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

**Traffic Advisory**

New Castle, De- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon in New Castle.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. today, Sunday, June 26, 2016 on I95 northbound just south of Airport Road exit 5. It involves a Tractor trailer and four other vehicles.

Only the far right lane of I95 northbound is closed at this time. Motorists are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

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

Released: 062616 1631

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

Wilmington, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian was injured.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 6:54 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, as a 2005 Buick Rendezvous operated by Blanche M. Lee Hazzard, 59 of Wilmington, was traveling southbound on North Market Street north of 38^th Street. It was at this point a pedestrian, Phillip Baul, 28 of Wilmington, exited his vehicle that was parked on the west shoulder of North Market Street in front of the Rite Aid, and walked eastbound across North Market Street outside of a crosswalk. As he attempted to cross the street he was struck by the front right light of the Buick Rendezvous. The pedestrian came to rest on the road in the southbound lane. Blanche M. Lee Hazzard was able to bring her vehicle to a controlled stop on the road north of the pedestrian.

The New Castle County Paramedics responded to the intersection of North Market Street for the pedestrian. The patient was treated on scene for his injuries prior to being transported to the Trauma Center at Christiana Hospital by EMS. At the time of this release, Phillip Baul was last known to be in serious condition.

Phillip Baul was issued a traffic summons for Failing to Cross at a Crosswalk.

Blanche M. Lee Hazzard and her passenger Kimberly Gibbson were properly restrained at the time of the crash and were not injured.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Released: 062516 2251

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

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 contact 302-672-5306.  Information may also be provided 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.com application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Curtis D. Johnson, 27, is a Tier 2 (Moderate Risk) sex offender who has registered homeless in Wilmington. Click or copy and paste to view profile and the community notice poster: https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/Poster/00002386

Richard Bellemare, 45, is a Tier 3 (High Risk) sex offender who has registered homeless in Dover. Click or copy and paste to view profile and the community notice poster: https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/Poster/00002196

Released: 062516 2021

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a hit and run motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian was struck in Newark.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred on Friday, June 24, 2016, at approximately 6:45 p.m., as troopers were dispatched to the area of westbound Pulaski Highway west of Salem Church Road to investigate a hit and run collision where a pickup truck had run over a DelDOT worker’s foot. The DelDOT Worker, 45 of Bear, was not injured in this collision due to the fact he was wearing steel toed boots. The DelDOT worker was wearing his issued reflective vest while standing near his fully marked DelDOT vehicle with his emergency lights activated. DelDOT conducted a road block at this location to stop traffic from passing due to a New Castle County police related investigation.

Pulaski Highway was shut down at Salem Church Road with numerous traffic cones, DelDOT emergency vehicles with their overhead lights illuminated, as well as numerous DelDOT workers diverting traffic. It was at this time a gold colored 1997 Ford F-150 had disregarded the roadblock located at the intersection of DE. Rt. 40 westbound and Salem Church Road. The Ford F-150 drove over the concrete median separating eastbound Pulaski Highway from westbound Pulaski Highway. The Ford began making a U-turn to travel westbound on Pulaski Highway, which was inside of the blocked off area as numerous DelDOT workers were attempting to stop the Ford, but its driver ignored their commands.

The victim attempted to get the attention of the driver, who was later identified as Jorge Figueroa, 53 of Newark. The DelDOT worker was in the roadway attempting to flag down the Ford; the vehicle suddenly increased speed and began driving toward him. The victim tried to avoid being struck by the Ford, but the vehicle ran over his left foot.  The victim was not injured.

The driver Jorge Figueroa screamed obscenities as he struck the DelDOT worker. The Ford truck continued traveling westbound towards Becks Woods Drive.  At that point the Ford made another U-turn at Becks Woods Drive where it fled eastbound on Pulaski Highway.  A computer check revealed the vehicle was registered to Jorge Figueroa at an address of the unit block Sunny Bend, Newark, DE.  Troopers responded to the Sunny Bend address to make contact with the driver. A traffic stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle by activating the emergency lights in a fully marked state police patrol vehicle.

Jorge Figueroa, the driver, immediately exited the driver’s side door and began moving toward the trooper in an agitated state. As the trooper exited his vehicle, he gave numerous safety commands for Jorge Figueroa to stop and get back into his vehicle. Figueroa failed to comply and continued yelling obscenities at the troopers and began threatening gestures with his arms and hands and was disorderly refusing to follow lawful commands. Figueroa was eventually taken into custody.

During the arrest of the driver, his son Jorge L Figueroa 2^nd, 27 of Wilmington, exited the passenger side of the truck and began aggressively walking towards the trooper yelling threats.  Due to this disorderly and threatening behavior, his son was also arrested for his actions that directly prevented an arrest on Figueroa Sr.

Both were transported back to Troop 2 for processing:

Jorge L. Figueroa (driver) was arrested for Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Collision, Disorderly Conduct, Failure to have Insurance, Failure to Obey Authorized Person Directing Traffic, Failure to Provide Information at Collision, Failure to obey a Traffic Device, Failed to Remain within a Single Lane, Driving Across a Median, Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Emergency Vehicles and Failure to Report Collision to Police. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court #11 where he was released after posting $1,458.00 secured bond. (photo attached)

Jorge L. Figueroa 2^nd (son) was arrested for Terroristic Threatening, Resist Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court #2 where he was released on $1,500.00 unsecured bond. (photo attached)

Released: 062516 1931

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

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Wilmington area donut shop that occurred after midnight.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at approximately 12:48 a.m., as an armed male suspect entered the Dunkin Donuts, located at 701 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. The suspect confronted a male employee 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. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male approximately 5’08” to 6’02”tall in height wearing dark clothing with his face covered. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No 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 302-365-8655. 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: 062516 1451

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

Bear, DE – Troopers are investigating a robbery of a Bear area Pizza Hut that occurred early this morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:08 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Pizza Hut located at 1837 Pulaski Highway, Bear, De., as two male suspects confronted a male employee as he was preparing to close the store. One of the suspects was armed with an unknown type handgun and demanded the cash from the register.  The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money.  The suspects then fled the store in an unknown direction.  No one was injured in this incident. Troopers canvassed the area of nearby parking lots, neighborhoods and businesses looking for the suspects.

