Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Felton, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 4:11 p.m. this afternoon, Friday, September 23, 2016, in the 3000 block of Willow Grove Road, Felton, and involves a single vehicle which struck a tree. As a result of the crash one person has been pronounced dead.

Willow Grove Road is currently closed in the area of Mt. Olive Cemetary Road and Pony Track Road and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash by the Delaware State Police is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

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: 092316 1730

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

Rehoboth Beach, DE – The Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit have arrested Garrett M. King, 33 of Rehoboth Beach, after the investigation revealed illegal drug sales from his residence in Rehoboth Beach.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016 the Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit and the Rehoboth Beach Police Department concluded a one month drug investigation after receiving information that Garrett M. King was selling quantities of cocaine from his residence. A search warrant executed of his vehicle during a traffic stop, on Scarborough Avenue in the limits of Rehoboth Beach, uncovered over 20 grams of powder cocaine, 7.2 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, handgun, shotgun, rifle and over $500.00 in suspected drug proceeds. A search warrant executed at his residence, located in the unit block of Hickman Street, Rehoboth Beach, revealed drug paraphernalia and various types of ammunition. King was taken into custody during the traffic stop.

Garrett M. King, 33 of Rehoboth Beach, was transported to Troop 7 in Lewes where he was formally charged with the following as a result of the investigation: PWITD Tier 4 Cocaine, Possession Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.

Garrett M. King was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $20,701.00 unsecured bond. (Mugshot attached)

Released: 092316 1501

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

Magnolia, De. – The Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of an area convenience store that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., Thursday, September 22, 2016, as a male suspect entered the Uncle Sam’s Market located at the 50 West Birdie Lane, Magnolia. The suspect, armed with a handgun, confronted an employee of the store and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect. The suspect then fled on foot toward the north side of the store. The employee was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male approximately 5’07” to 5’09” tall, slim build, wearing a hooded jacket and dark pants with his face covered armed with an unknown handgun.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. 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 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: 092316 1025

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives arrested two men and have charged them in connection with a string of armed robberies of pharmacies and convenience stores which have occurred throughout New Castle County since the beginning of August.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016, members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) arrested Brian J. Branch, 28, of New Castle, and Michael A. Kolmonen, 28, of Wilmington, in a parking lot of a nearby Wawa shortly after Branch committed the armed robbery of the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 301 E. Pulaski Highway, Elkton, MD. Branch and Kolmonen, who was the operator of the car used in the robbery, were both taken into custody without incident and subsequently transported to Troop 2, Glasgow.

Brian Branch was charged by detectives with seven counts of Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, nine counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, six counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, four counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and two counts of Aggravated Menacing. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $3,380,000.00 cash bail.

Michael A. Kolmonen was charged by detectives with three counts of Robbery 1st Degree, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Aggravated Menacing. He was also arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution in default of $625,000.00 cash bail.

The investigation began in early August after detectives noticed a trend in robberies which had been occurring throughout New Castle County which mostly targeted pharmacies. They also discovered that the same type of incidents had occurred in Upper Chichester Township, PA, and in Cecil County, MD as well. Through a cooperative effort of multiple agencies including the New Castle County Police, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, the Elkton Police Department, and the Upper Chichester Township Police Department, and after multiple interviews and other investigative means, troopers were able to positively identify Brian Branch and Michael Kolmonen as the suspects who were committing the robberies.

In each incident, a male suspect would enter the targeted business and display an unknown make and model handgun. He would then confront an employee of the business and demand money from the cash registers. After receiving the money, the suspect would exit the building and flee the area in a waiting vehicle. There were no injuries in any of the incidents.

Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police detectives were able to link Branch and Kolmonen to the below list of robberies, however, more charges are expected.

