side of the roadway.  The pickup first struck a mailbox while rotating in a counter-clockwise manner and then striking a tree on the driver’s side door before coming to an abrupt stop.

Michael Wallace, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this case.  SR8 was closed between Crystal Road and Brittney Lane for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 092616 2020

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** State Police Investigating Fatal Crash-Hartly

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Hartly– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle on Halltown Road (SR8) east of Crystal Road that occurred around 2:51 p.m. this afternoon. One person has died as a result of this crash.

SR8 is closed between Crystal Road and Brittney Lane. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 092616 1600

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