Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard Bratz

The Delaware State Police would like to offer safety guidelines for the start of this new and exciting school year. With the start of school in the next few weeks almost 122,000 of Delaware’s precious children will ride a school bus every day.  Delaware’s 1,850 school buses travel approximately 120,000 miles each day on our roads. The American School Bus Council reports that even though the school buses travel great distances throughout the school year, buses are the safest means of transportation to and from school.

Knowing this, everyone should consistently make safety a high priority for the children walking to and from the school bus stops. The motorists who must share the road with buses while school is in session must take into account any possible delays and be patient throughout the school year. There are some easy steps children, parents and motorists can do to make this a safe school year for Delaware students.

•  PARENTS
• If your child’s bus stop is not near your home, walk the route to the bus stop with your child until they are familiar with it.
• Never let a young child walk to the bus stop without adult supervision.
• Make sure your child knows the bus number and what time the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Always make sure your child gets to the bus stop early. Children in a rush are less likely to follow safety practices.
• Familiarize yourself with the bus driver.
• Make sure you have the Transportation Director’s contact information just in case you have any questions or encounter a problem.
• CHILDREN

• Start your day with plenty of time to get to the bus stop.
• Stay alert as you walk to the bus stop. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Know your bus driver and bus number.
• Wait for the bus in a safe place. Avoid horseplay that may cause you to fall into the street.
• Never run to or from the bus.
• When the bus arrives make sure it comes to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
• Don’t push or shove when getting on or off the bus.
• Always keep your arms and head inside the bus.
• Learn about the “danger zone”. There is a 10-foot wide area on all sides of the bus, where the driver cannot see you. When you get off the bus, step outside of the danger zone until you can see the driver’s face.
• Only cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
• Never run behind the bus, or bend down to pick up an object. The bus driver may think you’ve crossed safely and start to move.
• Do not distract the bus driver so that he/she may get you safely to and from school.
• Listen to the bus driver and bus aid to ensure your safety.
• Make sure to be courteous and respectful to the school bus driver.
• MOTORISTS
• Please slow down and give yourself some time to make adjustments to the new change in your schedule and traffic patterns.

• Drivers traveling in either direction on a two-lane road must stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights and stop sign or arm.
• Drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus on a four-lane, divided road must stop for a stopped school bus. Drivers travelling in the opposite direction are not required to stop.
• Delaware law requires vehicles to stop even when the bus is stopped to load/unload students on private property.
• Anyone convicted of passing a stopped school bus can be fined as much as $230 dollars for the first offense, and as much as $575 for the second offense. The individual will also have their license suspended for between 1 and 12 months.
• Please watch for the little ones crossing the roads and parking lots to and from the bus or private vehicles.
• Please watch your speed at all times especially in school zones. The School Resource Officers and other law enforcement officers will monitor the safety of all who are going to and from the schools.
• SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

• Thank you so much for doing your part to help keep our precious cargo safe and secure! We thank you for your continued professionalism and courtesy while you drive each day with our children…with much gratitude, The Delaware State Police. The Delaware State Police wants you to Be Smart, Be Alert, and Be Safe this School Year!

Released: 082316 1431

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Bear, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Bear area dollar store that occurred last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 9:41 p.m. last night, Monday, August 22, 2016, as two male suspects entered the Dollar Tree located at 660 Eden Circle, Bear. One of the suspects confronted a female employee of the store and demanded money from the cash register as the second suspect acted as a lookout. The female employee fled to the rear of the store however. The suspects proceeded to remove the drawer from the cash register which contained an undisclosed amount of money. They then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries. A weapon was not displayed or implied.

One suspect was described as a black male. He had a thin build and was last seen wearing a black long sleeved t-shirt, black jeans, and had a mask covering his face. The second suspect was also a black male. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, and also has a mask covering his face. There was no further physical or clothing description 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: 082316 1300

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

**Update- Traymere E. Stevens Arrested**

Dover, DE– The Delaware State Police working with the United States Marshals Task Force and the Dover Police Department have arrested Traymere E. Stevens.

On August 10, 2016, Stevens fled from the Delaware State Police on foot through the Dover Mall during a drug dealing investigation. During the foot pursuit Stevens discarded and attempted to hide a large amount of heroin. During the ongoing investigation information was received that led the Delaware State Police, the United States Marshals Task Force with the assistance of the Dover Police Department to a residence on Water Street. On Monday, August 22, 2016, Traymere Stevens was taken into custody in the unit block of East Water Street, Capital Green in Dover in reference to active drug dealing warrants. Stevens was taken into custody without incident after he was found hiding in an attic area.

