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

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the attempted armed robbery of a New Castle area BP gas station that occurred early last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 7:22 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, as a male suspect entered the BP station located at 601 North DuPont Highway, New Castle. The suspect, who was armed with an unknown make and model knife, confronted a male employee of the business and a customer then demanded money from the cash register. The employee retrieved a baseball bat and swung it toward the suspect. The suspect did not take anything from the store and fled in a south direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male. Approximately 5’05”-5’08” tall, weighed 130-140 lbs., with his face covered. 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.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 072816 1451

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dagsboro, DE – Troopers are investigating a burglary that occurred near Dagsboro early this afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. Wednesday July 27, 2016 in the 30000 block of Iris Field Lane, as 28-year-old female was in her bathroom and heard a noise at the rear of her residence. As she entered the back part of her house, she confronted an unknown black male.  The male then assaulted her before fleeing the home in an unknown direction without any of the victim’s property.  The female victim was slightly injured in the altercation but did not require immediate medical attention.

Dagsboro Police Department, Delaware Natural Resources K9 Unit, Delaware State Police Aviation, and Millsboro Police Department all responded to the scene to assist with locating the subject, but were unsuccessful.

The suspect was described as black male, 5’10” tall wearing all dark clothing (No further physical or clothing description available). No weapon was displayed.

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: 072716 2105

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

Smyrna, DE – Delaware State Police are continuing the investigation into the assault and death of a 63 year old Clayton man which occurred in April.

The investigation began on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, after James Leager, 63, of Clayton, DE was found suffering from serious injuries in his vehicle on a farm property in the 700 block of Blackbird-Greenspring Road, Smyrna. Leager, who was suffering from serious injuries to his head and torso, was treated at the scene by Kent County Paramedics before being transported to Kent General Hospital. He remained at the hospital until his death due to complications from blunt-force trauma on May 17, 2016. No arrests have been made at this time.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation in mid-June and detectives are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen or spoken with Leager in the days leading up to the assault. The victim’s vehicle was a bronze-colored 2011 Ford F150 pick-up truck with Delaware registration. Leager was a life-long resident of the Smyrna-Clayton area and was well known in the community.

If anyone has information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Daniel Grassi at (302) 365-8441. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP”  or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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: 072716 1301

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

Laurel – The Delaware State Police is asking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate a wanted subject who robbed a man on Woodland Ferry Road earlier this month.

The incident took place around 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday July 6, 2016 as a 22-year-old male had just exited the Five Points Liquor Store located at 30425 Seaford Road when he was approached by a black male who asked for a cigarette. The victim complied and gave him one and then proceeded to walk towards Woodland Ferry Road.  The suspect continued to follow the victim while talking on a cell phone and once again asked for another cigarette.  Again, the victim handed the man a cigarette and walked away.  Just prior to the little league park, the male suspect asked if he could have a dollar from the victim.  The victim then pulled his wallet from his pocket when the suspect snatched the wallet from his hands.  The victim then began fighting with the suspect before he fled back towards five points with the victim giving chase.  The victim last observed the suspect running toward the Ram Deli before he lost sight of him.  The victim was uninjured in this incident.

Through various tips and investigative means, Devontae L. Massey, 24 of Laurel, was identified as the suspect who committed this crime.  He is currently wanted for Robbery 2^nd and Theft under $1,500.00, as well as Assault 3^rd after an incident that occurred this morning, Wednesday July 27, 2016 around 4:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Inn (12036 Sussex Highway, Greenwood) when he assaulted a 29-year-old female in the parking lot and then fled prior to law enforcement arrival.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Devontae Massey, they are asked to contact Detective D. Cathell at 302-752-3793. 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: 072716 1025

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Harrington, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a Harrington couple after an investigation revealed they had committed a robbery and some burglaries

Jordan McGowan, 29, and Nora A. Laughman, 29, both of Harrington, were arrested Thursday July 21, 2016 around 2:25 a.m. after troopers responded to the Harrington Moose Lodge parking lot, located at 16268 South DuPont Highway, for a report of suspicious subjects.  Upon making contact with the couple, the trooper was aware that they had been involved in an earlier report of a burglary and theft of a firearm from a residence in the 15000 block of South DuPont Highway.  The boyfriend and girlfriend duo were taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3 in Camden.