1. Walgreens, 19 Marrows Road, Newark, on Monday, August 22, 2016 (NCCPD)
2. Walgreens, 2719 Pulaski Highway, Newark, on Thursday, September 1, 2016
3. CVS, 1545 Pulaski Highway, Bear, on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
4. Dunkirk Liquors, 2 Dunlinden Dr., Wilmington, on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 (NCCPD)
5. Walgreens, 1508 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, on Friday, September 16, 2016
6. Walgreens, 1120 Pulaski Highway, Bear, on Sunday, September 18, 2016

Please contact the Cecil County Sheriff’s Department, the Elkton Police Department, and the Upper Chichester Township Police Department for specific details in reference to the robberies which occurred in their jurisdictions.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Det. Jonathon Packard at 302-365-8434. 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: 092316 1155

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TFC Paul H. Sherman

1909-1945 36 years

Troop A State Road

Served 08/15/1939 – 10/16/1945

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

On Tuesday, October 4^th, 2016 at 09:30 a.m., the Delaware State Police are honoring Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman at a Public Servants Memorial Sign Ceremony. The ceremony is to be held at 1401 Newport Gap Pike on the northbound side in front of the National Guard Building north of Newport south of the rail road crossing. This event is open to the public and the media.

Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman died nearly 71 years ago, on October 16th, 1945. In his 6th year as a Delaware Trooper, he lost his life in a fatal motor vehicle crash when his patrol car collided with a B&O Railroad passenger train.

Assigned to Troop 2, TFC Sherman was en route to a complaint in Yorklyn. He studied business and law in college before becoming a Trooper on August 15th, 1939. He left behind his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth and their two young children, John and Sandra. TFC Sherman was only 36 years old when his watch tragically came to an end.

Dignitaries, Troopers, Police Officers, family and Friends will gather to remember Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman who made the “Ultimate Sacrifice” in service to the State of Delaware. Twenty Two, (22) Troopers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1923.

The following will be in attendance for the ceremony:

Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums

Delaware State Police Honor Guard

Captain Jason Sapp/ Captain Michael Reader

Delaware State Police Chaplains

Son James, daughter Sandra and grandson Jim Sherman

The following will offer remarks for the ceremony:

Opening Prayer Delaware State Police Chaplains

Governor Jack Markell

Attorney General Matt Denn

Secretary James Mosely

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

Lieutenant Thomas Brackin, DSTA

Mrs. Eleanor Allione, COPS

Mr. Jim Sherman

INTERLUDE Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums

CLOSING PRAYER Delaware State Police Chaplains

Release: 092216 1231

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TFC Paul H. Sherman

1909-1945 36 years

Troop A State Road

Served 08/15/1939 – 10/16/1945

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

On Tuesday, October 4^th, 2016 at 09:30 a.m., the Delaware State Police are honoring Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman at a Public Servants Memorial Sign Ceremony. The ceremony is to be held at 1401 Newport Gap Pike on the northbound side in front of the National Guard Building north of Newport south of the rail road crossing. This event is open to the public and the media.

Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman died nearly 71 years ago, on October 16th, 1945. In his 6th year as a Delaware Trooper, he lost his life in a fatal motor vehicle crash when his patrol car collided with a B&O Railroad passenger train.

Assigned to Troop 2, TFC Sherman was en route to a complaint in Yorklyn. He studied business and law in college before becoming a Trooper on August 15th, 1939. He left behind his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth and their two young children, John and Sandra. TFC Sherman was only 36 years old when his watch tragically came to an end.

Dignitaries, Troopers, Police Officers, family and Friends will gather to remember Trooper First Class Paul H. Sherman who made the “Ultimate Sacrifice” in service to the State of Delaware. Twenty Two, (22) Troopers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1923.

The following will be in attendance for the ceremony:

Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums

Delaware State Police Honor Guard

Captain Jason Sapp/ Captain Michael Reader

Delaware State Police Chaplains

Son Jim, daughter Sandra and grandson Jim Sherman

The following will offer remarks for the ceremony:

Opening Prayer Delaware State Police Chaplains

Governor Jack Markell

Attorney General Matt Denn

Secretary James Mosely

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.