Stevens was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity, Possession of Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 quantity with intent to Deliver, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest. Stevens was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and subsequently committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Institute in default of $34,000.00 secured bail. (Mugshot attached)

Released: 082316 1101

**Original Release**

State Police Searching for Wanted Subject

Dover – The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit (KDU) is currently looking for a subject that fled through the Dover Mall after he was observed preparing to conduct a drug transaction.

Traymere E. Stevens, 20 of Magnolia, is wanted for Tier 5 Drug Dealing, Resisting Arrest, and other drug related offenses after he fled on foot into the Dover Mall (1365 North DuPont Highway) upon observing troopers closing in on him during a drug transaction that was to take place in the parking lot of the mall.  The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. this evening, Wednesday August 10, 2016, in the parking lot near Macy’s when troopers were preparing to arrest Stevens for delivering a large amount of heroin when he ran into the Macy’s and continued through the mall toward JC Penny where fled out of sight.  Troopers assigned to KDU, Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF), and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), pursued Stevens into the mall and continued to search the businesses with additional assistance from Dover Police Department and various police K9 units.  A large amount of heroin was seized during this investigation and by 10:00 p.m., the search was completed without locating Stevens.  No patrons in the mall were injured.

Traymere Stevens (2015 photo) is described as a black male, 5’07” tall, 140 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.  He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and shorts.

If anyone has any information in reference to the whereabouts of Traymere Stevens, they are asked to contact Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. 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: 081016 2250

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred late last week in Newark.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred on Friday, August 19, 2016 at approximately 2:00 a.m., as Charles Bolton, Jr., 33, of Washington, DC, was operating a 2010 Freightliner Tractor and trailer and was traveling in a northbound direction on DE Rt. 896 (South College Avenue) approaching the intersection of US40 (Pulaski Highway), Newark. For an unknown reason, Bolton failed to stop his vehicle as he neared the intersection on a red light. The front of Bolton’s vehicle then struck the rear of a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which was stopped in the center lane of Rt. 896 northbound, and which was being operated by Clinton Peavy, 65, of Neptune, NJ. The force of the impact propelled the F-150 into the intersection of Rt. 896 and US40 where it then burst into flames. Clinton Peavy, as well as his 56-year-old wife, who was a front seat passenger in the truck, were able to exit the vehicle with the help of bystanders. A six-year-old male (nephew), who was a rear seat passenger in the pickup truck, was trapped in the vehicle and was subsequently freed with the assistance of bystanders and responding troopers.

The six-year-old male was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported to the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children before being transported to the Crozer Chester Medical Center where he was admitted for his injuries.

Clinton Peavy, his 56-year-old wife, and Charles Bolton, who were all properly restrained at the time of the crash, were treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. They were then transported to the Christiana Hospital where they were treated for their injuries. A male bystander who assisted in removing the child from the Ford suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. No charges have been filed at this time.

The northbound lanes of DE Rt. 896 were closed for approximately 5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 082216 1710

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**Original Releases**

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE – The northbound lanes of DE Rt. 896 at US40 have been re-opened to traffic.

This crash is still under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 081916 0815

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**Original Release**

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE –  Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred this morning in Newark.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Friday, August 19, 2016, at approximately 2:02 a.m. on northbound DE Rt. 896 at US40 (Pulaski Highway), Newark, and involved a tractor-trailer and a Ford F-150 pick-up truck. As a result of the crash, four people have been transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

Northbound Rt. 896 at US40 is closed to traffic at this time and northbound Rt. 896 traffic is being diverted onto Porter Road and then onto northbound DE Rt. 72 (Wrangle Hill Road).

The investigation into this crash 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: 081916 0630

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NEWS RELEASE

DELAWARE STATE POLICE

Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

United States Department of Homeland Security

Resident Agent in Charge Jonathan Free

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

Contacts: Delaware State Police– Sergeant Richard Bratz – 302-242-5456

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Sarah Rodriguez 202-732-5951

Sussex County, DE- On Friday, August 19, 2016, the Delaware State Police along with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Ocean City Police Department concluded an eight month investigation into a human trafficking ring operating in Sussex County.

