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

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Delaware City, DE- The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the female victim who was found dead in her home as Heather L. Stamper, 31 of Delaware City. An autopsy conducted today by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science has ruled the death a homicide by blunt force trauma.

At approximately 2:24 p.m. Saturday July 9, 2016, Delaware City Police, along with the New Castle County Police responded to the 200 block of Adams Street after a friend contacted 9-1-1 to report the female victim unconscious inside the bedroom of her home. New Castle County Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.

Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives were contacted at the request of Delaware City Police and have assumed the investigation into this incident as foul play is suspected. Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.  Additional information and investigative details will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.  No suspect information has been developed at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective M. Csapo at 302-698-8427. 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: 071016 1900

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**Original Release** 

Detectives Conducting a Death Investigation in Delaware City

Delaware City, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation after a 31-year-old female was discovered deceased inside her residence.

At approximately 2:24 p.m. Saturday July 9, 2016, Delaware City Police, along with the New Castle County Police responded to the 200 block of Adams Street after a friend contacted 9-1-1 to report the female victim unconscious inside the bedroom of her home. New Castle County Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and removed the female victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives were contacted at the request of Delaware City Police and have assumed the investigation into this incident as foul play is suspected. Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.  Additional information and investigative details will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.  No suspect information has been developed at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective M. Csapo at 302-698-8427. 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: 071016 0555

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Delaware City, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation after a 31-year-old female was discovered deceased inside her residence.

At approximately 2:24 p.m. Saturday July 9, 2016, Delaware City Police, along with the New Castle County Police responded to the 200 block of Adams Street after a friend contacted 9-1-1 to report the female victim unconscious inside the bedroom of her home. New Castle County Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and removed the female victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives were contacted at the request of Delaware City Police and have assumed the investigation into this incident as foul play is suspected. Detectives are continuing their investigation by conducting interviews and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.  Additional information and investigative details will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.  No suspect information has been developed at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective M. Csapo at 302-698-8427. 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: 071016 0555

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Presented by of Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary E. Fournier

Millsboro, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two people after a traffic stop revealed methamphetamine in their suitcases.

On Friday July 8, 2016 around 6:34 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of John J. Williams Highway (SR24) just east of Indian Mission Road (SR5) observed two pedestrians walking along the shoulder with suitcases. A traffic stop was conducted on the pedestrians and upon attempting to identify the two, they both gave false names.  A search was conducted on the suitcases which revealed .88 grams of methamphetamine as well as equipment and component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug.

The two subjects, who were later identified as Christopher A. Biddinger, 28, and Victoria L. Barbati, 21, both of Muncy, Pennsylvania, were transported to Troop 4 in Georgetown where they were both charged with Operating a Clandestine Laboratory, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Meth), Conspiracy 2^nd , Criminal Impersonation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  They were both arraigned at JP2 and remanded to the Delaware Department of Corrections in lieu of $23,100.00 secured bond.

Detectives assigned to the Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit, with the assistance of DNREC, responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. No evacuations were ordered and no roadways were closed as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents.

No photos of the subjects are available at this time.

Released 070916 2135

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Frankford, DE – The Delaware State Police have identified the operator of the Ford Explorer as Edward Wallace Jones, 40 of Preston, Maryland.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this crash.

For information regarding the pursuit, please contact the Dagsboro Police Department at 302.732.3777.

Released: 070916 1810

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**Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Single Vehicle Fatal Crash – Frankford

Frankford, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that killed a man late last night.

The incident occurred around 11:24 p.m., Friday July 8, 2016, as an unidentified male was operating a 1996 Ford Explorer which was being pursued by the Dagsboro Police Department for multiple traffic violations, including driving the wrong way on a divided highway. The pursuit moved through several municipalities and then onto DuPont Boulevard (US113) northbound approaching the town of Frankford.  The operator lost control of the vehicle when attempting to perform an abrupt lane change, and as a result, the Explorer began to rotate clockwise before overturning several times as it crossed over the intersection of Daisey Street.  The SUV landed on its roof and came to a stop on the north edge of Daisey Street in the grass.