Lieutenant Thomas Brackin, DSTA

Mrs. Eleanor Allione, COPS

Mr. Jim Sherman

INTERLUDE Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums

CLOSING PRAYER Delaware State Police Chaplains

Release: 092216 1231

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‘Building a Community of Diversity, Tolerance, Accountability & Trust’

 Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Delaware State University, Education & Humanities Building

7pm-9pm

Please join us for a Town Hall Meeting on Police-Community Relations in Kent County, Delaware. This Town Hall is a joint venture between Law Enforcement, Legislators, First State Community Action Agency, Inc. and Delaware State University. All stakeholders support creating an open, honest dialogue between law enforcement and communities across the State of Delaware. Our panelists are comprised of Law Enforcement Agencies, Academia, Faith-based Community, First State Community Action Agency, Inc. and Social Action Committee Members who will help guide the conversation towards inclusion for all, cultural sensitivity, building better relationships and finding common ground.

Guest Panelists:

• Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Delaware State Police
• Chief Paul Bernat, Dover Police Department
• Chief Harry Downes, Jr., Delaware State University Police Department
• Senator Brian Bushweller
• Representative Lyndon Yearick
• Bernice Edwards, First State Community Action Agency, Inc.
• Reverend Rita Paige, Star Hill AME Church
• Pastor Lamont Pierce, New Life Christian Outreach
• Governor Markell’s Office
• Mayor Robin Christensen
• Pastor Jim Dorton, Three Stones Church

Opening Comments by:

• Don Blakey, Retired Administrator, CR School District & Adjunct Professor, Delaware State University

Moderated by:

• Bruce Wright, First State Community Action Agency, Inc.
• Dr. Dorothy Dillard, Delaware State University

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

Cheswold, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred yesterday afternoon south of Cheswold.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 12:12 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2016 as Eugene Capstick, 66 of Pennsylvania, was operating a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country minivan northbound on SR 1 in the left lane south of Cheswold near Simms Woods Road. The driver applied his brakes when an unknown vehicle passed him in the right lane and pulled in front of him. As the Town and Country minivan slowed, it lost control and veered into the center grassy median and then reentered the northbound lane of SR 1 in a north east direction across the northbound lanes. The vehicle exited the east side of the road on a grassy shoulder and traveled down a slight embankment before striking several trees on the right passenger side door before coming to a stop.

Eugene Capstick, 66 of Pennsylvania, was not injured. His passenger, Candace Capstick, 66 of Pennsylvania, was treated at the scene and then transported by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The driver was not issued a ticket.

The Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation into this incident. SR 1 northbound in the area of the crash was impacted for approximately one hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 092116 1431

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**Update Traffic Advisory**

SR 1 northbound lanes are reopened. Troopers continue to investigate this crash.

Released: 092016 1318

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Troopers Investigating Vehicle Crash-Cheswold

Cheswold, De.- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 12:12 p.m. today, Tuesday September 20, 2016 on SR 1 northbound south of Cheswold near Simms Woods Road. The crash involves a pickup truck.

The northbound lanes of SR 1 are currently closed at this time. Motorists should expect delays and are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 092016 1241

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects after they stole several thousand dollars worth of computers and computer accessories earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at approximately 8:40 p.m., as three male suspects (pictured) entered the Microsoft Store located inside of the Christiana Mall, Newark. The suspects proceeded to remove several laptop computers and computer covers that were on display for sale before exiting the store, undetected, without paying for the merchandise. They then fled in an unknown direction.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Corporal Robert Strecker  at 302-660-3830. 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: 092116 1115

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

Troopers Investigating Vehicle Crash-Cheswold

SR 1 northbound lanes are reopened. Troopers continue to investigate this crash.

092016 1318

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Cheswold, De.- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 12:12 p.m. today, Tuesday September 20, 2016 on SR 1 northbound south of Cheswold near Simms Woods Road. The crash involves a pickup truck.

The northbound lanes of SR 1 are currently closed at this time. Motorists should expect delays and are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

 Released: 092016 1241

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