Troopers Investigate Shooting Incident

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

###

Troopers Investigate Liquor Store Robbery

Presented By Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Dover area liquor store that occurred late last night.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at approximately 10:53 p.m., as two male suspects entered the Village Package Store, located at 1614 S. Governors Avenue, Dover. One of the suspects displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted a male clerk. He then demanded cash. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. Both suspects then removed several bottles of alcohol from display before exiting the store and fleeing in an unknown direction. There were no injuries.

The first suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’07” tall, weighed approximately 150 lbs, and was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was also armed with an unknown type of gun.

The second suspect was also a black male. He was 5’09” tall, weighed 170 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark colored jeans.

This incident remains under investigation. There is no further physical or clothing description of the suspects available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Ryan White at 302-698-8429. 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: 072416 1640

-End-

Homeless Sex Offender Notifications

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

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.”

Herbert W. Jacobs, 52, 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/?/Detail/00003716

Michael Kopp, 36, is a Tier 2 (Moderate Risk) sex offender who has registered homeless in Harrington. Click or copy and paste to view profile and the community notice poster: https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/?/Detail/00000985

Released: 072416 1550

DSP S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offender

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle, DE- The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R) is currently looking for a wanted sex offender after he failed to register as a sex offender as required by law.

Investigators have obtained a warrant for Antron Hazzard, 33, of Lincoln. Hazzard, a Tier 2 (Moderate Risk) sex offender, is a black male, 5’09” tall, 275 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Click or copy and paste the link to view profile and download mugshot: https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/?/Detail/00004939

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit is asking anyone who may know the location of David J. Kline or Brian Miles to call 302-672-5306. 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 1545

-End-

Troopers Arrest Maryland Man Following Attempted Robbery

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a 35 year old Maryland man after he attempted to rob a customer at an area Wawa on Thursday.

The investigation determined that the incident occurred at approximately 11:48 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2016, as a 78 year old female customer of the Wawa, located at 4000 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, was approached by a male suspect who asked her for change. After the victim advised the suspect, later identified as Brett S. Gunther, 35, of Parkton, MD, that she did not have any change, Gunther grabbed her by the arm an attempted to take a $20.00 bill from her hand. He was unsuccessful, however, and fled from the parking lot. The victim, who was not injured, then contacted an officer from the Newark Police Department who was at the store and provided him with a description of the suspect. Gunther was located by responding troopers a short time later, approximately ¼ mile south of the Wawa. He was taken into custody without incident.

Brett Gunther was arrested and transported to Troop 6 where he was charged with Robbery 1^st Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution for lack of $11,000.00 secured bail.

Released: 072316 1615

-End-

Troopers Investigate Dover Robbery

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Dover, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating an armed robbery which occurred at a Dover area apartment complex yesterday afternoon.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2016, after an 18 year man agreed to meet an unknown subject at the Alder Park Apartments, located at 51 Webbs Lane, Dover, in order to buy a cellular phone. The victim and the unknown subject had set up the meeting through the website “Let Go”. As the victim arrived at the apartment complex, he was approached by a male subject. The victim advised him that he was there to meet someone possibly by the name of “Joy”. The subject advised the victim that he was familiar with “Joy” and escorted him to the basement of one of the buildings. It was at this point that the male subject produced an unknown make and model gun and demanded money from the victim. The 18 year old victim complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money to him. The suspect then fled from the building. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’08” tall, weighed approximately 180 lbs., and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black pants.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer the following safety tips to help you avoid becoming a robbery victim when selling or buying items on-line.

Trust your instincts.
Don’t go alone.
Insist to meet at a public place such as a police station.
Do not meet in a secluded area.
Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs.
Be cautious when buying/selling high value items.
Perform the transaction during daylight hours.
If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is.
Tell a friend or family member about your intentions.
Take your cell phone with you.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Paul Surowiec at 302-741-2814. 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: 072316 1540

-End-

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Arrest

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Cheswold, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a Smyrna man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun early last night.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 22, 2016 at approximately 6:56 p.m., as a trooper was performing traffic enforcement on US Rt. 13 in the area of Messina Hill Road, Cheswold. It was at this time that the trooper observed a white Nissan Maxima traveling in a northbound direction on Rt. 13 at a speed greater than the posted speed limit. The trooper then conducted a traffic stop of the Nissan at which time he came into contact with the operator, later identified as John Geist, 44, of Smyrna. A subsequent consent search of the Nissan revealed a fully loaded Ruger 9mm handgun, as well as a second fully loaded magazine, under the driver’s seat. A computer check revealed that Geist was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.

John Geist was arrested and transported to Troop 9 where he was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $12,000.00 unsecured bail.

Released: 072316 1455

-End-

Troopers Investigate Sporting Goods Store Burglary

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Greenville, DE- Delaware State Police, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), are currently investigating the burglary of a Greenville area sporting good store that occurred early yesterday morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred yesterday, Friday, July 22, 2016, at approximately 1:40 a.m., as four unknown male suspects smashed the glass to the front door of the Artemus Outfitters, located at 4021 Kennett Pike, Greenville. The suspects then entered the business and proceeded to remove 27 assorted handguns from display before exiting the store and fleeing in an unknown direction. There is no physical or clothing description of the suspects available to be released at this time. No video surveillance photos are available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Bridget Harris at 302-365-8410 or bridget.harris@delaware.gov. 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.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is also offering a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved in this incident. Please see the attached ATF news release for further information.

Released: 072316 1410

-End-

Press Release – Reward for Artemis Outfitters (Greenville, DE)

Troopers Investigate Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred early this morning which has claimed the life of a 24 year old man.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 12:43 a.m. this morning, Saturday, July 23, 2016, as Natasha Sagapolutele, 29, of Bear, DE, was operating a 2005 Ford Explorer and was attempting to make a left hand turn from eastbound DE Rt. 4 (E. Chestnut Hill Road), Newark, onto Old Newark Road, Newark. As the Ford began to cross the westbound lanes of DE Rt. 4, it was struck on its right hand side by the front of a 2015 Mazda 6, which was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed on westbound DE Rt. 4, and which was being operated by Michael A. Burns, 24, of Newark, DE. The force of the impact caused the Explorer to spin in a counterclockwise direction before coming to rest facing in a southbound direction across the westbound lanes of the roadway. The Mazda continued traveling in a northwesterly direction, striking a curb and then a fence, where it then came to rest.

Michael Burns, who was not properly restrained at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. Natasha Sagapolutele, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where she was admitted for non-life threatening injuries.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Alcohol use and speed on the part of Michael Burns is being considered as a factor in the crash.

The westbound lanes of DE Rt. 4 were closed for approximately 4 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 072316 0730

-End-

Troopers Seek Public’s Help in Locating a Wanted Subject

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police is asking the public’s assistance in locating Lorenzo J. Williams, 21 of Seaford (photo attached). Williams is wanted by the state police for felony Theft, Falsifying Business Records, and Selling Stolen Property.

Detectives have been investigating incidents that occurred in the Seaford area for the past six months in which Williams would sell stolen items to area pawn shops in exchange for money.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Lorenzo Williams, they are asked to contact the Detective T. Williams-Snipes at 302-752-3897. 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 072216 1335

###