Further investigation revealed the couple had committed a burglary to Lake Forest High School (5407 Killens Pond Road, Felton) on Wednesday July 13, 2016 and removed various power tools before pawning them off at area pawn shops. They also committed a robbery at the Shell Gas station located at 7441 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Saturday July 16, 2016, where McGowan entered the store and demanded cash from the clerk.  A weapon was never displayed or implied, but the employee complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash.  McGowan fled the store and entered a vehicle in which Laughman drove away.  The clerk was not injured in the incident.

Jordan McGowan and Nora Laughman were both charged with Robbery 2^nd, Burglary 2^nd, Burglary 3^rd, three counts of Conspiracy 2^nd, two counts of Theft under $1500.00, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Laughman was additionally charged with four counts of Theft by False Pretense, four counts of Falsifying Business Documents, and four counts of Selling Stolen Property.  They were both arraigned at JP2 and committed to the Delaware Department of Corrections in lieu of $26,100.00 secured and $37,100.00 secured respectively.

Released: 072716 0800

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

Wilmington, DE- The Delaware State Police conducted a traffic stop and found two of the occupants connected to recent paintball shootings which occurred in the Wilmington area. All four occupants in the vehicle have been arrested on drug charges.

During the past three weeks troopers were called to investigate several paintball shootings at people, various buildings and vehicles which included an ambulance. Most of the paintball shootings occurred on Friday and Saturday nights.

On Friday, July 22, 2016 at approximately 11:00 p.m., troopers were called to investigate reports of paintball shootings where a person was struck in the leg and various moving vehicles being shot at on Concord Pike. Another incident occurred on Naamans Road, where a victim was driving his vehicle and his window was shot with a paintball. The operator attempted to catch up to obtain a license plate on the vehicle and was subsequently run off the road by the suspect vehicle causing damage to his vehicle. The victim indicated that the suspect vehicle looked familiar and possibly seen on social media. A search of social media was conducted where the victim positively identified the suspect vehicle as a 2008 Maroon Mercury Sable.

On Saturday, July 23, 2016, troopers searched for the suspect vehicle and found it traveling on Naamans Road. The suspect vehicle was observed driving in an unsafe manner and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop a strong odor of marijuana was coming from the interior of the car and a search revealed approximately 6.2 grams of marijuana in the vehicle. During the investigation troopers were able to identify Cameron Ward and Robert Rosa, both of Claymont, as suspects involved in the paintball shootings.

All four of the occupants in the vehicle were arrested for Possession of Marijuana. Cameron Ward and Robert Rosa were arrested for Recklessly Endangering 2^nd degree and Conspiracy.

Cameron J. Ward, 18 of Claymont, was arrested and transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with Reckless Endangering 2^nd degree, Conspiracy 3^rd degree, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Signal, and Failure to have Insurance Identification in Possession. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $2000.00 unsecured bail. (mug shot attached white t-shirt)

Robert E. Rosa, 18 of Claymont, was arrested and transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with Reckless Endangering 2^nd degree, Conspiracy 3^rd degree, and Possession of Marijuana. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $2000.00 unsecured bail. (mug shot attached pink t-shirt)

Geramiah Y. Shepherd, 18 of Wilmington, and another juvenile passenger, 17 of Wilmington, were arrested and transported to Troop 1 where they were issued a citation for Possession of Marijuana.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 1, at 302-761-6677. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP”  or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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: 072616 2311

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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 convenience store that occurred late yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Monday July 25, 2016, at approximately 4:27 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Botanitas El Pueblo store located at 418 North James Street, Wilmington. The suspect approached the sales counter armed with an unknown handgun and confronted a female clerk. He then 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 fled the store in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male with a thin build, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 6’00”-6’02” tall, weighed 145-155 lbs. 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.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 072616 1241