Beginning in December 2015, investigators obtained information that Rashawn B. Davis was running a prostitution ring out of numerous motels. Troopers then launched an investigation into the illegal activities and known associates of Rashawn B. Davis. Over the course of several months persons connected with Davis were contacted several times at local motel rooms in eastern Sussex County.

In April 2016, The Delaware State Police and agents from the Homeland Security Investigations with the help of the Ocean City Police Department led an investigation into the activities of Rashawn Davis. During this month investigators discovered Davis had recruited, George L. Dunn and showed him how to operate another prostitution ring.

Over the course of the investigation detectives were able to identify more than eight females that were current or former victims of Rashawn Davis and George Dunn. The investigation also revealed that Davis and Dunn were business associates who operated jointly and independently. Through interviews detectives learned that Davis had been operating prostitution rings out of local motels since the fall of 2015.  Dunn and Davis used coercion, verbal abuse and the withholding of heroin to control the behavior of the victims.  Dunn and Davis posted advertisements utilizing the website www.backpage.com.  Dunn and Davis negotiated with potential clients and set all prices.  All proceeds from prostitution activities went back to Dunn and Davis.  The female victims involved were only provided with minimal amounts of heroin, and basic items like fast food and clothing.

As the result of the investigation Rashawn B. Davis was also charged with an unrelated home invasion that occurred on January 4, 2016 in the Unit block of Carriage Lane in Rehoboth Beach. During this incident two masked suspects armed with a handgun had forced their way into a residence, and forcibly removed items from a 42 year old male victim. (Original press release attached)

On Friday, August 12, 2016 George L. Dunn, 24 of Georgetown, turned himself in to troopers and was charged with the following: (Mugshot attached)

3 counts Human Trafficking-Sexual Servitude

1 count conspiracy 2nd

George L. Dunn was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $10,000.00 secured bond.

George L. Dunn

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Rashawn B. Davis, 24 of Millsboro, was arrested without incident and charged with the following: (Mugshot attached)

2 counts of Human Trafficking-Sexual Servitude

2 counts of Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

1 count of Robbery 1^st Degree

1 count of Home Invasion

1 count of Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony

Rashawn B. Davis was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $147,000 secured bond. (Additional human trafficking charges against Davis are to be added by indictment).

Victims or persons with information regarding the activities of Dunn or Davis are asked to please contact Detective J. Rowley at 302-752-3801 or Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. 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: 082216 1301

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**Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Home Invasion, Rehoboth

Rehoboth – Troopers are investigating a home invasion that occurred in the Colonial East Development north of Rehoboth Beach late Monday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. Monday January 4, 2016 in the unit block of Carriage Lane as two residents of the home, a 42-year-old female and a 43-year-old male, were in the living room watching television. The two heard a noise coming from outside the house and when the female victim opened the front door, three masked males pushed the door open and entered.  The female victim was able to run from the house while the three males entered and confronted the male victim with a gun.  The suspects then removed the two victim’s cell phones and a lunch box before fleeing the residence in an unknown direction.  The female was able to run to a neighbor’s house where she called 9-1-1 to report the incident.  Both victims were uninjured.

All three suspects were described as males wearing dark clothing with masks and gloves (No further physical or clothing description available). One of the suspects was possibly armed with an unknown type handgun

Troopers have determined through preliminary interviews and investigation that this was not a random act and believe the victims may have been targeted in the home invasion.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. 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: 010516 1050

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 Presented By Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a series of Wilmington area burglaries and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect.

Troopers are currently looking for Robert A. Evans, 58, whose last known address was in the 1800 block of N. Broom Street, Wilmington. Evans is believed to be the suspect who committed the burglaries of three businesses located on Kirkwood Highway and on DuPont Road, Wilmington, late last month. In each incident Evans would break out the glass to the door of the targeted business. He would then enter the business and proceed to remove cash before fleeing in an unknown direction. Through multiple interviews and other investigative means, troopers were able to positively identify Robert Evans as the suspect responsible for the burglaries and have obtained warrants charging him with four counts of Burglary 3^rd Degree, four counts of Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony, four counts of Criminal Mischief, 3 counts of Theft, and one count of Criminal Trespass.

Robert A. Evans is described as a black male. He is 5’09” tall, weighs approximately 160 lbs., and has a bald head and brown eyes.