The first suspect was described as a skinny black male, 6’00”-6’02” tall, wearing dark clothing and had a mask covering his face, armed with unknown handgun. The second suspect was described as a black male in all dark clothing with his face covered. (no further physical or clothing description). No surveillance photos available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, at 302-834-2630. 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: 062516 1351

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

 New Castle, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian was injured.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 2:17 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, as a 2004 Nissan Sentra operated by Dwan A. Edmond, 46 of New Castle, was southbound in the right lane of North DuPont Parkway (US 13) in the area of East Hazeldell Avenue.  It was at this point a pedestrian, Scott R. Anderson, 55 of Middletown, attempted to cross US 13 from the center median and was struck by the front right of the Nissan Sentra. The pedestrian came to rest on the right shoulder. Dwan A. Edmond was able to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop on the right shoulder south of the pedestrian.

The New Castle County Paramedics responded to the intersection of North DuPont Highway and Hazeldell Avenue for the pedestrian struck. The patient was treated on scene for his injuries prior to being transported to the Trauma Center at Christiana Hospital on board an ambulance from the Minquadale Fire Company. At the time of this release, the Scott R. Anderson was last known to be in serious condition.

Scott R. Anderson was issued traffic summonses for Failing to Cross at a Crosswalk, Fail to Carry a Light at Night and Drunk on the Highway.

Dwan A. Edmond was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was not injured.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Released: 062516 1221

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

Dover, DE – Troopers are currently investigating a shooting that occurred early this morning south of Dover.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at approximately1:30 a.m., in the 1,000 block of John Clark Road, Rodney Village, as a 9-1-1 call was made reporting multiple shots fired during a party at a residence. Troopers arrived on scene, along with Dover and Camden Police. They secured the area and attempted to contact several witnesses as they tried to leave the location. Shortly after shots were fired, a 15 year old female victim was discovered to have sustained a gunshot wound to her upper extremity. The victim was transported by EMS to a local area hospital for her non-life threatening injury. The victim was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.

Delaware State Police detectives conducted multiple interviews which revealed that an argument occurred outside of the residence. As several subjects were leaving, the argument escalated into a fight and shots were fired subsequently striking the victim.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assigned to Troop 3 is currently investigating this incident. The investigation is in the early stages and more information will be released when it becomes available.

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: 062516  1031

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

Harrington, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred late last night south of Harrington.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred on Friday, June 24, 2016 at approximately 11:05 p.m., as a 2003 Cadillac CTS operated by an unknown operator was traveling west bound on Williamsville Road east of Gun and Rod Club Road south of Harrington. For unknown reasons, the Cadillac lost control and began to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as it exited the travel lane and south edge of the road.  The vehicle slid through the grass edge sideways and started to trip and rolled several times parallel to the roadway coming to rest on its left side facing in an easterly direction.  The victim was ejected from the vehicle during the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Shortly after this collision an unidentified black male was observed by witnesses walking away from the scene. The witnesses made contact with the subject who advised he was involved in the collision and was going home.  The unidentified subject was last seen walking west bound on Williamsville Road.  At this time it is believed the operator of vehicle is possibly the victim but has not been confirmed at this time. The name of the victim is being withheld at this point pending the notification of his next of kin.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in this collision.

Williamsville Road was closed in the area of the crash for approximately three hours during the on scene investigation.

If anyone has witnessed or may have any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Cpl./3 J. Lane at 302-697-4454.  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: 062516 0921

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Hartly, DE – A Hartly couple have been arrested in connection with over 20 burglaries to residences, garages and shed within the Amish communities.

The incidents began occurring around May 27, 2016 and continued through June 16, 2016 when a number of residences and out buildings located throughout Hartly, Marydel, and west Dover areas began experiencing break-ins. During the crimes, the suspect(s) would remove items such as, lawn and garden equipment, power tools, chainsaws, pressure washers, and cash.  As detectives continued to look into the rash of burglaries, information was obtained through investigative measures that Harvey M. Coblentz, 26 of Hartly, who was ex-Amish, was the primary suspect in this incidents due to his burgundy colored pick-up truck being seen driving slowly around the area of the houses involved in the crimes.

On Saturday June 18, 2016 around 6:30 a.m., Coblentz’s truck was observed parked on the side of the road by a trooper patrolling in the area of the 900 block of Grygo Road, Marydel. A traffic stop was conducted on the burgundy 2000 Chevrolet Silverado and contact was made with Coblentz who was operating the truck.  His girlfriend, Peggy S. Wright, 31 of Hartly, was a passenger in the truck and a computer inquiry revealed both of them to have capiases out of Kent County Court of Common Pleas and Wright was also listed as a missing person in which a Gold Alert was issued on February 28, 2016.

Harvey Coblentz and Peggy Wright were both transported back to Troop 3 in Camden where they were arraigned and committed to the Delaware Department of Corrections on the capiases. On Wednesday June 22, 2016 detectives charged both Coblentz and Wright with a total of 62 charges with various counts of Burglary 2^nd, Conspiracy 2^nd, Criminal Mischief, and Theft.  They both remain incarcerated within the state prison system in default of bond.

The investigation into these burglaries continue as detectives continue to track down the equipment stolen from the victims.

Released: 062416 0940

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