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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash involving a motorcycle that occurred this afternoon in Newark.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 2:13 p.m. this afternoon, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 on eastbound Ogletown Road (DE Rt. 273) in the area of Bala Road, Newark, and involves a motorcycle with two persons onboard. As a result of the crash, both occupants of the motorcycle have been removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital where they are currently being treated for their injuries.

The eastbound lanes of Ogletown Road have been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene and will assume the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 092716 1625

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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 Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington, DE – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Wilmington area pharmacy that occurred early yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2016, as two male suspects entered the First State Pharmacy, located at 1707 Foulk Road, Wilmington. The suspects, who were both armed with unknown make and model guns, confronted a female employee of the business and demanded money and narcotics. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash and prescription drugs to them. The suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing the parking lot in and unknown make and model vehicle. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male 30-40 years of age. He was 5’09”-6’02” tall, weighed 170-200 lbs., and was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

The second suspect was also a black male. He was 5’09”-6’02” tall, weighed 175-200 lbs., and was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and a yellow and orange vest. He also had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description of either suspect available. 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.”

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: 092716 1220

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Felton– The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a south Felton area gas station that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred Monday September 26, 2016 at approximately 3:50 a.m., as male subject entered the Uncle Willies located at 12984 South DuPont Highway brandishing a knife.  The suspect confronted a male employee at the counter and demanded money from the register.  The employee quickly fled from behind the counter and into a back room as the suspect removed money from a safe.  The suspect then fled the store in an unknown direction.  The male victim was uninjured in the incident.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10” tall, wearing a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants, black gloves, and a mask covering his face (No further physical or clothing description available) armed with a knife.

Surveillance photos attached.

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 http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 092616 0930

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Newark area sub shop that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at approximately 8:40 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Casapulla’s Sub Shop located at 2480 Glasgow Avenue, Newark. The suspect, who was armed with a knife, confronted a female 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. He then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male in his thirties with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and had a mask covering 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: 092516 2120

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State police are currently investigating an incident in which several shots were fired at a moving vehicle which occurred last night in Newark.

The incident began at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016, as a 21 year old male and a 23 year old male were in a vehicle and were stopped at the intersection of Auckland Drive and Rivers Drive, Wellington Woods, Newark. It was at this point that a second vehicle, described as a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, pulled directly in front of them, blocking their path. The operator of the Monte Carlo, identified as Anthony Stanley, 19, of New Castle, exited the vehicle and confronted the 21 year old victim over a prior incident that had occurred. The 21 year old victim, who was the operator of the car he was traveling in, immediately fled the area, traveling on westbound Pulaski Highway (US40). The suspect vehicle followed the victims and upon pulling next to them, the male passenger, later identified as Walike Parham, 17, of Newark, produced a handgun and began shooting at the victim’s vehicle, striking it multiple times. The victims continued traveling on westbound US40, and as they approached the intersection of Salem Church Road, they struck the rear of a third vehicle which had been stopped for a red light directly in front of them. The Monte Carlo fled the area, turning onto northbound Salem Church Road. There were no injuries.

Delaware State Police detectives have obtained warrants charging Walike Parham with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Parham is 5’04” tall, and weighs approximately 187 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.

Detectives have also obtained warrants charging Anthony Stanley with Reckless Endangering 1st Degree and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He is described as being 5’07” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Det. Nicholas Terranova at 302-365-8436. 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: 092516 0900

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating an armed robbery in which an 87 year old man was slightly injured that occurred late last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. last night, Friday, September 23, 2016, as the male victim arrived at his home located in the 3700 block of Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington. As the victim entered his garage, he was followed by a male suspect who displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted him. The victim attempted to knock the handgun away from the suspect at which time a round was discharged from the gun, striking the victim in the head. The victim then complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then fled on foot and was last seen running toward McKennan’s Church Road.

The victim was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released with a minor injury to his head.

The suspect was described as an unknown race male. He was 5’08”-5’10” tall and was last seen wearing dark colored pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and had a mask covering his face. There is no further clothing or physical description available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Det. Heidi Carroll at 302-365-8467. 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: 092416 1822

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

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Milford, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 55 year old Milford man.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred on Friday, September 23, 2016, at approximately 6:39 p.m., as Gary L. Ingram, 55, was operating a 2012 Kenworth 999 flatbed tow truck and was traveling in a southbound direction on Bay Road (US 113) south of Cicada Lane, Milford. For an unknown reason the tow truck gradually travelled off of the west edge of the roadway where the right side mirror and right corner of the flatbed struck a steel sign. The truck continued traveling in a southbound direction where it then struck a group of trees before coming to rest.

Gary Ingram, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by Kent County Paramedics. He was then transported to the Milford Memorial Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Neither alcohol or drugs appear to be a factor in this crash.

Bay Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 092416 0730

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Felton, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a single vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a Magnolia man yesterday afternoon.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred  at approximately 4:09 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Friday, September 23, 2016, as Sherman L. Catchings, 66, of Magnolia, DE, was operating a 1987 Chevrolet S-10 and was traveling in an eastbound direction on Willow Grove Road (SR 10) approaching the intersection of Pony Track Road. For an unknown reason the Chevrolet travelled off of the south edge of the roadway and struck a tree in the front yard of a residence. The vehicle then came to rest in the yard after rotating approximately 120 degrees. Catchings was able to exit his vehicle, however, he was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by Kent County Paramedics after collapsing in the yard. There were no other injuries and neither alcohol or drugs are being considered a factor in the crash.

Willow Grove Road was closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

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

Released: 092416 0715

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**Original Releases**

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale