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

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 the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Kent and Sussex County, DE- The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Michael R. Lewis, 34 of Lincoln (photo attached).  Lewis is currently wanted by the state police for Burglary 1^st degree, Conspiracy 2^{nd degree}, Assault ^{3rd degree}, Possession of Heroin, Resist Arrest, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

On August 31, 2016, suspect Michael Lewis along with two other suspects were contacted on a traffic stop on SR 24 in the area of Warwick Road, Millsboro. Lewis fled on foot into a wooded area and was not apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed over 140 bags of heroin (2.235 grams), over 330 empty heroin bags and marijuana. A warrant was completed for his arrest on the drug offenses and resisting arrest.

Michael R. Lewis is wanted for seven capiases for his arrest in addition to three for violation of probation. Troop 3 also has a Burglary 1st Degree warrant for Lewis’ arrest from April 29, 2016.

Lewis is currently wanted for the issued capiases:

July 23, 2015 Capias Kent County Court of Common Pleas for Offensive Touching

July 28, 2015 Capias Justice of the Peace Court 7 for Driving Suspended/Revoked

August, 13, 2015 Capias Superior Court for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

August 25, 2015 Capias Superior Court for Drug Dealing

September 17, 2015 Kent County Court of Common Pleas for Poss. Marijuana

October 27, 2015 Kent County Court of Common Pleas for Poss. Marijuana

April 29, 2016 Delaware State Police for Burglary 1^st, Conspiracy, Assault 3^rd

August 31, 2016 Delaware State Police for Poss. Heroin, Resist Arrest, Drug Poss.

Michael R. Lewis, 34 of Lincoln, is described as a black male, approximately 5’10” tall, 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent both Kent and Sussex County.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Michael R. Lewis, they are asked to call 9-1-1 and/or contact Sgt. J. Stevenson at 302-752-3820. 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 092016 1131

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

Felton, De. – The Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of an area convenience store that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 12:08 a.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2016, as two male suspects entered the Uncle Willies located at the 12984 South DuPont Highway, Felton. The suspects, one of which was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, confronted two employees of the store. Both of the employees ran to the back of the store and hid in a room. Both suspects gained entry into the room and knocked an employee to the ground and kicked him several times. The suspects then fled from the back room before taking money from a cash register and an employee’s cellular phone. A third suspect was seen standing outside the front door but did not enter the store. The suspects fled in a dark colored vehicle. The employees were not injured.

The first suspect was described as a black male 25-30 years old, approximately 5’07” to 5’08” tall, slim build, wearing a dark hooded jacket and dark pants with his face covered armed with an unknown handgun.

The second suspect was described as a black male 25-30 years old, approximately 6’00” to 6’01” tall, slim build wearing a light colored hooded jacket with dark pants with his face covered.

The third suspect was only described as a subject wearing dark clothing.

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 T. Ford at 302-698-8569. 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: 092016 1011

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 Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Brian J. Branch, 28, who is currently wanted on four separate capiases out of the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas.

Branch, whose last known address is in the 100 block of Bonybrook Road, Middletown, is 5’08” tall, weighs approximately 130 lbs., and has blonde hair and blue eyes. He also has tattoos on the top of both his left and right hand.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Brian Branch, they are asked to contact Sgt. David Diana at 302-365-8422. 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: 092016 0940

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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 cellular phone store that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 1:52 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2016, as two male suspects entered the T-Mobile store located at 4542 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington. The suspects, one of which was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, confronted two employees and a customer of the store and demanded cash from the store’s safe. The employees complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to them. The suspects also obtained an undisclosed number of cellular phones before exiting the store. They were last seen entering an unknown make and model vehicle and fleeing in a northbound direction on Limestone Road. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’10”-6’00” tall, weighed 170 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black sneakers. He was also armed with a handgun.

The second suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’06”-5’08” tall, weighed 160 lbs., and was also last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black sneakers. He was not armed.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. There is no further physical or clothing description of the suspects available at this time. 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, 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: 092016 0905

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

Milton, DE – Troopers are investigating a vehicle crash that occurred south of Milton earlier today involving a school bus.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred around 3:22 p.m. today, Monday, September 19, 2016, as Elise M. Farkas, 29 of Lewes, was operating a 2014 Jeep Cherokee eastbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (SR9) behind a school bus. Faye E. Hudson, 44 of Georgetown, was operating a 2016 IC Corp school bus and stopped on SR9 west of Prettyman Road in traffic. The Jeep was traveling on SR 9 behind the bus and struck the back with its front end. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee looked down and did not see the bus had stopped and then slid on the wet roadway striking the backend of the bus.

The driver and 11 students on the bus were not injured.

Elise M. Farkas, 29 of Lewes, was properly seat belted and was not injured.