The operator, who was not properly restrained, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. His name and identity have not been confirmed at this time and will not be released until next of kin have been notified.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs may have been a contributing factor in this collision.  US113 northbound at Daisey Street was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

For information regarding the pursuit, please contact the Dagsboro Police Department at 302.732.3777.

Released: 070916 0800

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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 identify a subject who robbed a man on Woodland Ferry Road.

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 observe the suspect running toward the Ram Deli before he lost sight of him.  The victim was uninjured in this incident.

The suspect depicted in the surveillance photos is a black male, 5’08”-5’10” tall, 150-175 lbs., wearing white tank top and blue jeans.

If anyone has any information on this incident or the suspects, 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: 070916 0810

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Frankford, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that killed a man late last night.

The incident occurred around 11:24 p.m., Friday July 8, 2016, as an unidentified male was operating a 1996 Ford Explorer which was being pursued by the Dagsboro Police Department for multiple traffic violations, including driving the wrong way on a divided highway. The pursuit moved through several municipalities and then onto DuPont Boulevard (US113) northbound approaching the town of Frankford.  The operator lost control of the vehicle when attempting to perform an abrupt lane change, and as a result, the Explorer began to rotate clockwise before overturning several times as it crossed over the intersection of Daisey Street.  The SUV landed on its roof and came to a stop on the north edge of Daisey Street in the grass.

The operator, who was not properly restrained, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. His name and identity have not been confirmed at this time and will not be released until next of kin have been notified.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs may have been a contributing factor in this collision.  US113 northbound at Daisey Street was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

For information regarding the pursuit, please contact the Dagsboro Police Department at 302.732.3777.

Released: 070916 0800

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Claymont, DE – Troopers are investigating a robbery of a Claymont area Rite Aid that occurred early last evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m., Friday July 8, 2016 at the Rite Aid located at 2713 Philadelphia Pike, Town and Country Shopping Center, as a male subject confronted a 55-year-old female employee as she was standing behind the pharmacy counter. The suspect was armed with an unknown type handgun and demanded prescriptions drugs from the pharmacist.  The female victim complied and turned over various prescription medication.  A second suspect entered the store armed with an unknown type handgun and demanded two customers to the floor before heading to the pharmacy.  A third suspect stood just outside the doorway and continued to tell the customers to lie down on the floor.  After receiving the drugs, the three suspects then fled the store in a southeasterly direction.  The pharmacist was slightly injured during the incident, but did not require medical attention.

The first suspect was described as a black male, 25-35 years of age, 6’00”-6’02” tall, 180-200 lbs., wearing a light colored t-shirt, black pants, and had a mask covering his face (no further physical or clothing description). He was armed with an unknown type handgun.

The second suspect was described as a black male, 5’07”-5’09” tall, 160 lbs., wearing a light camouflage jacket, blue shorts, and a red baseball hat (no further physical or clothing description). He was armed with an unknown type handgun.

The third suspect was described as a black male, 25-35 years of age, 5’09”-5’11” tall, 180-190 lbs., wearing a blue shirt, blue pants, and blue baseball hat (no further physical or clothing description). Unknown if he was armed.

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: 070916 0800

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Laurel- Troopers are investigating the death of a farmer who was fatally injured while fixing farm equipment in a field outside Laurel.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Friday July 8, 2016, as a 61-year-old Parsonsburg, Maryland man was operating a tractor, with a square baler attached in a field located near 11244 Whitesville Road. Attached behind the square baler was a “Bale Bandit”, which is large piece of equipment that bands twenty bales together before discharging them as a single block onto the ground behind the machine. The man encountered an error with the Bale Bandit and called upon his 27-year-old son to help fix the problem. After clearing bales from the machine, his son informed his father that he was going to activate the machine to reset it. As the son walked to the tractor to do this, his father took a seat on a nearby bale of straw. When the son entered the tractor and activated the machine, he heard a scream and turned to see his father trapped inside the Bale Bandit.

The investigation suggests the father possibly observed a broken band inside the machine and was attempting to remove it when the machine was activated. He was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries.

Detectives are continuing their investigation. There are no signs of foul play. The body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. The name of the victim will not be released as is DSP practice when investigating these types of industrial incidents.

Released: 070916 0800

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