Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Cheswold- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a robbery of a Cheswold area convenience store that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred Thursday July 14, 2016, at approximately 3:40 a.m., as a male suspect entered the Royal Farms located 47 Fast Landing Road. The suspect confronted a 24-year-old male employee armed with a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then fled from the store out of the rear door and fled towards Fast Landing Road. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as white male, 30-40 years of age, 5’10”-5’11” tall and weighed approximately 170190 lbs. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, khaki shorts, and black sneakers (No further physical or clothing description available). Armed with an unknown type handgun.

No video surveillance footage is available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 3 Major Crimes Unit at 302-698-8434. Information can 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: 071416 0930

###

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Bridgeville, DE – Troopers are investigating a home invasion that occurred southeast of Bridgeville early this morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:55 a.m. Wednesday July 13, 2016 in the 11000 block of Iris Field Lane, as two males forcefully entered the residence that was occupied by a 33-year-old male. The suspects, who were reportedly armed with unknown type handguns, demanded cash.  When the victim informed the two suspects he didn’t have any money, he was struck in the back of the head with a gun and then kicked while on the ground.  The suspects then removed an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the residence in an unknown direction.  The male victim initially refused medical attention, but was later transported to an area hospital by a relative where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects were both described as black males wearing masks over their faces (No further physical or clothing description available). They were armed with unknown types of handguns.

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

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective R. Truitt at 302-752-3813. 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: 071316 2030

###

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested an Elkton, Maryland man after a traffic stop early this morning led to the discovery of a large amount of heroin.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:05 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, July 13, 2016, as a Delaware State Trooper assigned to the Governor’s Task Force (GTF) was on routine patrol in the area of Churchman’s Road, Newark. It was at this time that he observed a white 2007 Chrysler 300 traveling on Churchman’s Road approaching the intersection of DE Rt. 4 at a high rate of speed. As the Chrysler stopped for a red light at the intersection, the trooper noticed that its windows had extremely dark tinting. He then conducted a traffic stop of the Chrysler at which time he came into contact with the operator, later identified as Malik McCauley, 28. A subsequent computer inquiry was performed during which it was discovered that McCauley did not have a valid operator’s license. It was also learned that he was not in possession of valid motor vehicle insurance for the car. McCauley was then removed from the vehicle. A pat down search of him was then conducted at which time troopers discovered $6,944.00 in suspected drug sale proceeds in the pockets of his pants. They also located 16 grams of heroin hidden inside of McCauley’s pants.

Malik McCauley was then arrested and transported to Troop 2, Glasgow, where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with Improper Window Tinting. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution for lack of $80,000.00 secured bond.

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: 071316 1550

-End-

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

The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit has established a program to assist elementary school aged children with the necessities for school. Troopers are asking for help with any donations to fill each child’s back-pack with school supplies.

Troopers assigned to the Community Outreach Unit have initiated this program and are working with organizations in their communities to collect and donate school supplies for children in need. Donations can be taken Headquarters in Dover or to each Troop statewide by anyone wishing to help.  Each Troop will have a box in their lobby for supplies to be dropped off for the project.  The donations will be collected from July 16 to August 12, 2016 and the donations will be presented for the 2016-2017 school year, prior to school starting. A list of supplies needed for the students are listed below:

Backpacks

No. 2 pencils

Spiral notebooks

Washable Crayola crayons box of 24

Large pink erasers

Pencil cases

Colored pencils

Washable markers

Loose leaf wide ruled paper

Highlighters

Composition books

3 ring binders

Plastic folders with pockets

Tissue boxes

Hand sanitizer

If you need to contact any of the Troopers in the Community Outreach Unit their information is listed below:

Master Corporal Mike Austin

(New Castle County)

302-365-8466

Corporal/1 Heather Imhof

(Kent and Southern New Castle County)

302-698-8520

Master Corporal Ricky Hargis

(Eastern Sussex County)

302-752-3804

Corporal/1 Juanita Huey-Smith

(Western Sussex County)

302-232-3459

Please help the Delaware State Police give to the students who will need the essential supplies and materials for a successful school year.