Lewes-Georgetown Highway in the area of the crash was impacted for 30 minutes while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091916 1911

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a 22 year old man as he attempted to sell iPhones in a New Castle area parking lot.

The incident occurred on Friday, September 16, 2016, at approximately 6:30 p.m., as a 22 year old male victim met with three men, who had agreed to purchase four iPhones from him, in the parking lot of the Bowlerama, located at 3031 New Castle Avenue, New Castle. After the three men arrived in the parking lot of the Bowlerama in a black unknown make and model SUV, the victim entered the rear seat of the vehicle. The operator of the SUV then exited the parking lot and drove to 6th Street in New Castle, which is located a short distance away. It was at this point that one of the three males produced an unknown make and model handgun and demanded the iPhones and the victim’s wallet. The victim complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over four Iphones as well as his wallet to him. He then exited the vehicle which fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspects were all identified as black males. The first was 6’00” tall and weighed 170-175 lbs. The second was 5’09”-5’10” tall, weighed 160-165 lbs., and was last seen wearing a white tank top style t-shirt. He was also armed with an unknown make and model handgun. The third suspect was 6’00” tall, weighed 230-240 lbs., and was last seen wearing a red striped shirt. There is no further physical or clothing description available.

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: 091916 1253

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington/Bear- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of two area Walgreens that have occurred over the past few days.

The first incident happened on Friday, September 16, 2016 at approximately 2:08 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 1508 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. The suspect then displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a female clerk, demanding money from the cash registers. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. He then exited the pharmacy and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was 30-35 years of age, 5’05”-5’07” tall, weighed 150-160 lbs., and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black shorts, and black shoes. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance photos are available to be released at this time.

The second robbery occurred on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at approximately 9:00 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 1120 Pulaski Highway, Bear. The suspect, who was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, confronted a female clerk and demanded money from the cash registers. The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect. He then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. Again, there were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male, 20-28 years of age. He was 5’05”-5’08” tall, weighed 180-200 lbs, had brown hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and also had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance photos are available at this time.

These robberies remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police. It is unknown at this time if the same suspect is responsible for committing both robberies.

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: 091916 1155

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

Harrington, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the strong arm robbery of a 76 year old man which occurred at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at approximately 3:10 p.m., as troopers responded the Delaware State Fairgrounds, Green lot, 18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington for a strong arm robbery. Upon arrival troopers found the suspect Brandon Givens, 30 of Seaford, detained by good Samaritans. Givens was placed under arrest by responding troopers. The victim, a 76 year old man of Denton Maryland, was contacted at the Green lot where the Wilson’s Auction (Mid-Atlantic Equipment Auction) was being held. The victim was a volunteer for the Burrsville Ruritan Club selling food and beverages from a cart at the auction as a fundraiser for the club. Givens quickly appeared behind the victim and grabbed cash from the victim’s hand and attempted to run away. The victim held onto the money and both the suspect and victim fell to the ground during the struggle. Givens was able to gain possession of the cash and fled. The victim, good samaratins and an off duty trooper chased and captured Givens. At this point Givens was detained until troopers arrived. The money was returned to the victim. The victim was not injured.

Brandon A. Givens, 30 of Seaford, was transported to Troop 3 where he was formally charged with Robbery 1^st Degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaugh Correctional Center in default of a $25,000.00 secured bond. (Mug shot attached)

Released: 091916 1051

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

Camden, DE – Troopers uncovered a portable meth lab while executing an arrest warrant west of Camden.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 9:13 a.m. Sunday September 18, 2016, as troopers were on the scene of a warrant attempt located in the 5,000 block of Mud Mill Road, Camden. Troopers were attempting to apprehend James D. Murphy, 37 of Camden-Wyoming, for felony theft charges. The residence had been abandoned and the investigation uncovered that Murphy was at the abandoned residence with a female subject. The owner of the property responded to the residence and Murphy refused to exit. After a lengthy wait, Murphy and a female subject named, Brittney Ebright, 30 of Camden-Wyoming were both taken into custody without incident. Murphy was found to be in possession of one bundle heroin.

Upon taking Murphy and Ebright into custody, a search of the residence revealed several pre cursor items used to manufacture methamphetamine along with two waste bottles. Members of Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control responded and safely collected the evidence. A search was conducted of the residence which revealed equipment and component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug.

Murphy and Ebright were transported to Troop 3 where they were charged with Operating a Clandestine Lab, Conspiracy Second Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Murphy is also being charged for Possession of Heroin and Resisting Arrest. In addition he was also charged on the previous warrant for Theft, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on an $11,500.00 secured bond. Ebright was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $8,750.00 unsecured bond. (Mug shots attached)

Released: 091816 1651

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