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

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a Newark area 7-11 store that occurred last evening.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at approximately 6:25 p.m., as a male suspect entered the 7-11 located at 699 East Chestnut Hill Road, Newark. The suspect approached the sales counter armed with an unknown handgun and confronted a male clerk. He then demanded money from the cash registers. 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 east of the Augusta Shopping Center. As a customer approached the 7-11 store he chased after the suspect on foot and stopped when the suspect turned and pointed the gun in his direction. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a white male. Approximately 6’00”-6’02” tall, weighed 220-230 lbs., with his face covered. 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.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 072516 1411

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at Alder Park Apartments in which gunfire was exchanged between a responding trooper and a suspect.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m., Sunday July 24, 2016, when troopers were dispatched to area of “G” building, located at 51 Webbs Lane, for a report of a subject with a gun. Upon the trooper’s arrival, a male subject matching the description given by the caller was located in between “G” and “H” buildings standing with another male individual.  When the trooper attempted to make contact with the two, both subjects began to run away.  The trooper gave chase around the rear of “G” building when the two men split up and the trooper continued to follow the subject matching the description with the gun. That individual then turned and fired a round from a handgun at the trooper which resulted in the trooper firing back.  After a lengthy foot pursuit, the suspect, who was later identified as Aaron T. Purnell, 30 of Harrington (original release stated Milford), was apprehended by the trooper and taken into custody without further incident and was uninjured.  A loaded 9mm handgun was located where Purnell was taken into custody.

Aaron Purnell was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Aggravated Menacing, Reckless Endangering 1^st, and Resisting Arrest with Force.  He was arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $96,000.00 cash bond.

The 38-year-old trooper involved in this incident has been employed by the Delaware State Police for 14 years and is assigned to Troop 3 patrol in Camden, DE. He has been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional Policy pending the outcome of the investigation.  The trooper involved in this incident was not injured.

Detectives from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are conducting the investigation. This is an active and ongoing investigation with detectives continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

If anyone may have witnessed this incident they are asked to contact Sergeant D. Weaver at 302-741-2728. 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: 072516 0800

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 **Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Shooting Incident

Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at Alder Park Apartments.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m., Sunday July 24, 2016, when troopers were dispatched to area of “G” building, located at 51 Webbs Lane, for a report of a subject with a gun. Upon the trooper’s arrival, a subject matching the description given by the caller was located in between “G” and “H” buildings.  When the trooper attempted to make contact with the individual, he began to flee around the back side of the building as the trooper gave chase.  The subject then turned and fired an unknown type of handgun at the trooper which resulted in the trooper firing back.  After a lengthy foot pursuit, the suspect, who was later identified as a 30-year-old Milford man, was apprehended by the trooper and taken into custody without further incident.  There were no injuries to the suspect or the trooper.

Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further details of this incident will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.  The suspect, whose name is being withheld, has not been formally charged at the time of this release.

If anyone may have witnessed this incident they are asked to contact Sergeant D. Weaver at 302-741-2728. 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: 072416 2355

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at Alder Park Apartments.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m., Sunday July 24, 2016, when troopers were dispatched to area of “G” building, located at 51 Webbs Lane, for a report of a subject with a gun. Upon the trooper’s arrival, a subject matching the description given by the caller was located in between “G” and “H” buildings.  When the trooper attempted to make contact with the individual, he began to flee around the back side of the building as the trooper gave chase.  The subject then turned and fired an unknown type of handgun at the trooper which resulted in the trooper firing back.  After a lengthy foot pursuit, the suspect, who was later identified as a 30-year-old Milford man, was apprehended by the trooper and taken into custody without further incident.  There were no injuries to the suspect or the trooper.

Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further details of this incident will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.  The suspect, whose name is being withheld, has not been formally charged at the time of this release.

If anyone may have witnessed this incident they are asked to contact Sergeant D. Weaver at 302-741-2728. 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: 072416 2355

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