Thank you for your help.

Please see attached flyer.

Released: 071316  1431

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

**Update – Arrest Made** 

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit detectives have arrested a 29 year old Wilmington man and charged him in connection with an incident in which a digital camera was placed in a women’s bathroom at an area restaurant in March.

After an extensive investigation, which included multiple interviews and the examination of evidence, detectives were able to positively identify Luis Eduardo Lopez, 29, of Wilmington, as the subject who placed a digital camera in the women’s bathroom of the Moe’s Southwest Grill located at 4717 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, in March of this year. The camera was subsequently discovered by an employee of Moe’s and was turned over to troopers.

Detectives arrested Luis Lopez, a former employee of Moe’s, at his residence this morning, Tuesday, July 12, 2016, without incident. He was then transported to Troop 2, Glasgow, where he was charged with five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Lopez was arraigned at JP Court 11 and released on $10,000.00 unsecured bail.

Released: 071216 2045

-End-

**Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Camera Found in Restaurant Bathroom 

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the discovery of a digital camera which was located in the women’s bathroom of a local restaurant.

The investigation into the incident began on Friday, March 19, 2016, at approximately 9:00 p.m., as an employee of the Moe’s Southwest Grill, located at 4717 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, responded to Delaware State Police Troop 6 and advised that she had located a small digital camera inside of the women’s bathroom at the restaurant. The employee advised troopers that the camera was placed in such a position as to be able to capture images of women using a specific toilet in the bathroom.

The investigation into this incident has been assumed by the Delaware State Police Major Crimes unit which is conducting numerous interviews and examining the physical evidence.

As this is an on-going and active investigation, specific details will not be released at this time. 

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Major Crimes unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, at 302-365-8567. 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.”

Released: 032916 1405

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

**Update – Name Released**  

Wilmington, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has identified the 47 year old male pedestrian who was struck in the fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred on Kirkwood Highway at Limestone Road, Wilmington, late yesterday morning as Ronald C. Salcedo.

This crash remains under investigation.

Released: 071316 0940

-End-

**Original Releases**

**Traffic Advisory – Update** 

Wilmington, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred late this morning which has claimed the life of a 47 year old Wilmington man.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at approximately 11:44 a.m., as a 47 year old Wilmington, DE man was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of DE Rt. 2 (Kirkwood Highway) just west of the intersection of DE Rt. 7 (Limestone Road), Wilmington, in a northbound direction. As the pedestrian, who was utilizing a marked crosswalk, entered into the center lane of travel, he was struck by a 2006 Dodge Caravan, which was being operated by Phillip A. Perkins, 57, of Middletown, and which was traveling in an eastbound direction on Kirkwood Highway on a solid green traffic light. The force of the collision threw the pedestrian in an easterly direction. He then came to rest on westbound Rt. 2 just east of the intersection. Phillip Perkins was able to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop at the scene.

The male victim was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

Phillip Perkins, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Alcohol or drug use on the part of Phillip Perkins is not being considered as a factor in this crash. Excessive speed also does not appear to be a factor. It is unknown if alcohol or drug use on the part of the victim was a factor.

The eastbound portion of the intersection of DE Rt. 2 and DE Rt. 7 was closed for approximatley3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 071216 1650

-End-

**Original Release** 

**Traffic Advisory** 

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian which occurred late the morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 11:44 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at the intersection of eastbound DE Rt. 2 (Kirkwood Highway) and DE Rt. 7 (Limestone Road), Wilmington, and involves a motor vehicle and a male pedestrian. As a result of the crash, the male victim was removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he has been pronounced dead. The striking vehicle remained at the scene.

The eastbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway at Limestone Road are closed to traffic at this time and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation. Further details 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: 071216 1225

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Felton, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Felton area gas station and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred this morning, Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at approximately 3:20 a.m., as a male suspect (pictured) entered the Canterbury Shore Stop, located at 8953 S. DuPont Highway, Felton. The suspect, who was armed with an unknown make and model handgun, confronted a male clerk who was standing behind the sales counter. He suspect then demanded money from the store’s 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 was last seen fleeing on foot in a northbound direction. The clerk was not injured.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was 5’08”-5’11” tall, weighed 155-175 lbs., had an average build, and a bald head. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, black shorts, dark colored sneakers, and had what appeared to be a t-shirt wrapped around his head.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the suspect, they are asked to contact Detective Matthew Addonizio 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.”

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: 071216 1025

-End-

*Update-Name Released*

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

Georgetown- Delaware State Police has released the name of the volunteer firefighter who fell during training at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, as Tim McClanahan, 46 of Lewes.

The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police.

Released: 071216   0731

-End-

*Original Release*

State Police Investigates Fatal Fall From Helicopter

Georgetown- The preliminary investigation has determined at approximately 6:45 p.m. this evening, Monday July 11, 2016, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was conducting a routine training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team (DART) which is comprised of volunteer firefighters throughout the state and troopers assigned to the Aviation Unit. This incident occurred at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown.

During the training exercise a pilot and trooper medic were on board along with the two volunteer fire fighters. As one of the fire fighters stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter he fell from an undetermined height onto a grassy area below the aircraft. At that point the helicopter landed and the trooper medic and volunteer fire fighter on board as well as nearby volunteer fire fighters rushed over to the fallen victim and immediately rendered medical assistance.

Sussex County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the 46 year old male of Lewes to Beebe Healthcare where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. At this point the name of the fire fighter will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Released: 071116 2231

-End-

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

Georgetown- The preliminary investigation has determined at approximately 6:45 p.m. this evening, Monday July 11, 2016, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was conducting a routine training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team (DART) which is comprised of volunteer firefighters throughout the state and troopers assigned to the Aviation Unit. This incident occurred at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown.

During the training exercise a pilot and trooper medic were on board along with the two volunteer fire fighters. As one of the fire fighters stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter he fell from an undetermined height onto a grassy area below the aircraft. At that point the helicopter landed and the trooper medic and volunteer fire fighter on board as well as nearby volunteer fire fighters rushed over to the fallen victim and immediately rendered medical assistance.

Sussex County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the 46 year old male of Lewes to Beebe Healthcare where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. At this point the name of the fire fighter will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Released: 071116 2231

-End-

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Dover – The Delaware State Police are now accepting applications for the position of Cadet Trooper.

The Cadet Trooper’s primary duties include the enforcement of handicap parking and fire lane violations, however they are also used in various administrative duties such as traffic control at large events and foot patrol at the State Fair. The Cadets will complete 40 hours of mandatory classroom instruction and will be assigned to various troops throughout the state.  Since the program began in 1998, the Delaware State Police have hired 69 Cadet Troopers.  21 of those cadets have been hired as Delaware State Troopers. 

Minimum Qualifications to become a cadet includes:

• Education- Candidates must be a Delaware resident and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college in the state of Delaware (full-time or part-time)
• Age- Candidates must be between the ages of 18-21
• Citizenship- Candidates must be a citizen of the United States
• Driver’s License- Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license 

Selection Process includes:

• A formal State of Delaware application
• An Oral Board Interview
• Polygraph Examination
• A Background Check

An online application can be found by clicking on the following link: www.becomeatrooper.com.  Once at that page, scroll halfway down the page and click on Important Documents.  The Cadet Application will be found on that page.  The deadline for receiving the applications is Friday July 22, 2016 Completed applications should be mailed to: Delaware State Police – Recruiting Office, P.O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903.  Any questions should be directed to the Delaware State Police Recruiting Office at 302-739-5980.

Released: 071016 2000

###