Evans is suspected of committing the following burglaries:

• La Oaxaquena, 201 N. DuPont Road, Wilmington, July 28, 2016
• Pro Nail, 2411 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, July 31, 2016
• Jakes Burgers, 2405 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, July 31, 2016

If anyone has any information in reference to these incidents or know the whereabouts of Robert Evans, they are asked to contact Sgt. Andrew Lloyd at 302-365-8403. 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: 082216 1245

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***UPDATED INFORMATION***

With the assistance of vigilant community members and several tips, troopers were able to locate Tahreek Leslie in the wooded area behind Pleasant Hill Motel in Odessa at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2016. He was arrested and charged with one count each of Escape 2^nd Degree, Burglary 2^nd Degree, Theft of a Firearm, Theft and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. Leslie was arraigned Justice of the Peace Court 11 on the above listed charges and was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $17,100.oo cash bail.

Released: 082116 1831

Troopers Seek Public’s Help in Locating Escapee

Odessa, De- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a 24 year old New Castle County man after he fled from Troop 9 in Odessa today.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. today, Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Troop 9 as Tahreek Leslie, 24 of New Castle was being detained by troopers for a trespass complaint. A subsequent computer check revealed that he was wanted by the Delaware State Police on charges of Burglary 2^nd degree, theft of a firearm, Theft and Conspiracy 2^rd Degree and is currently on probation. After being handcuffed Leslie was able to free himself and then fled from the building and parking. He and was last seen running  eastbound on route 299. Troopers are currently conducting a K9 track.

He is described as a black male, 6’00” tall and 160 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. (Mugshot attached)

Circumstances surrounding Tahreek Leslie’s escape are under investigation.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Tahreek Leslie they are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. 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: 082116 1311

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard Bratz

Odessa, De- The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a 24 year old New Castle County man after he fled from Troop 9 in Odessa today.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. today, Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Troop 9 as Tahreek Leslie, 24 of New Castle was being detained by troopers for a trespass complaint. A subsequent computer check revealed that he was wanted by the Delaware State Police on charges of Burglary 2^nd degree, theft of a firearm, Theft and Conspiracy 2^rd Degree and is currently on probation. After being handcuffed Leslie was able to free himself and then fled from the building and parking lot. He was last seen running eastbound on route 299. Troopers are currently conducting a K9 track.

He is described as a black male, 6’00” tall and 160 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. (Mugshot attached)

Circumstances surrounding Tahreek Leslie’s escape are under investigation.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Tahreek Leslie they are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. 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: 082116 1311

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

Camden, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash which occurred west of Camden.

The incident occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. Saturday August 13, 2016 and 7:34 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016, as William H. Ebert, 47 of Felton, was operating a 2005 Suzuki GX6 motorcycle eastbound on Henry Cowgill Road attempting to negotiate a left curve. Ebert drove off the south side of the road along the contour of a small ditch before striking an embankment. He continued through the front yard before traveling between two trees and entering a thicket of tall grass and weeds. Ebert continued through the thicket where he was ejected from the motorcycle. Ebert had been reported missing since August 13, 2016.

William H. Ebert, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. Henry Cowgill Road in the area of the crash was closed for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 082116 0841

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

Bridgeville, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the strong arm robbery of a man and woman which occurred last night in a local area mobile home park east of Bridgeville.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Friday, August 19, 2016, at approximately 8:33 p.m., in the area of 1^st Street in the Walkers Mill Mobile Home Park, Bridgeville. Both a man and a woman, along with her two children were walking through the neighborhood when they were confronted by four black males on bicycles. It was at this time two of the suspects grabbed the adult female victim and threw her to the ground. The other two suspects began to punch the male victim in front of the victim’s children. The suspects then forcibly removed a wallet from the male victim.  The suspects also took the female victims cellular phone and fled the area on their bicycles. Both victims were uninjured. Troopers conducted a search of the surrounding area as well as a neighborhood canvas which did not locate the suspects.

The four suspects were described as black males. One of the suspects was described as approximately 5’10” tall, approximately 20 years old with an average build wearing a t-shirt. Second suspect described as approximately 5’08” tall, with a heavier build, between 16 to 18 years of age. No further physical or clothing description is available on the other two black males.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Cathell at 302-752-3793 or Troop 4, Georgetown, at 302-856-5850. 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: 082016 1251

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